Blog for Mother of Bride & Occasionwear
Take the stress out of what to wear for a special occasion
Take the stress out of what to wear for a special occasion When an invitation arrives for a wedding, cocktail party or a day at the races usually the first thought is ‘What do I wear?’ Most of us worry about getting it right. But a carefully put together wardrobe of selected pieces that you love will make dressing for [...]
Dress for Ladies Day 2020
Dress for Ladies Day 2020 Ladies Day is synonymous with Royal Ascot but if you love dressing up for the races there are meetings all over the country. Ladies Day at Royal Ascot has the strictest dress code but Ladies Day at any race meeting is all about the fashion - and, of course, stand out millinery. If you are planning [...]
Chic but unusual choice as Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom wear the same colour as bridesmaids
Chic but unusual choice as Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom wear the same colour as bridesmaids Choosing the colour of your outfit if you are Mother of the bride or Mother of the Groom is never straight forward. Generally the bride will choose her dress first and then decide on a colour for her bridesmaids. After [...]
Effortlessly stylish mother of the bride or groom dresses
Effortlessly stylish mother of the bride or groom dresses When a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom comes to see me they always want an outfit that performs on all levels – smart for daytime ceremony but fun for evening celebrations. The answer, more often than not, is a beautiful dress – with sleeves. Bracelet length sleeves [...]
Finding the perfect look for 2020’s Mother of the Bride
Finding the perfect look for 2020’s Mother of the Bride New year, new decade, but one thing that will never change is the importance of getting your Mother of the Bride outfit right. The pressure of being photographed from every angle by the official wedding photographer and guests with mobile phone only adds to the anxiety. I went to two [...]
Separates you will always love
Separates you will always love In Victorian times fashionable women’s clothes were much more ornate and achieving the right look depended on a precise fit. Wealthy women would have couture outfits made for them, others would make their own clothes. Ready-to-wear clothes were not available until the early 20th century and with this trend came the issue of fit. Juliet, client, [...]
Fabulous location for a romantic fashion shoot
Fabulous location for a romantic fashion shoot When I first met photographer Richard Maidment it felt like a meeting of minds. He had been looking for a designer for a photo shoot he was planning. He felt my gowns suited the romantic location he had chosen: Belcombe Court in Wiltshire in the enchanting shell house restored by Blott Kerr-Wilson. Elizabeth [...]
How we all love a pocket
How we all love a pocket Pockets have been talked about a lot on social media after a photograph of our Queen looking relaxed with her hands in the patch pockets of her dress made the front pages of national newspapers. Women just love pockets it seems whether it’s a day dress, special occasion or bridal wear. Why, because a [...]
6 fantastic tips for choosing a wedding hat
6 fantastic tips for choosing a wedding hat Recently I was invited to a wedding at an amazing Chateau style country house with parkland, lakes, waterfalls, tropical gardens and over 3000 species of trees. A perfect location for a large wedding with endless photo opportunities. It was a black tie event and I have never seen so many ladies wearing [...]
Chanel style bouclé or tweed jackets for winter warmth with style
Chanel style bouclé or tweed jackets for winter warmth with style At this time of year, my clients start to think about keeping warm but with style. A cardigan is cosy but simply not stylish enough for a lot of occasions. A Chanel style jacket, a woven jacket often in a boxy style with frayed edges to cuffs, neckline and [...]
Be the belle of the ball – whatever your age
Be the belle of the ball - whatever your age I have had my head down with two big weddings this September and have hardly noticed the seasons change. Now I have time to pause, Autumn is definitely with us and with it the promise of winter events and Christmas Balls. For many years, I have supported The Victoria Foundation [...]
Choosing a special outfit for an autumn / winter wedding
Choosing a special outfit for an autumn/winter wedding If you are invited to a Autumn/ Winter wedding in the U.K. finding an outfit that is both warm and stylish can be a challenge. Weddings at this time of year are becoming more popular with brides for many reasons: as well as the romance of winter with snow or autumn with [...]
