CONVERTING HATERS INTO HATTERS
CONVERTING HATERS INTO HATTERS
There are two sentences I hear almost everyday as a Milliner. The first is, "I don't think hats suit me". I answer that question separately in another Blog post! Click here if need me to show you how Hats can suit everyone. The second sentence is "I don't know if I have a pair of shoes to match. What shoes should I wear with this outfit? Where can I get a pair of shoes to match?".
No Mother of the Bride outfit is complete without a stylish pair of shoes. You don't always have to match your shoes to your Hat, but rather one that "coordinates". The two shouldn't touch unless you are kicking your hat around the floor, so a perfect match is certainly not required.
The same with pairing the shoes and dress. Perfectly matching the color of your shoes to your mother of the bride dress is not only very difficult (even if the same dye were used, then the dye will look different on a silk or poly, that on leather), but perfect matches make the outfit flat and dated. Choose a shoe color that coordinates with, your dress but is one shade darker. For example if the dress is Baby Blue, then choose a shoe in Cornflower Blue. If the dress is Baby Pink, then choose a shoe in Dusky Pink. If your dress has several colours, then it's perfectly acceptable to have your hat and bag in different colours picked out from the dress, and more creative than being matchy-matchy with your entire outfit.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy me a latte) to thank me.
Who's the LEAD Singer: The Hat, the Dress or the Shoes? If the Hat has oodles of detail or colour, then let the hat steal the show, and pick a simple one tone shift dress and keep the shoes to Neutral shades. This includes Champagne, and Metallic tones.
The SEASON: Cold Mums aren't a good look. Make sure the outfit is going to keep Mum snug and warm all day and night. For a winter wedding you have lot's of textures to choose from that are super smart and sophisticated for Mother of the Brides. The most popular being Velvet, Wool, Lace and Jacquard. There are also lot's of pretty velvet shoes in rich jewel colours that will pair well for a regal looking Winter wedding Mother of the Bride outfit. If the ceremony is in the afternoon, then a large part of the reception (if not all) will be after dark hours, making the wedding not just winter, but also a nighttime wedding. An elegant evening dress could also be a option. An evening Mother of the Bride dress in a fabulous fabric will provide you with that red carpet look. A velvet full length dress will transition well day to night. A heavily beaded evening dress, even ball gown, could be an option for weddings that will be almost entirely night time.
Dress Length / Style for the Venue: Needless to say, a long maxi dress, might not work for a country wedding in winter (watch those puddles), and a floaty A line or silk fit and flare might not be best for Weddings in the Highlands (no one wants to see the Mother of the Brides booty). The length of the mother of the bride’s dress depends on the season, formality and setting of the wedding. For a daytime celebration, a dressy suit or cocktail dress is most appropriate, usually to knee length. For a Winter, or evening reception, a knee or floor length cocktail dress is not uncommon, so long as it doesn't look like a brides weddings dress (so no cream, ivory or white).
Chose a Feminine Shoe: I know you might wear the 5" heels you used to wear in your twenties, but please choose a pretty shoe. Choose a 2-3" heel, with an pointed toe, and they'll will still be elegant and comfy, rather than frumpy.
Quality and Comfort: So, you aren't the most important person at the wedding, but you certainly rank high on the list! A lot of people are going to notice what you are wearing and how it looks, and if you wear the right dress you'll get complimented on your figure all day long. You are going to be in lot's of photos. You want to wear an outfit that suits your shape, and holds you in (or hides you) at the right places. You really do get what you pay for. Indulge a little for a better cut dress made with higher quality fabric in order to ensure it shapes your figure as you'd like it to. The more expensive dresses do have better construction, better seams, more flexible and more breathable materials. If you don't have the budget to spend hundreds on every item in your outfit, then cut costs on the other elements. A cheap handbag won't make you uncomfortable, nor would cheap jewellery. But a cheap dress and shoes might.
One of the most alluring and popular colourways for a Spring / Summer Mother of the Bride is in Pastels -Baby Blue, Baby Pink, Dusky Pink, Mint and Champagne Gold.
However, on pale or post winter skins, all over pastels can look flat. It’s fun to wear pastels with darker, or brighter shades to create a monochromatic style. By pairing bright and pastel shades of a colour in your outfit, you’ll add contrast and personality, rather than looking washed out, or like you are headed to the Easter Parade.
