Grace Tie Front Shirt Dress, Bombshell - Wedding outfit styling advice
I’M A MOTHER OR THE BRIDE, WHAT SORT OF HAT OR FASCINATOR SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR AN AUTUMN WEDDING ?
WHAT WILL SUIT THE GRACE TIE FRONT SHIRT DRESS BY BOMBSHELL?
Apologies for repeating myself but the dilemma remains, “What should I put on my head?”. The dresses and outfits are generally an easier choice, after all we wear clothes every day but headwear is a different matter. In these posts I try to demystify the process.
A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Katya Wildman, the brains and power house behind “Bombshell”. As a costume designer and stylist to celebrities and TV she totally understands ladies and how to dress them, particularly the hour glass ladies. Using this insight and flair, she now expertly creates beautiful dresses that cover up, balance and flatter to make the wearers feel fabulous, and to top it all, they are all British made. I really think they make the most perfect Mother of the Bride dresses. The piece I’ve chosen for this post is from her occasion wear wedding range but a lot of her other less formal dresses would be equally fabulous for less “formal” weddings.
*** Please note that the headpieces shown in this post may not be a colour match, they are simply examples of styles that would work. Every headpiece is made is made to the clients requirements ***
THE DRESS
Grace Tie Front Shirt Dress - Bombshell
“Inspired by Grace Kelly and Dior dresses of the 50’s. This shirt dress is both flattering and elegant. The set in sleeve line brings in a contemporary silhouette. 3/4 turn back sleeves and a stand up collar and a button through front with a concealed placket front. Princess lines sculpt and visually raise the bust and the beat tie front flatters the tummy area. The skirt leaves the hips at just the right place and we have added a netted underskirt which adds structure but not volume which means the skirt doesn’t project too much. I wanted to keep it streamlined yet add the drama, glamour and flare.” Bombshell London
STYLING OPTION ONE
SCENARIO - LARGE WEDDING OR FLAMBOYANT CLIENT
For their autumn wedding, this Bride & Groom have decided that they want to go all out, there are a lot of guests and the venue may be quite grand, I’m imagining a grand country house. An event like this needs a headpiece that will be visible, that ticks the “Mother of the Bride” box but that will also be comfortable to wear. With a lot of guests milling around you need to be visible, by that I don’t mean in a limelight stealing way, however you need to feel appropriately crowned for the scale of the occasion.
HEAD PIECE - CASSANDRA
The Cassandra hat just exudes autumn opulence. It is a spectacular feathered creation sitting on a beret base, secured by a comb and hat elastic. I’d recommend keeping this palette of natural feathers but introducing emerald or gold highlight feathers. I wouldn’t recommend colour matching the silk as I believe it could be too much of a solid colour block and overwhelm the wearer. I also don’t think you can top the beautiful sheen of a luscious silk so you shouldn’t try, I’d recommend complementing it instead, anything else could look too matte or almost a cheap shine in comparison.
STYLING OPTION TWO
SCENARIO - LARGE WEDDING BUT PETITE CLIENT
The scenario is as described above but in this instance the wearer is quite petite or less flamoyant.
HEADPIECE - KELLY
This is an apt choice given the name, must be a destined match. The Kelly is a great design in that it creates an illusion of size with the reach of the statement feathers comparable with the width of a large brimmed hat, however the central base and feathers are actually very neat and quite petite so they don’t overwhelm the wearer. It has been an unbelievably popular fascinator that I’ve made so many different variations of, it’s popularity never wains and no two are ever the same. I think the champagne and gold tones with the natural pheasant would compliment the dress beautifully.
STYLING OPTION THREE
SCENARIO - MEDIUM or SMALLER & MORE INTIMATE WEDDING
I could imagine this dress being worn at a very smart medium sized wedding with around 60-80 guests, not for anything more informal or smaller. This would be a mother of the bride who want's to reflect the elegance and style of the dress but not over do it as this beautiful dress is a such statement itself. She may be one of the few ladies in head wear, but she also wants to dress up for such a special occasion.
HEADPIECE - BERENICE
My final choice is again based around the beautifully autumnal feeling pheasant feathers, perfect with the opulent emerald. As I suggested with the Cassandra, emerald or even gold highlight feathers could be added. As with the Kelly as the weight is low to the head it sits securely with no rock and is very easy and very comfortable to wear.
Whatever your choice I believe comfort is key to any mother of the bride headpiece. You want to be able to put it on and forget it for the day. There are too many hugs, kisses and photographs, helping with your daughters dress, drinking champagne and juggling your clutch bag, you don’t need to hang on to your hat too.
This isn’t an outfit that needs many accessories, the high collar, cuffs and bow are detail enough along with a headpiece. I’d recommend simple pearl earrings and not much else, I’m assuming you may well be wearing a corsage. I’d suggest keeping shoes and bag to a soft light gold or pewter in a simple classic court. I’ve fallen out with nude heels, they initially seemed like a good idea but they can look clumpy if you aren’t careful to get the right shade and colour.
Would you choose this dress? Which headpiece would you choose to go with it?
Until next time!
Harriet x