Couture creations – let your imagination run riot
Couture creations - let your imagination run riot The beauty of creating a couture outfit is that there are no rules - it is about designing for the occasion with the perfect fabric, colour and pattern or combination of materials. My clients personality is always the starting point for the design which makes each and every outfit unique. Recently I [...]
Wedding fascinators, hats or hatinators?
Wedding fascinators, hats or hatinators? Most people do not wear a hat or fascinator very often if ever so it can be a very daunting experience choosing a hat or fascinator for a wedding. Hats are generally an acceptable part of dressing for a wedding unless the bride stipulates otherwise - some brides see hats as too stuffy for a [...]
A gorgeous dress for Summer events
A gorgeous dress for Summer events Everyone needs a go to dress - something you pull out of the wardrobe and that feels just right for a nice lunch with friends, a BBQ or outdoor concert. The problem is there aren’t any rules for this type of dressing. Events such as Ascot and weddings call for some planning to get [...]
Choosing the right colour for your wedding outfit
Choosing the right colour for your wedding outfit Over time we learn which colours suit us and most people will stick to the safety of that palette. When you are going to be mother of the bride or mother of the groom there are other considerations – what colours has the bride chosen as the theme of her wedding; what [...]
Styling a complete look for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom
Styling a complete look for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom Being a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom is just so exciting, but it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the decisions you will need to make about your outfit. The pressure shouldn’t be underestimated as the wedding day will be captured on [...]
6 tips for coordinating shoes and bag with a special occasion outfit
6 tips for coordinating shoes and bag with a special occasion outfit There used to be a rule that your shoes and bag should be the same colour and finish - and preferably the same brand. Now those old rules have been shaken up and dressing with style now means showing flare and originality. Designer bags come in every colour [...]
Maxi dresses for special summer events
Maxi dresses for special summer events Summer is finally with us and that means beaches and holidays but also here in the UK parties, weddings and events. Summer dressing is a lot simpler and events tend to be more relaxed and casual so plan your outfit accordingly. If you are asked to a special summer event it is all too [...]
Yellow shoes for Mother of the Groom
Yellow shoes for Mother of the Groom Being the mother of the groom is a wonderful experience but the role comes with so much pressure to look your very best. Having a designer to help you make decisions and style your look can make all the difference. Inspiration comes to me from many different places - sometimes through research but [...]
Dress in your comfort zone as mother of the bride or groom
Dress in your comfort zone as mother of the bride or groom Style isn’t about following rules about colour, hemline or heel height, it is about wearing what you love with total confidence. Very few people are born with great style – instead most people work at it finding out what suits them along the way. Haydn Gwynne, actor wearing [...]
Building a classic, timeless couture wardrobe
Building a classic, timeless couture wardrobe For those of you who want to invest in clothes that work regardless of each season’s trends this blog is for you. As a couture designer, my ethos is to design beautifully fitted, timeless outfits from the finest fabrics that will stand the test of time and take you from weddings to special occasions [...]
How to tailor a suit to the occasion
How to tailor a suit to the occasion A suit is the perfect way to dress for a formal occasion be it an important business meeting or interview or as mother of the bride or mother of the groom. The best thing about a suit is that you can wear it for so many occasions. If you have the budget, [...]
Learn how to make flowers for hats and corsages
Learn how to make flowers for hats and corsages Many of my clients tell me they really enjoy being creative so I decided I would run some one day workshops where you can come and learn how to make the lovely flowers for corsages and hats that complete many of my outfits. You might have a special day out at [...]
Pastels and florals are on trend for Mother of the bride in 2019
Pastels and florals are on trend for Mother of the bride in 2019 In the past the mother of the bride was expected to dress in matronly rather dull shades. Thankfully times have changed. Pastels are always beautiful for mother of the bride and trends this spring include dusty pinks through to pale lilac and rose. Duck egg blue is [...]
Couture garments – an investment for you and our planet
Couture garments - an investment for you and our planet A capsule wardrobe of well chosen couture outfits will last a life time - if you choose a good designer who understands your lifestyle, personality, body shape and colouring. A woman’s body shape cannot be defined by a single number or S, M, L or XL. We are all unique [...]
