A: Today, women are expected to suit themselves when it comes to dressing themselves. Women are certainly not expected to wear dresses anymore but when it comes to 'special occasions' such as a wedding most of us feel obliged to honour the occasion by wearing one.
Trouser suits have became a fashionable alternative but women who wear them are still in the minority. Wearing trousers to a wedding will make you stand out from the crowd and can look extremely chic and modern. Nowadays, it really is down to your own personal taste.
If trousers are your preference, you can still achieve a look that is elegant and feminine. You absolutely must stay focused on finding the right pair first before you confirm what else you will be wearing with them. Fit is everything. Make sure they are not too tight.
Weddings mean celebration and celebration means food - whatever you wear you should consider that your stomach is going to get bigger. Choose side or back zippers to avoid bulking up the tummy area. Make sure you choose a quality fabric to avoid easy wear and tear, remember you will be dancing later on and don't want them to split. I recommend a crepe fabric or a light-weight gabardine.
Whilst considering all this comfort, don't forget that a wedding is a big occasion and calls for some serious fashion statements. Don't think because you are wearing trousers that you can't look glamorous and stylish. Indulgent metallic and embellished fabrics are very popular now.
Opt for a loosely tailored trouser suit with plenty of sparkle or stick to fluid lines that fall effortlessly making you float rather than walk. Wide leg chiffon trousers will ensure you feel comfortable and elegant - pair them up perfectly with an embellished jacket or embellished bodice for maximum wow factor.
Remember heavy detailing on fabrics mean you should consider limiting your jewellery and keeping accessories simple. Colour blocking is a great way to keep a trouser suit interesting - head to toe pastel tailoring with pops of colour via cleverly placed accessories can create a vibrant and playful mood, proving you are very much still alive and kicking.
Dressing for a wedding can be expensive and it's challenging finding the perfect outfit that can be reworked into our everyday lifestyles afterwards. There is always the option to invest in a new pair of black trousers and add colour and texture from the waist up. By adding a few ostentatious and exaggerated accessories you really can dress this look up for the occassion.
Adorn a hat, a pair of chandelier earrings, a statement neckpiece or a fabulous brooch. Choose shoes and a handbag that compliment your outfit not compete with it. Never wear anything that looks worn out, heavily creased or sagging - always ensure footwear is immaculate.
Glamorous heels work best with flared tuxedo styles - wear embellished flats with pilazzo and wide leg styles for the most comfortable and flattering look. It's also very important that trousers are the right length for the shoes you intend to wear with them. Have the leg length altered at your local tailor to ensure the right fit if necessary.
If wearing trousers proves to be too complicated or uncomfortable for you then you can always consider tights as an alternative cover up. Hoisery has changed a lot over the last 10 years and has became more acceptable. You can buy just about every type imaginable.
High tea? You don't have to sacrifice your fashion attitude when following codes of etiquette and dress.
Blue crepe dress with green belt by Jonathan Saunders £650 at Cruise. Pastel ‘Hubba Bubba’ necklace £605 at Euan McWhirter. Coral leather handbag £245 at Russell & Bromley. Wool tights by Trasparenze £15.25 at mytights.com. Dijon nude patent shoe with gold bow by Kate Spade £225 at Pam Jenkins.
Embellished wool crepe dress by Christopher Kane £1,305 at Harvey Nichols. Classic Popeline white shirt £215 at Vivienne Westwood. Medium Cecily handbag with flower in light berry cream glossy goat leather £1,250 at Mulberry. Wool tights by Trasparenze £15.25 at mytights.com. Karolina porcelain patent shoe with gold bow by Kate Spade £225 at Pam Jenkins
Pastel daisy floral macramé jacket by Moschino Cheap & Chic £480 & baby blue pleated tennis dress by Joseph £345 both available at Harvey Nichols. Marie Antoinette necklace £605 at Euan McWhirter. Wool tights by Trasparenze £15.25 at mytights.com. Pastel patent loafer by Attilio Giusti Leombruni £185 at Pam Jenkins.
Styling: Lisa Ringrose
Photography: Jeff Mars
Hair: Isabella Watson, Artistic Director Toni & Guy Glasgow using Label M hair gel and hold & gloss spray
Make up: Susan Lucas using Nars
Location: Traquair House, Peeblesshire
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