Big days out

WEDDINGS, WEDDINGS, weddings – that old adage, “it never rains, but it pours” is never so applicable as it is between the months of May and September. If we have one wedding invitation on the mantelpiece, we have seven – meaning seven brides to coo over on their hen night (or, more likely, hen weekend), seven gifts to buy (or cheques to write) and seven outfits to assemble.

There are so many rules with weddings. Don’t wear white, lest you upstage the bride. Then, of course, don’t wear red, or don’t wear a mini (for the same reasons). Black is too funereal; denim, too casual; Penneys, too commonplace; Coast, too wedding-y . . .

But rules, my friends, are made to be broken – and where better to go all out than at the wedding of the season? Wear white – in the form of Topshop’s peplum pencil skirt. Wear red – on your lips, courtesy of Yves St Laurent. Wear black – in the shape of Korkys’s strappy sandals. This is a celebration, after all, and where better to celebrate just how fabulous you are than at someone else’s one special day?

Mother of the bride

I will be mother-of-the-groom at my son’s wedding this year. I will also be 60 years old. What should I wear for a winter wedding? I do not like frilly. I am a size 14 and five feet five inches. Which designers and/or shops do you suggest I try?

Jeannine, by email

For a winter wedding, start with the basics and go for opaque tights and gloves – Marks Spencer does a great selection of leather gloves in autumn, in a variety of colours, at around the €30 mark. In terms of clothing, Brown Thomas stocks Basler (1), a German brand that does a great line in fitted separates. This dress and jacket combo (€379 and €319, respectively) are fitted and rather austere, while simultaneously being feminine (but not frilly). Armani Collezione (2), also at Brown Thomas, has a more neutral version along similar lines, with this pencil skirt (€195) and jacket (€495) duo in a lovely, icy blue, which goes great with grey hair, should you be so blessed.

Fran & Jane (3) is an Irish brand with quite a young age profile, but this blue dress with scalloped detailing (€199), is a classic shape and the Yves Klein blue will never go out of fashion. Plus, the subtle T-shirt sleeves hide a multitude. If you’re looking for long sleeves – and, in an Irish winter, you may well be – this Whistles dress (€205) is a really versatile number (4). I’d swap out the printed belt for plain black and pair with black tights and ankle boots for an un-mumsy take on mother-of-the-groom.

Young and classic

I’m looking for a dress to wear to my boyfriend’s brother’s wedding. This is the first family event I’ll be attending and can’t find anything suitable. I usually wear black strapless dresses that are nipped in at the waist. I’m looking for something different, possibly one-shouldered, and I was thinking pale pink or something like it, as I don’t want to go too bright. I’m 26, five feet five inches and usually a size 8.

My preference is for something classic, rather than on-trend for this summer only.

Belinda, by email

It's tempting to stick to the same "safe" style instead of experimenting with on-trend looks, especially when you know they won't be around in six months. I'm guessing you like to go for slightly vintage styles, so why not take a chance on this floral dress by Elizabeth James (€387.46 from My-Wardrobe.com)? Its soft rose print is classic and the off-the-shoulder detailing is cool, without having the potential to alienate future in-laws. I'd pair it with these cheap-as-chips pumps from Dunnes (€22).

Another option from My-Wardrobe.comis this Vivienne Westwood dress (€375.16). It sticks to the vintage silhouette, but the iridescent grey taffeta fabric brings it bang up to date, and the off-the-shoulder detailing is a little more subtle than one-shouldered, and a lot more chic. If you want to go full-on matching, these heels from Alila (€450) might as well have been made for it.

If you’re on a budget, this stunning draped purple dress from Asos (€40.73) will look gorgeous paired with some statement jewellery and a bright red or orange lip. Block colours are versatile, too, and can easily be reworn with a little mixology (think a leather jacket and black tights for autumn/winter cool).