Three Irish stylists share their invaluable fashion advice with mothers of the bride and groom in order that they look and feel their best on the wedding day.
Orla Sheridan, Orla Sheridan Private Styling
Orla is best known for her sustainable fashion advice when it comes to shopping and curating a wardrobe with pieces that you will wear time and time again! ‘The outfit you choose to wear as the mother of the bride or groom isn’t necessarily going to offer you 30 plus wears, but certainly you can shop for a look that can be reworked for other suitable occasions,’ comments Orla.
‘I would also recommend boutiques like Havana in Dublin, Samui in Cork and Les Jumelles in Galway to see what they might have for the wedding day and also for all of those other occasions you will be attending in the run up to the
actual wedding itself, plus any day two celebrations.
‘If your budget allows, the designers I would recommend include Louise Kennedy, Roland Mouret, Victoria Beckham, Vampire’s Wife, 16 Arlington and Erderm. In particular, I would advise clients looking for a dress for an occasion to try one
of Louise Kennedy’s cape-style dresses.
‘Remember, that a few well chosen accessories can elevate or change the look of what you are wearing,’ adds Orla, who wouldn’t rule out shopping for your outfit from certain high street stores. ‘Some more reasonable priced brands to consider may be Claudie Pierlot, Sandro, Self Portrait and Massimo Dutti, who offer some really well-priced, quality pieces that you can wear in your own unique way. This allows you to be savvy with your budget and still get the look you are after.’
Máirín Ní Bheacháin, MoStyle
Máirín is very familiar with clients approaching her with the request – ‘I don’t want to look like mother of the bride!’ As she comments, ‘Women in their sixties and seventies are more stylish these days and want to embrace their own personal style.
‘Also, people aren’t dressing up as much as they used to for weddings and mothers of the bride and groom want a more pared back look too,’ adds Máirín, who tends to take clients to stores that stock Irish designers to invest in pieces that can be worn on the day of the wedding, but then mixed and matched and reworn again. ‘Nowadays, people are more and more conscious of the environment and sustainability and do want to have longevity from their wardrobe,’ she adds.
‘When it comes to giving fashion advice and choosing the accessories that elevate your outfit, there are so many Irish accessory designers to choose from, including Jenny Vander and Vivien Walsh. If the traditional hat or fascinator isn’t you, an elegant oversized headband is a stylish, contemporary alternative. As for shoes, comfort is key! Invest in a comfortable pair of kitten or block heels that you can walk – and dance in!
‘Investing in a personal stylist for this occasion offers a really good opportunity to take stock of what you have and to take a moment to think about your style going forward,’ advises Máirín. ‘A stylist will not only make finding your wedding day outfit easier and more enjoyable, but will also be able to assist with looks for the hen party, day two celebrations and more, ensuring you look and feel your best at all times.’
Nuala McMenamin, Adorn Bespoke Styling
Nuala is also familiar with offering fashion advice and helping mothers of the bride and groom be true to their style and still look the part. ‘I work with a lot of women who have lost sight of what suits them, dressing for functionality as they run around after children and grandchildren over the years. Then, when it comes to an occasion like this when they have to step up and be seen, they don’t want to look like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.
‘It’s not about following trends, it’s about understanding what suits you and what you feel comfortable in. I enjoy working with clients to help them regain their sense of style with this in mind. When it comes to shopping for their wedding look, unlike relatives or their daughter, I will view them with much more potential as we decipher what will work and what won’t,’ adds Nuala.
‘I had one client who was recommended to contact me after she bought an outfit for a wedding with the intention of losing weight to fit into it. She was hesitant because she thought I would take her out of her comfort zone, which day-to-day was trousers and an oversized shirt. A size 14-16 she couldn’t see her own potential. I dressed her in a lovely pair of cigarette pants and a brocade jacket, and she not only looked good, but felt great too – which is really what it is all about!
‘Investing in yourself by enlisting the help of a stylist is never going to be a waste of money,’ adds Nuala. ‘We have a wide knowledge of all the brands to suit your budget, shape, style and the occasion. Whether an elegant jumpsuit, a maxi dress, an outfit for one day or a week’s wardrobe for a destination wedding, a stylist will help you walk with confidence in whatever you’re wearing.’
Featured Image: Style 29145 from John Charles