What to wear to the races – getting the dress codes right
What to wear to the races - getting the dress codes right Horse racing is a big part of the social calendar and getting the dress code right is essential if you don’t want to face the humiliation of being turned away. The races are however a wonderful opportunity to dress up. The tricky bit can be that every race [...]
Why Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom need a handbag
Why Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom need a handbag With so many one venue weddings, I am constantly asked by my mother of the bride and mother of the groom clients if they should carry a handbag. My advice is always that an outfit is not complete without a bag and that is especially true if [...]
When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do
When wearing a long dress as Mother of the bride or Mother of the groom is the right thing to do Long dresses are lovely to wear at any age. As mother of the bride or mother of the groom there is an etiquette to follow if you are unsure. Continental weddings are held late afternoon/early evening and normally the [...]
How to wear corsages with your Mother of Bride or Mother of the Groom outfit
How to wear corsages with your Mother of Bride or Mother of the Groom outfit When designing Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom outfits I always take the corsage into consideration. Traditionally the corsage would be pinned to the right lapel of a jacket or coat which worked well when a suit was the accepted wear for [...]
Why is the Mother of the Bride seen as more important than the Mother of the Groom?
Why is the Mother of the Bride seen as more important than the Mother of the Groom? The idea for this blog has come from one of my current Mother of the Groom clients. At a recent fitting for her outfit she asked me why the Mother of the Bride is seen as more important than the Mother of the [...]
The real secrets of dressing glamorously over 50
The real secrets of dressing glamorously over 50 Most of us develop our own unique sense of style over many years and this does not have to be abandoned just because we have hit 50+. As we age our colouring and body shape change - even if your dress size is pretty much the same. It’s only natural there will [...]
Christmas and New Year – looking good for special occasions
Christmas and New Year - looking good for special occasions The run up to Christmas and then New Year’s Eve is the busiest time of year on the social calendar – work parties with colleagues, Christmas Eve drinks with neighbours, Christmas day with family, Charity Balls, New Years Eve parties... All in all that adds up to lots of special [...]
Special occasion photography – model for the day
Special occasion photography - model for the day It always surprises me how often fate directs life – the sliding door moments. Recently I attended a fundraiser dinner at the Bingham Hotel in Richmond for The Victoria Foundation, a charity I have supported for some time. I found myself sat at an interesting, fun table where I met photographer Vicki [...]
All eyes on the Mother of the bride
All eyes on the Mother of the bride When it’s your daughter or son’s wedding it’s very easy to get so caught up with planning for the big day that you don’t leave enough time to look for your own special outfit. This is especially true for mothers of the bride who so often tell me it is their daughter’s [...]
Interpreting dress codes – how to avoid wearing the wrong outfit
Interpreting dress codes - how to avoid wearing the wrong outfit Whether you’re trying to find an outfit for a wedding or a friend’s party, the pressure is the same – you don’t want to get it wrong and stand there feeling like you are the only one who didn’t understand the dress code. It really doesn’t help your confidence [...]
A special outfit for a visit to the Palace
A special outfit for a visit to the Palace Clients find me in all sorts of ways but for Sue Smith it was quite a chain of events… After being notified that she was to be awarded an MBE she asked her stepdaughter, who is a wedding planner, where she could find a designer to make her an outfit for [...]
My mother of the bride/groom collection at the National Wedding Show
My mother of the bride/groom collection at the National Wedding Show Time was when a mother of the bride outfit was frumpy and unflattering, a costly purchase that would only be worn once. Now the mother of the bride and mother of the groom are expected to look stylish and are often under a lot of pressure to get it [...]
A dress for Issy, my beautiful model
A dress for Issy, my beautiful model Having a couture dress made for you at any age is very special but for Issy it was a real treat to experience couture in her early twenties. I have known Issy since she was small. She is now grown into a lovely young woman, and she modelled my last wedding dress collection. [...]
