Q: I have been invited to a wedding in the South of France this summer. I am 5ft 10in and size 8-10. I love wearing bright colours but don’t want to look too garish. My budget is €250... Any ideas?
A: We all love a wedding, but yet another invite dropping on to the doormat can set alarm bells chiming. Not only do you have the cost of the present, transport and possibly accommodation to consider, you also have to get your outfit right for each special occasion. But the good news is that finding the right outfit for a summer wedding, garden party or race meeting couldn't be easier this season. Simply choose a feminine and elegantly cut suit or dress from the great selection in the shops, add a striking hat or hairpiece to finish the outfit and you’re good to go.
But one word of advice before you start your hunt for the perfect wedding outfit - check the dress code. There was a time when a dress code for every special occasion was rigidly laid down. But now weddings can be celebrated anywhere, from the shade of an oak tree to a sandy tropical beach. As the pressure to celebrate our big days in individual style increase, so do the opportunities to over or underdress. So, have a word with the bride and try to gauge whether you will be expected to adhere to a very smart dress code.
I’m not quite sure why weddings seem to demand the attention they do in the wardrobe department - but somehow they require more than many other social engagements. Since they often carry on for hours, whatever you wear needs to work on a number of levels. Something light and feminine may look gorgeous in the morning but once the night falls- and temperatures drop - you’ll freeze to death if you haven’t brought a little shrug or a pashmina for extra warmth. So think ahead and plan for the entire day not just the wedding itself.
As you are quite tall, you may need to visit specialist stores of you want to find the perfect wedding outfit. Finding occasion wear that caters for long-limbed ladies can prove a tall order - this is where Tall Zone comes into play. A stunning collection of stylish separates and knockout evening wear, the range offers trouser lengths of 84 to 91cm. The line is a sister company to the more classic label Long Tall Sally, but the designs are slightly more fashion forward with a wider range of fits and styles.
If that does not have what you desire - try Monsoon. Although it is not a specialist tall shop the occasionwear dresses are real head turners and most of their gowns are usually quite long. To finish your look opt for accessories that are large, as they look best on tall women. Hoop styles and chandelier earrings work particularly well. Long necklaces flatter tall women and one can go in for a chunky bead necklace or a necklace with a funky large pendant.
Problem solved.
WHERE TO SHOP
If you want trendy yet elegant clothes - why not try the high street chain Next, which has a great selection of longer length trousers and smart suits. Principles stock 34" inseam jeans and trousers and Miss Selfridge has some lines of trousers and jeans with a 34" inseam.
Miory (0845 056 3545, miory.co.uk) has really sharp trouser suits at very good prices for tall women, and plans to extend the range. Tall Girls (01420 587400, tallgirls.co.uk) is an online boutique that sells up-to-date clothes and shoes at reasonable prices. Long Tall Sally (0870 990 6885, longtallsally.com) has stores nationwide, and a huge range of occasionwear online.
