20 Comments
User's avatar
Anna's avatar

The Hobbs dress really is the best of a pretty poor show this summer. However, if you do go for it, just brace yourself to not be the only gueast showing up in that dress. Went to a wedding two weeks ago and there were 3 of us in the Hobbs dress. Luckily, three different colourways, so we didn't look like a bunch of middle aged extra bridesmaids!

Expand full comment
Jen's avatar

I’ve got 3 weddings this summer the last one being my brothers (so am in all the bloody pictures) I’ve tried rental for the one on Monday but ffs HURR didn’t manage to send it in time. So wardrobe standby dress it is. I will say that rental is really fun and this is the first ‘failure’ you get to try something a bit mad for £50 that you don’t have the confidence to ever buy.

I also would recommend not caring about shoes unless they’re comfy and take white clean trainers for the after party as NO ONE WILL NOTICE or they’ll think you’re a genius.

Expand full comment
Fran's avatar

The real issue here though is SHOES. When you have to drive for 2 hours to get there, then spend 3 hours in a field with no shade and nowhere to put a drink down and then dance! There is no perfect wedding guest shoe.

Expand full comment
Clare Green's avatar

If I were buying new wedding shoes, I'd get smart silver trainers! (But I have some comfy dependable heels that work for everything)

Expand full comment
Lisa Eveleigh's avatar

Could you be more helpful??? I think not. If I may add my mite, going to an extremely fancy family wedding (next generation) in June, with dancing until 1am - and my sister and I were both perplexed about dresses that would take us from Church to lunch to evening reception.

As you so sagely advise, I dug deep in my 'wardrobe of lost chances', and found a Buykud dress that I wore precisely once pre-lockdown. It's empire line with wide and floaty skirt, ballerina length sleeves, and is basically a gauzy pale green overdress with raised cream embroidery, and a darker green jersey petticoat underneath. Hides a lot of over-60 body issues.

And I hugely recommend the Buykud range to anyone pregnant as well. Shall be pairing with a warm orange shawl and platform espadrilles for the day, ballet flats for the jiggling about in the evening, and a small but perfectly formed cream fascinator. An (only slightly) older cousin complained that she is far too old to be putting on a hat and dancing and has declined the invitation. I feel she hasn't read much poetry... Sister Dinah is also sorted... Lisa E xx

Expand full comment
Jan's avatar

Oh God got weddng on Tuesday! Wearing a this seasons Hobbs fushia pink v neck lace knee length dress with a white lk bennett coat I got in sale last year. Has bracelet length sleeves and looks classy (I think). I'm 68 and now fretting!! Does this outfit sound OK?

Expand full comment
Frances's avatar

YES!! Perfect. Have a great time!

Expand full comment
Jan's avatar

Oh thank you. So kind. Xx

Expand full comment
Pip's avatar

PLEASE would you do this again in a little while for an autumn wedding? Will be mother of bride and desperate not to look like it...

Expand full comment
Jen's avatar

My mum just did personal shopping at fenwicks to find MOG dress and it’s nothing like a trad one, it’s just a nice dress she looks fab in

Expand full comment
Helena's avatar

You didn’t cover jump suits! I have a strappy Reiss passport coloured one that’s a total workhorse, has done weddings, 50th, 21st, all sorts. Can wear with flats too, and not look a bit shit.

The beauty of being a standard wedding guest is that no one there gives a shit what you wear, so long as you don’t dress obnoxiously. You won’t be in the photos that make it to print, let’s face it. Wearing something you’ve worn 10 times before is absolutely acceptable. Especially in times of hyper inflation.

Expand full comment
Frances's avatar

This is so true - I always think the key to wedding guest dressing is to look like you’ve made an effort (out of respect to the bride and groom) but not so much that you make a spectacle of yourself.

Expand full comment
Esther's avatar

I completely agree

Expand full comment
Laura's avatar

Yes! My opinion on this type of dressing is that no-one is looking at you so as long as you are being polite in your appearance then you win. And I’m allergic to being the centre of attention so always err on the less flamboyant.

Expand full comment
Laura's avatar

Off piste idea but Benetton (remember them?!) absolutely nail the statement skirt on a regular basis, worn with a navy or white shell top and excellent necklace this makes a fantastic outfit. Also LK Bennett. Step away from the shift dresses and their skirts are really great if you can get in the sale.

Expand full comment
Sarah's avatar

Hate to bring politics into a clothing post but Benetton are one of the companies refusing to withdraw (“digging in”) from Russia according to Yale’s school of management list which is tracking that. Sadly - I love me a statement skirt - this is a good time to avoid them.

Expand full comment
Helena's avatar

Yes! I once did a gorgeous silk whistles skirt (50% off) with a Tesco vest (£6) and wedges (£14)

Expand full comment
Laura's avatar

I always love this look. And Tesco vests are as good as designer quite frankly and you don’t care if you spill your drink down them as they are practically disposable at that price.

Expand full comment
Selena's avatar

Rental is the way forward! Hirestreet, MyWardrobeHQ, all great options at a fraction of the price and you just send them back after. Simples.

Expand full comment
Frances's avatar

Thank you for the inspiration! And 100% agree re Rixo.

Expand full comment