How do I stand out at a wedding without upstaging the bride?
A focus on florals, as shown by Roame at the 2025 Melbourne Fashion Festival, will leave both you and the bride happy on her special day.Credit: Getty Images
Unless you have permission from the bride, step away from white. Immediately. Wearing a white dress when youβre only required to say βI doβ to the chicken or beef main course is justifiable grounds for being sentenced to the childrenβs table at the reception β and, while weβre on the subject, so, too, are excessive cleavage, generous cut-outs and a skyrocketing hemline.
Instead of looking to the bride for inspiration, focus on her bouquet. Flowers are the ultimate inspiration for any wedding guestβs wardrobe, even at this time of year. This seasonβs florals are big and bold, which will satisfy any cravings for the spotlight (washed-out abstract prints have been well and truly consigned to the fashion compost bin). Red roses are always romantic, while camellia, daisy and orchid prints give you greater opportunity to find a flattering colour while exhibiting horticultural sophistication.
Print dresses are the simplest solution, although floral separates might be more suitable if youβre going to be attempting high kicks on the dance-floor later on β in which case, consider a matching set (save the cross-pollination of mismatched florals for the garden). Floral-inspired accessories are another opportunity to sow the seeds of good taste: a statement clutch with appliquΓ© is sure to be a compliment magnet, especially since the bride is unlikely to be carrying one. Just donβt forget to pack a floral-scented hankie; I suspect thereβll be tears.
Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au
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