The Headpiece is: Dress-2-Impress.com. Click to see Floral Headpiece.
Dress is: Shoshanna. Click for Dress (USA).
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings (USA).
Eyeshadow: Cle de Peau Beaute. Click for Eyeshadow (USA).
Lippy: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Nina. Click to see Bag (USA).
Nail Polish: Chanel. Click for Nail Polish (USA).
Shoes: Malone Souliers. Click for Shoes (International).
The Floral Hat: Etsy. Click for Hat (Intrnational)
Dress: Tahari ASL. Click for Dress (USA).
Earrings: Kate Spade. Click for Earrings (USA).
Eye Shadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eye Palette (USA).
Lippy: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Fawziya. Click for Bag.
Shoes: 27 Edit. Click for Shoes (USA).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
The Headpiece with this outfit is: Anna Andrienko. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Bling Store. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Lancome. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: Girly Handbags. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK) and also available at John Lewis (UK).
The Floral Hat: Etsy. Click for Hat (Intrnational)
Dress: The Fold London. Click for Dress (UK) .
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings.
Lipstick: Dior. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: Leah Ward. Click for Clutch Bag.
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International).
Nail Varnish: OPI. Click for Nail Polish.
There's no time more perfect to show your girlie side, than as Mother of the Bride. One of the most popular colours is Baby Pink, and I adore the below. A sophisticated Baby Pink Dress, worn with Deepest Pink to avoid looking like Barbie.
The Hat is: Etsy. Click for Hat (International).
The Dress is: Damsel in a Dress. Click for Dress (UK).
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (USA).
Tinted Lip Balm: Givenchy. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Marni. Click for Bag (International).
Shoes: Malone Souliers. Click for Shoes (USA).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
The Hat is for Hire (UK) from: Dress-2-Impress. Click for Mother of the Bride Hat Hire (UK).
The Dress is: Roman. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: L'Oreal. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: BGMIX. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Rimmel. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Click for Shoes (UK).
The Hat is: Joanne Edwards. Click for Hat (International).
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings (International).
Dress is: Coast. Click for Dress.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK)
The Bag is: Diana Ulanova. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Polish: Rimmel. Click for Nail Polish (UK).
The Shoes: Malone Souliers. Click for Shoes (International).
The Hat is: Joanne Edwards. Click for Hat (International).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Laura Vann edie. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK)
The Bag is: Diana Ulanova. Click for Bag (USA).
The Nail Polish is: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Regina Pyo. Click for Shoes (International)
Florals are totally OK for Winter Weddings outfits, if select colours and flowers that are "In Season".
The Hat is: Joanne Edwards. Click for Hat (International).
Dress: Gina Bacconi. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: IBB. Click for Earrings (UK).
The Bag is: Diana Ulanova. Click for Bag (USA).
Lipstick: Clinique. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Clarins. Click for Eyeshadow (UK)
The Nail Polish is: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Sophia Webster. Click for Shoes (USA)
Ever, and always willing to help my customers out I've compiled my selection of the best Mother of the Bride dresses for your Mother of the Bride duties this season, that are on trend, fashionable (to your daughters brief), and comfortable (to your brief!). I've divided the dresses into a few different categories (budgets), from Mum totally spoiling herself on her daughters wedding day, to the more budget conscious, so you can select from the category that suits your requirements. I constantly update, add, remove dresses, so you should find you can still grab them.
If you are also on the hunt for the perfect Mother of the Bride Clutch Bag, you might also enjoy my picks of those, on my article: The best Mother of the Bride bags.
For pretty Mother of the Bride shoes, then I also have a post constantly updated with the best of the seasons Mother of the Bride shoes: Here.
Below is a gallery of some Luxury dresses I've hunted out for you to splash out and show off with on your Daughters Special Wedding Day.
View: Roksanda Pink Dress (UK). Renowned for its architectural silhouettes, this Roksanda midi dress is perfect for a Winter Mother of the Bride. Shaped by dart seams for a flattering fit, the design features subtly cropped bell sleeves adorned with oversized bows. Pair it with your favourite pumps and an embellished clutch for unrivalled sophistication.
