Lilac is the new pink! Yes, it’s true – I don’t ever remember lilac being considered so chic but it is certainly making its mark this year along with a wash of pastel shades.

From palest barely there to deep lavender, top to toe lilac has the potential to wow but I am wary as not many people can really carry it off. That said if you are looking for an alternative to blush pink for your bridesmaids’ dresses lilac is fabulous. It is also a lovely colour for mother of the bride or groom to wear.

When Jan came to see me about her mother of the bride outfit she was keen to wear lilac. As a writer and actress, Jan wanted her outfit to reflect her creative personality and compliment her auburn hair. Her daughter was having a church wedding in this country.

I made her a textured lilac silk suit for daytime and a floaty chiffon dress in the same colour to change into for the evening party. Her unusual choice of metallic gunmetal accessories with a touch of burgundy, giving a nod to the bridesmaids’ colour, created an individual look…

Charlotte bridesmaid dress by Elizabeth Bessant couture – mint chiffon over lilac satin

Elizabeth Bessant couture deep lilac and mint with lilac kitten heels

If you are thinking of giving lilac a chance, as with any other colour, you need to find the right shade for your complexion. If you are pale skinned, keep lilac away from your face and instead opt for a block of lilac with a skirt or trousers – but make sure they are a good cut and fabric. Navy with lilac looks very chic. Pistachio or sage green is lovely too.

With lilac so on trend this season, I think it is time I took my lilac sling back kitten heels out of the wardrobe where they have been hibernating since the mid 1990’s. Last year I made myself a mint green party skirt appliquéd with an array of coloured ribbons and Swarovski stones. I wore this with a deep lilac top and silver shoes. This year I could update it with those lilac kitten heels that I had been keeping just in case…my own bit of vintage.