A creative break in Paris
A creative break in Paris Last year Sue came to me via a recommendation to have an outfit made for her daughter’s wedding, she was lovely and we hit it off immediately. As she came for her fittings, she mentioned how she wished we had met before her daughter’s wedding dress had been ordered from another designer. Then fate stepped [...]
Restyle a favourite hat for a special occasion
Restyle a favourite hat for a special occasion Some occasions call for a hat. When I am designing an outfit for my clients, I always advise on accessories to complete the look. I often find people are reluctant to invest in a hat as they view it as a one-wear purchase yet it can be a real stand out accessory [...]
My gorgeous new mother of the bride collection
My gorgeous new mother of the bride collection I always look forward to August... It’s a time when most of the season’s events have past and my summer brides and mum’s have had their weddings, so I use this time to step back and create a new collection for the Autumn National Wedding Show at Olympia. Elizabeth Bessant wedding dress [...]
Top 10 tips for Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom outfit
Top 10 tips for Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom outfit Even women who dress well can find choosing an outfit for a special occasion very daunting. This is especially true if you are the mother of the bride or groom as all eyes will be on you. Often I find women tend to stay very safe, not having [...]
A bag to complete your special occasion look
A bag to complete your special occasion look I am often asked by my mother of bride and mother of groom clients if a hand bag is necessary - especially if the wedding is being held at their home or in the hotel where they are staying. My answer is always yes. Firstly, you may want a tissue or lipstick [...]
Finding fabric that adds wow to a special occasion outfit
Finding fabric that adds wow to a special occasion outfit Choosing the right fabric for an outfit is crucial. Deciding on the design for your outfit for a wedding or special occasion is comparatively easy because over time most people learn what they feel comfortable and confident wearing. However, falling in love with a beautiful fabric that is not right [...]
Mother of the Bride outfit – getting it right
Mother of the Bride outfit - getting it right Choosing a mother of the bride outfit can be really stressful and at times overwhelming. It’s not just you who gets to decide on your look, it's your daughter's day and she will have a vision of how she wants you to look. Good communication between the bride and her mother [...]
Lilac is back on the catwalk
Lilac is back on the catwalk 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 [...]
Can mother of the bride wear white or ivory?
Can mother of the bride wear white or ivory? Time was when wearing white or ivory if you were mother of the bride or groom was a complete no, no. Only the bride would be in white, a symbol of her virtue, standing out in a sea of colour. But now the rule book has been thrown out - and [...]
Invest in a timeless Chanel-style jacket
Invest in a timeless Chanel-style jacket The iconic Chanel jacket is a look we all love - and it's a look that is now reinterpreted right across the high street. Small wonder as this jacket is so easy to wear. Elegant, practical and so versatile, it can be worn for almost any occasion - to the office, dinner, or a [...]
Can mother of the bride or groom wear the same outfit twice?
Can mother of the bride or groom wear the same outfit twice? I have been designing couture outfits for over 20 years and often have a mother of the bride or mother of the groom come back to see me for an outfit for their second child’s wedding... Often the first wedding outfit is easier because most people have a [...]
Grandmother of the bride – and other special occasions
Grandmother of the bride - and other special occasions Weddings are lovely family occasions and if you are the grandmother of the bride or groom you will want to look your very best. I have some lovely clients in their 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and I know that as a woman ages there are some adjustments that must be made [...]
What to wear as Mother of the bride
What to wear as Mother of the bride Once upon a time the mother of the bride was expected to wear a neat suit or coat with matching gloves but now with so many options choosing an outfit can be challenging. Make no mistake a chic suit or coat over a dress can look lovely - think Carole Middleton in [...]
Looking fabulous, whatever your age…
Looking fabulous, whatever your age… Choosing your style when you are over 50 can be daunting for some but you do have a new freedom of choice. Most women are no longer committed to wearing a work ‘uniform’ and trying to keep up with fashion trends that do not quite work. Dipping in and out is fine because sometimes there [...]
Are fascinators old hat?