View: Theia Blue Jacuard Dress (USA). Fitted cocktail dress with a textured cloque fabric and tiered bell sleeves.
Below is a gallery of some great, but not empty your bank account dresses! I've hunted out for you. Beautiful Mother of the Bride dresses, priced approx between £150.00 to £500.00 ($200 to $650.00), that you will love and wear again for evening wear, Days at the races, or formal events in years to come.
View: Hobbs Christie Dress (UK). Silk Wool Blend Dress with beaded neck and A line skirted shape.
View: Gina Bacconi Soft Peach Dress (UK). Made from moss crepe with satin cuffs and bow detail for an extra feminine feel, and shaped with a gently curved v-neckline and back slit for ease of movement.
View: Mestiza Gold Jacquard Dress (USA). Mestiza New York "Pericon" midi dress in gilded jacquard with a ruffled neckline and skirt.
View: Shoshanna Trinette Coral Lace Dress (USA). Feminine dress with a floral lace pattern and flirty flounce.
View: Gina Bacconi Dress and Lace Overlay (UK). The simple shift dress is cut to flatter with a loosely fitted bodice, and can be worn again another day without the luxurious mesh embroidery sequin overtop.
View: Phase Eight Dress (UK). Detailed with gorgeous placement floral embroidery throughout and contrast accents on the waistline, cuffs and neckline, this premium fitted dress is a romantic style perfect for a Spring Mother of the Bride.
View: Rotate Irina Blue Jacquard Dress (International). ROTATE Birger Christensen's impossibly stylish Creative Directors Jeanette Friis Madsen and Thora Valdimars implore you to add some drama to your Mother of the Bride outfit - big, puffy sleeves. Made from blue jacquard that holds the shape of them so beautifully, this 'Irina' dress has a pretty sweetheart neckline and darted bodice.
View: Goat Ice Blue Kane Dress (USA). From one of Kate Middletons favourite labels - Goat. The Kane dress has been cut to a fitted bodice leading into a midi-length, flared skirt, with bishop's sleeves which gather into deep, buttoned cuff just above the elbow.
View: Hobbs Floral Jacquard Dress (UK). A flattering fit and flare style that's perfect for Winter Mother of the Bride outfits. It has a plush velvet bodice that hugs your figure before flaring out into a full skirt crafted in metallic floral jacquard.
View: Gina Bacconi Floral Dress (UK) .
Looking to complete your Mother of the Bride outfit with pretty dresses for under £150.00 ($200). Below is a gallery of some super pretty dresses, perfect for Mother of the Brides. Glamorous dresses, within a budget price range that could be used again for other occasions past your daughters wedding day.
View: Tahari Coral Pink Mikado Dress (USA) and also at: Nordstrom (USA). Monochromatic blooms give a bit of romance to this RSVP-ready dress. Crafted in lustrous Mikado, it features a ladylike bow atop the flared hi-low skirt.
View: Jacquard Dress (UK) and Matching Shawl (UK).
View: Tahari ASL Jacket Dress (International). A chic fold-over collar gives this floral tonal jacquard jacket dress a sophisticated evening edge. Cropped cutaway jacket tops an elegantly simple sleeveless dress.
View: Tahari ASL Jacquard Jacket and Skirt (USA). and also available at: Nordstrom (USA). Shimmering floral jacquard in bright metallic tones creates a romantic suit for a Mother of the Bride, with shapely structured peplum jacket, paired with a slim pencil skirt.
Below is a gallery of some other Jackets, Wraps, and Accessories to be sure you keep yourself warm at these unpredictable weather Spring weddings.
View: Cream Gold Jacquard Jacket (UK). Cut along clean, classic lines, this floral jacquard topper features glints of metallic threads for allover shimmer.
View: Ted Baker Jacquard Jacket (UK). The search for a smart Mother of the Bride coat for Spring Weddings can often be a struggle, but this jacket certainly answers this. Adorned in the Woodland print, this dress style design even has the most desired of attributes – pockets.
View: Gina Bacconi Floral Jacquard Jacket (UK). The Greta jacquard coat by Gina Bacconi. Fashioned from quality jacquard material, this jacket features beautiful floral print with shimmering lamé thread. The frill cuffs add an element of glamour. Matching Gina Bacconi Greta Dress . also available.
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