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 and clothes look so much better if fitted correctly. There is also a strong moral argument to investing in quality clothes that will literally last a life time. In the UK we send 235 million pieces of clothing to landfill every year.

As we age most women want something different from their clothes, it is no longer about the latest style, length or colour and what is stylish and flattering becomes more important. I introduce many of my first time clients to the advantages of couture when they come to see me for that all important mother of the bride or mother of the groom outfit. I always advise them to think about how that couture outfit might fit into their wardrobe for future wear. I do not believe in investing in a beautifully made dress or jacket only to wear it once.

Becki wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture tweed dress and frayed edge jacket

Felicity wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture silk chiffon dress

Here are some of the advantages of having a couture garment made especially for you:-

1. It may be a dress, jacket or trousers, whatever you choose it will be made to your measurements from a custom made pattern.

2. You will be able to choose your fabric and colour but take your designers advice because couture works best when the right fabric is used for the right style.

3. No compromises are needed – the sleeves will be the right length for your arms; the waist in the right place; a jacket that fits across the back; and a hemline to flatter your legs…

4. Regular fittings mean you will see your outfit progressing and can be involved in the process.

5. Whether your couture outfit is for mother of the bride or Ascot you will have no worries that someone else will be wearing the same.

6. If you choose the style carefully and don’t get wrapped up in current trends your couture garment will be a good investment.

When Jo came to see me for her mother of the bride outfit we discussed how she might wear it again after the wedding. I made her a duck egg silk/linen shift dress with pearl detail and a matching jacket, for her daughter’s wedding. The outfit was also a perfect addition to Jo’s wardrobe and a good investment.

“I still love my outfit you made for my daughter’s wedding two years ago now and wore it again to my nephew’s wedding in August. In fact it’s done at least four weddings and I suspect I should now think about having an alternative outfit made and will get in touch at some point for inspiration from you (probably when the next wedding invite arrives!)” – Jo

She did come back and this time I made her a cotton dress with an unusual pattern in shades of green, it had three quarter sleeves and a full skirt, I lined it with a light weight silk so it would be comfortable to wear in the heat of the summer sunshine.

I am always happy to hear that people appreciate all the love and attention I put into my couture outfits. All my couture outfits are made by me and my skilled team in my London studio giving them a very small carbon foot print. So everything about taking this route is a positive step.