Are fascinators old hat? Weddings, christenings, the races, garden parties… all these events come with a dress code regarding headgear. Sometimes requests to wear headgear are not optional - and that can take some people out of their comfort zone. A fascinator is so much easier to wear if you feel self-conscious in a hat. But last year a lot [...]
Skirts are the new jeans…
Skirts are the new jeans… It would be easy to assume that trousers have killed the everyday skirt. Most women when they think about dressing for practicality and comfort will reach for their favourite pair of jeans. Elizabeth in her favourite winter style And with so many different cuts and colours, if you are prepared to wade your way through [...]
New Year, New Wardrobe
New Year, New Wardrobe Buy high quality clothes - and save money and the planet New Year, new wardrobe… well that is what the fashion magazines and stylists tell us because that is what keeps the industry turning. But why should my favourite chartreuse cardigan have to go, when last season it was the height of fashion - and more [...]
Shopaholics brace yourselves for the Boxing Day sales rush
Shopaholics brace yourselves for the Boxing Day sales rush Boxing Day used to be a family day, relaxing together or going on a brisk winter walk. But now it's all about the Boxing Day sales with high street stores investing heavily in advertising designed to work up a frenzy of hype. Even Harrods and John Lewis which stood firm for [...]
Stay warm and stylish this winter
Stay warm and stylish this winter When suddenly there is a cold snap and temperatures plummet below freezing the temptation is to bring out your inner frump and resort to wearing trousers, layers of thick jumpers, woolly socks and fur boots to keep warm. But there are more stylish ways to dress for the cold. Wool tweed jacket by Elizabeth [...]
How can a stylist/personal shopper help
How can a stylist/personal shopper help Recently I have been invited to join the Lifestyler platform as a stylist/personal shopper. I have spent 21 years advising my clients on what colours, shapes, styles suit them and what will fulfil their requirements – wedding, race day, work suit... So I felt qualified to take up this post. Elizabeth Bessant Yes, I have [...]
A Vintage New Year’s Eve
A vintage New Year’s Eve I have always loved vintage chic – my car is a 1950’s style Chrysler, my china is 1930’s to 1950’s and my personal fashion style which draws inspiration from these eras. As a couture designer, the skills I use to create a dress for a special occasion such as a New Year’s party go back [...]
Getting it right – Dressing for Christmas and New Year Events
Getting it right - Dressing for Christmas and New Year events The Christmas season brings with it invitations to so many different events. But while the invite will state the dress code, planning your outfit can be tricky. Generally dress codes are self explanatory for men… but for us ladies getting it right is so much harder. White Tie - [...]
Capes and coats for winter events
Capes and coats for winter events It is always tricky planning what to wear for winter events, as the cold weather makes coordinating your outfit and staying warm rather challenging. Weddings are particularly tricky as photographers always want to take the bride and groom and their guests outside for photos. Usually the grounds are more interesting as a backdrop and [...]
The Victoria Foundation charity ball
The Victoria Foundation charity ball The world of couture is all about extravagance and luxury. Every day we design and make beautiful garments for our client’s events. Sometimes I like to step back and look at what is going on in the world around me, especially as I have an autistic son who needed a lot of support. Elizabeth Bessant [...]
Is couture for everyone….
Is Couture for Everyone.... While it can be argued that fashion is for everyone the world of couture is not. The word couture is used to describe any garment that is handmade and one-of-a-kind. We hear about this world because the press regularly attend the couture shows but the biggest audiences are the private clients who can afford to pay [...]
Choosing fabric for a couture outfit
Choosing fabric for a couture outfit You may think deciding upon the design of your special occasion outfit is job done - but the fabric you choose is vital in realising your dreams. And there are so many fabric choices before you even begin to think of colour or pattern, weave or print. Your wedding dress, a suit for work [...]
Mother of the bride or mother of the groom – can you wear trousers?
Mother of the bride or mother of the groom – can you wear trousers? Sometimes the lack of strict dress code for mother of the bride, mother of the groom or wedding guests can be confusing as now it's the bride's preference that dictates what everyone wears. It is important to remember it's her special day and to take on [...]
