We are hiring! Please click here to join our growing magazine delivery team in Gloucestershire!

4. Leaflets Distributed with TLA

Summer has arrived!

All Areas > Health & Beauty > Style & Fashion

Author: Val Starr, Posted: Wednesday, 24th May 2017, 08:00

Winter is well behind us and thoughts can now turn to all the wonderful events we might be lucky enough to attend this summer. The main concern is, of course, what to wear.

Weddings
Weddings are often planned months, if not years, in advance, and the average cost for the event is said to be upwards of £20,000 – certainly a very expensive day where you want everything to be fabulous and, of course, memorable.

The bridal gown is the main focus and the choice can be overwhelming – specialist designers, boutiques, and now many high street shops are getting in on this lucrative market. The high street has really come up trumps for those on a more restricted budget – the choice is very impressive and reasonably priced. Many dresses can easily be used again after the big day, and there is usually something for everyone, including good bridesmaid selections.

High end dresses are tailored to your specific requirements and very personal. Always visit and get to know the designer and boutique so you are confident with the person to whom you are entrusting your big day.

Only you can choose your perfect bridal ensemble, but do bear in mind the frothy princess look might be what you think you want, but in twenty years time when you fondly look back at the pictures from your special day, would you still choose this look? I think we can all agree on one thing – Kate Middleton got it just right with her classic gown, and it will never really date. Our present Queen’s gown made all those years ago is also still a classic.

Grooms must not in any way be overlooked – it is their big day as well. They must be confident in their choice and not be forced to wear an outfit that doesn’t suit them. Of course, this is not to say anything goes, but again when dressed well, people feel good.

Bridal shoes must be comfortable, as you will be wearing them for several hours. Try wearing them for an hour or so around the house a few times before the wedding to break them in. This goes for the groom also – pinched feet mean a pinched face!

Races
A day at the races has now become a fashion statement, often eclipsing the real stars of the show – the horses! Fashionable race goers get lots of press coverage and the ladies really do go all out. Royal Ascot have certainly tightened their dress rules over the last two years, as this highlight of the social season was beginning to resemble a hen night or stag do! So be aware – if you are lucky enough to go to the Royal Enclosure, the dress code must be adhered to.

Ladies must wear formal daywear with dresses of ‘modest’ length (just above the knee or longer), and dresses and tops must have straps of one inch or wider. Trouser suits are welcome but should be of matching material and colour. Midriffs must be covered – no six packs on show here! Fascinators are no longer permitted but this is a hard rule to ‘police’. I have certainly seen versions of fascinators that cover the crown and are more like hats.

Hats can make or break our lovely outfits, and on ladies day they can be quite outrageous. Those of us who are investing in this important item can spend a fortune on a designer hat, and milliners are becoming more popular, as clients want a bespoke hat. At one time London had the monopoly – now bespoke milliners such as Willow and Lace in our corner of the world can certainly compete, and very often they out-do our well known designers. Better still, they’re sold at a fraction of the price!

For the men attending the Royal Enclosure, black or grey morning dress is required, including a waistcoat and tie, black or grey top hat, and plain black shoes. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted. All in all, it’s quite a minefield to enter the Royal Enclosure. These rules are more relaxed in other areas of the Royal Ascot meeting, and other racing venues.

Garden parties
Garden parties are generally not as formal as Royal Ascot, depending on which one you are lucky enough to attend. It is always worth checking the dress code in advance, as that way you can relax and enjoy the party!

Have a great summer season and, importantly, have fun with whatever clothes you choose.

Other Images

Copyright © 2024 The Local Answer Limited.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to The Local Answer Limited and thelocalanswer.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

More articles you may be interested in...

The Local Answer. Advertise to more people in Gloucestershire
The Local Answer. More magazines through Gloucestershire doors

© 2024 The Local Answer Limited - Registered in England and Wales - Company No. 06929408
Unit H, Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, GL53 7EG - VAT Registration No. 975613000

Privacy Policy