Does the thought of shopping for a wedding outfit fill you with dread?

Im discovering that for the vast majority of us; the panic of what to wear to an event, can over-shadow the enjoyment of the occasion itself.

I witness the terrors that a lot of people experience at the thought of shopping, or should I say, the thought of having to find something/anything to wear, that hopefully, ‘fingers-crossed;’ they look good in!

Usually, it would be the other way around, the client writing a review or testimonial of their styling session with me. But I felt compelled to write about my recent shopping trip, to share these fears and to demonstrate that help is at hand, and that it needn't be a daunting task. Shopping can be a spirited, confidence building experience.

Looking good isn’t a lottery; it’s a skill!

But, luckily there is a formula to finding clothes that fit, flatter and showcase the best ‘you’.

The Job:

Hannah and Lucy, each wanting a fully accessorised wedding guest outfit. This is a fairly regular request. However, let me layer on a few of the challenges..

1. The wedding is in 2 days time! Arghh..

Do you leave finding something to wear to the last minute? And then end up wearing something you don’t feel great or comfortable in?

2. Lucy has absolutely no other, alternative outfit! Double Arghh!!! (ok, I admit that luckily I didn't know this until towards the end of the session)

The Process:

After completing a quick questionnaire, a measure and colour analysis to ascertain their body shape, likes/dislikes and best suited colours, we were ready to hit the shops.

The lucky bit; both have similar colouring, with fair hair and blue eyes, and therefore suit the same family of colours. However Hannah has a leaning to gold accessories and jewellery with a warm note to her hair and Lucy, to silver with her rosier complexion.

Both Hannah and Lucy have fabulous hourglass figures, which of course they contest or are unaware of. This is partly why I asked if I could write my blog about them. I want to demonstrate that women with great figures have hang ups, fear shopping and have difficulties finding and styling clothes. But the main reason; it makes absolutely no difference what shape or size you are. Identifying your body shape is the only tricky bit. For some it is easy, and they fit neatly into one shape, but most of us are a combination of 2 or even 3 shapes. Everyone is unique, with their own individual nuances. Hannah is an athletic hourglass with strawberry characteristics and Lucy is an hourglass/pear.

First stop: Zara

Not that budget was a factor, but I don't believe you need to spend a lot of money on a wedding guest outfit. Unless you are in the bridal party, you should also be able to get multiple wear from your outfit and certainly, wear the accessories and shoes on repeat.

Also, Lucy was a bit afraid of Zara, as a lot of people are. I hear the line, “I cant shop in Zara- it’s too trendy for me” or “ I never seem to find anything- yet I like Zara clothes on my friends”. I wanted to zap that notion! Zara wants to look like the latest trends have fallen off the catwalk into their stores. It employs a team of visual merchandisers to style the store regularly to give maximum ‘fashion’ impact. This can be, understandably off putting for some, but once you sift through the crazy prints and the ‘who’d wear those’ items, and learn to shop it, for your shape and colouring, you find very well made, excellent value, good fitting pieces that will stand the test of time.

An hour and a half later, we emerged with almost complete outfits. H&M, Sunglass Hut and Accessorize provided the finishing pieces.

Dressing to your body shape, highlighting your best features whilst diminishing your less good bits is the key to stylish dressing. Not only will you look slimmer but it makes shopping easier because you can zone in on the pieces that are most likely to suit you and ignore the rest. In other words; what you take into the change room, already has a pretty high chance of being bought and more importantly - worn!

The Outcome:

2 confident, super stylish, wedding guests.

Hannah wears:

Fuchsia jumpsuit & Nude Suede Leather Pumps with gold metallic heel @Zara. Shimmer Linen Jacket @H&M. Gold Clutch Bag @Accessorize. Gold Aviator Sunglasses @Michael Kors

Hannah has a multitude of best features, (of course, she doesn’t think so). Her tiny waist, great boobs and long legs are highlighted in this fuchsia, halter neck jumpsuit. Hannah has a relatively longer body and takes the wide belt with ease, cinching her waist, whilst the high neck enhances her bust and flatters her slight strawberry shoulders. The nude shoes, sunglasses, gold bag and sand jacket co-ordinate together beautifully, adding effortless sophistication. Plus they can be worn again, combined or separated, with any outfit. Think: with skinny jeans and a printed tee or with a classic LBD.

Lucy wears;

High Waisted Shorts, Deckchair Stripe Jacket, Ivory Layer Blouse, White Platform Trainer all @Zara. Sunglasses @Tom Ford and Lucy’s own Silver Jewellery.

Lucy’s best feature, along with her small waist, are her awesome legs. These; high waisted, short, shorts showcase both. The pockets add attitude and the A- line silhouette of the shorts, flatter her curvy hips. Dark colours slim; the deep navy on the bottom half balances off her slight pearness, whilst the funky deck chair stripe jacket, not only adds unique pizzazz, it draws your eye up and down, and keeps the equilibrium necessary for an hourglass. And to finish: crisp, white, further leg lengthening, platform trainers, adding height, glamour and style in bucket loads…

Neither Hannah or Lucy wanted to wear hats, so we went for sunglasses as a modern take on that ‘wedding-ready’ piece. Unlike a hat, sunglasses get worn again and again, sucking the ‘cost per wear’ out of them. On that premise, we went for cost being no hindrance.

Tom Ford Gold Aviators

Like body-shape, use your face shape to determine which glasses will suit you best. Match in your metallic of choice in order that they’ll seamlessly go with every outfit or pick a neutral colour. Tortoiseshell works well, because like animal print, it is considered a neutral. Then go for personal taste… By the time you do all that elimination you might find, the glasses will pick you..

…So, next time you are agonising over what to wear to an upcoming event, think of hiring a personal stylist. After all, when one’s bushes are overgrown or inaccessible to reach, we hire a gardener..