Behind the scenes at our autumn photo shoot
Behind the scenes at our autumn photo shoot Planning a photo shoot is never easy. The first challenge is for me to set a date when my new collection will be complete. Once I am certain I can meet that date, I contact Daniel Babusca, my long standing and very patient photographer. Elizabeth Bessant Couture - Autumn Photo Shoot And once [...]
Wedding etiquette for step-mothers
Wedding etiquette for step-mothers Wedding etiquette is being seriously challenged in the 21st century with so many couples having divorced parents... And whether your wedding is held in church or not this situation requires great tact. So how does it work if you are the step-mother of the bride or groom? Etiquette dictates that the biological parents sit together: if [...]
Dress codes… and getting it right
Dress codes... and getting it right Even when an invitation doesn’t specify the dress code or states its optional most people will still contact the host to ask what to wear. Formal, smart casual or themed…no one wants to get it wrong. Recently at the Victoria Foundation summer drinks party, I was talking to one of my client’s who was concerned [...]
Creating a couture garment
Creating a Couture Garment Exciting news: we have just completed our first vlog, Creating a Couture Garment, for my new series ‘Elizabeth Bessant Talking Couture’. It frustrates me that the term couture is so misused. And I am frequently asked to explain what couture actually is… so I thought I would use film so you can see for yourselves the [...]
Lace dresses, perfect for so many occasions
Lace dresses, perfect for so many occasions If you have been thinking that lace is just too girly maybe I can persuade you to think again…because it is easy to wear and can look lovely on woman of all ages. There are no limits to the type of dress that works well made in lace as it can be sweet, [...]
Fashion and Make-up for the over-50s
Fashion and Make-up for the over-50s Look Fabulous Forever event hosted by Barbara Crisp As an Ambassador for the makeup brand Look Fabulous Forever, I was excited to attend one of their party's recently that was hosted by fashion stylist Barbara Crisp at her beautiful home in Surrey. A group of 50-something well groomed ladies gathered to pick up tips [...]
Hat or no hat – for mother of the bride or mother of the groom?
Hat or no hat - for mother of the bride or mother of the groom? Traditional church weddings tend to be formal and the etiquette is that you wear a hat or fascinator. But now that weddings often take place in less formal settings, the question of whether to wear some form of headgear when your son or daughter gets [...]
Patterned fabrics for weddings?
Patterned fabrics for weddings? Deciding what to wear if you are mother of the bride or mother of the groom is never easy. A lot of eyes will be on you. The colour of the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids dresses and groom's tie will point towards a colour palette - your wedding outfit should contrast or complement but never clash. But [...]
The right wedding underwear makes all the difference
The right wedding underwear makes all the difference Bridal lingerie is so important as wearing the wrong underwear will spoil the look of a couture wedding dress! As a wedding dress designer, I regularly see women coming to fittings wearing the wrong size bra - and this is not just those with a large bust. The golden rule for choosing [...]
Dressing for the Season
Dressing for the Season Spring is here…and whether you are planning to go to Ascot, Henley or a wedding, it is time to start thinking about your wardrobe as each event during the season has a dress code. Forward planning avoids last minute mistakes! Imagine being turned away at Ascot – I’ve seen it happen. Even a Chanel outfit won’t [...]
Remember it’s Mum’s special day too…
Remember it's Mum's special day too... Elizabeth Bessant couture for the mother of bride or groom With the National Wedding Show only two weeks away exhibitors have been busy putting finishing touches to gorgeous gowns in every style and fabric imaginable to tempt the brides. Models are preparing to dazzle on the catwalk in dresses that are every brides dream. [...]
Haute Couture – Commercial reality or branding
Haute Couture - Commercial reality or branding Rebecca working in the Elizabeth Bessant couture studio Sadly, Haute Couture is a dying art. Today there are a maximum of 2,000 people employed in prestigious workshops in Paris, supplying beautifully made, luxurious outfits to no more than 3,000 clients globally. Originally, these Haute Couture houses were considered avant-garde, and set all the new [...]
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