Ask a Personal Shopper – Wedding Edition

RSVP YES

Dressing for event season is never easy, but it’s undeniable how much a personal shopper can help. Thankfully, at Harvey Nichols, we have a top team of personal stylists, ready and waiting to solve every event dressing dilemma.

Whether you’re the bride or groom-to-be, searching for an appropriate mother-of-the-bride outfit or simply looking to be the best-dressed guest at any event, the Harvey Nichols personal shopping team is here to help. From fashion styling advice to top tips on how to navigate your event in comfort from dawn until dusk, we’ve got you covered.

Ahead of upcoming RSVPs, we asked some of our Knightsbridge personal shopping team to answer some top event dressing questions to guide you through.

Searching for a little more advice? Book a personal shopping experience today, free of charge, with our expert personal shopping teams in Knightsbridge, Bristol, Dublin, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds.

BEST-DRESSED GUEST

“I’ve been invited to a wedding but there’s no dress code. It’s a church ceremony followed by a glamourous evening reception, so how do I strike the right note for both?”

For the church ceremony, keep textures simple, clean and sharp with a romantic edge. This Dries Van Noten is a timeless dress that lends itself to being ultra luxe without being too shouty. To transition to an evening look, add fun and texture with an interesting handbag. To elevate the look, it can be finished off with a black boa or a blue sequined shirt, open over the dress.

Sergio Romero Diaz, Personal Shopper, Knightsbridge

UP HEEL

“I struggle with dress shoes when I am standing all day at an event, especially heels. What’s the best alternative?”

Go for a low block heel or kitten heel. This will still give you that little bit of height needed to add elegance to your look, while also providing an element of comfort. I’m currently loving the Gucci slingback pumps (for all year round) or the Aeyde Amanda mules for summer.

Mary Ellen Lea, Personal Shopper, Knightsbridge

UNDER COVER

“How do I avoid falling into the wedding guest cliché by pulling out a pashmina if the temperature drops? What’s the modern way to cover up a silk midi dress?”

I am personally thrilled that the pashmina is dead. For any age, a great quality oversized jacket looks chic on top of a silk midi dress. I love to see a crisp black tuxedo shape, preferably worn over the shoulders, rather than with arms through sleeves. Alternatively, you can try buttery soft leather or crushed velvet, like this Petar Petrov, to bring a creative edge to the classic blazer.

Gaynor Russell, Personal Shopper, Knightsbridge

DANCING SHOES

“I haven’t worn a pair of lace-up dress shoes for years; sneakers make up my entire footwear wardrobe. Which men’s shoes hit that on-trend smart/casual vibe best?”

I always think it’s best to go for a classic, timeless style for more versatility if formal footwear doesn’t make up part of your staple day-to-day wardrobe. Stick to a silhouette, such as a Derby shoe – its clean profile makes it easily transferable across all formal wear. Fit for any wedding or races event, it looks great with any suit trouser length and width. It’s also just as stylish when dressed down with your favourite denim and a silk shirt for a Saturday at the pub.

Frazer Goater, Personal Shopper, Knightsbridge

SHIRT THE ISSUE

“Do I have to wear a plain, white shirt to a wedding?”

Absolutely not. By incorporating a coloured shirt into a darker suit that you’ve had for years, you can modernise and bring new life to your look. Think chambray, yellows, strong blues with grey and pink, pinstripes and creams with blue tones.

A chambray, like this from Eton, paired with a grey steel suit can pare back the business feel. The tonal buttons on this pale blue Gucci number add a subtle touch to a wedding look and with the box fit and patch pocket, this can easily lend itself to other areas of your wardrobe.

Robert Turner, Personal Shopper, Knightsbridge

LET’S MAKE THIS PERSONAL

Speak to our Personal Shopping team today to help you step towards event season in style. 

Words by Lucinda Turner