Next week I’ll be leaving Santa Monica and traveling to England for three whole weeks- (*rubbing my hands together*) and I can’t wait! I LOVE England- the people, the roasts, the blazing fires and yes, even the weather (eternal summer in California does get tiresome). This time while there, however, I will be attending my first English wedding. The invitation came in the mail a few weeks ago and suggested “morning dress” for the dress code. Petrified and excited all at the same time, I googled “morning dress” and found a lot of rules for the men- tails, ascot, top hat optional etc.- but no suggestions for the women. I started to panic. Sure I have a lot of great silk dresses that I’ve worn to weddings in California but I’m pretty sure they don’t qualify as “morning dress” and I’m even more sure a hat needs to be thrown into this equation (yikes!).
I do remember recently reading a lot of press about Kate Middleton attending a few royal weddings without Prince William and decided to study her for inspiration…. After all I can’t go wrong learning from a potential future queen!
Here’s what I found:
This is Kate attending the royal wedding of Autumn Kelly and Peter Phillips...
...and attending the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles to Harry Lopes.
I’m noticing a trend of dresses with fitted jackets and, of course, delicious little hats.
I would love any input from you daily connoisseurs on what types of things one wears to an English wedding… I need all the help I can get!
Image of England courtesy of: http:davenportlibrary.com
First image of Kate Middleton courtesy of: www.dailymail.co.uk
Second image of Kate courtesy of: www.dailylife.com
Hear hear to the eternal summer woes! It looks like you will likely be going with a tailored look; I am so jealous that you get to wear a hat! I think the big issue will be color considering this is a wedding in Autumn and unfortunately dark tailored looks sometimes say business/office. To bad you can't call Tim Gunn about this issue
ReplyDeleteJena- lol! If ONLY I could consult Tim Gunn for this predicament. I think you're totally right about the dark tailored looks- don't want to appear as though I'm going to the office. I'm thinking maybe a deep plum color or dark jewel tones...
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!! And don't fret about about the English wedding and it's dress code. Hats for women are less and less popular these days (many women prefer the smaller and feathery fascinators). But don't fall into the American trap and treat the wedding like a glitzy cocktail party. Rather, wear a smart autumnal dress or suit that would work for a society garden party...
ReplyDeleteIf you love England as much as I do, you'll love my new book "Someday My Prince Will Come" - it's the hilarious true story about my escape from Colorado to London and my childhood dream to marry into the British royal family! :)
let me know what you think:
www.jerramyfine.com
Miss Fine- Thank you so much for your helpful comments and welcome to my blog!
ReplyDeleteI have actually seen your book on Amazon and have it on my wish list! (I have an amazon addiction and will probably order it the next time I place an order.) It sounds like I will be able to relate pretty well seeing as how I am a California girl who married an Englishman (and am a hopeless Anglophile)... I'm looking forward to reading it and writing about it on my blog!
Stay understated and whatever you do - do not wear white!
ReplyDeleteOooh, you would be surprised how many women do!
Hi Daily! I think the morning dress refers more strictly to the men wearing morning suits. For women I would say the other contributors are right and it's just formal but feminine day wear and avoid white and black except as an accent/ trim.
ReplyDeleteTechnically if you were going to Royal Ascot or similar it would mean no strapless dresses or spaghetti straps and no skirts above the knee and the crown of your head being covered- but that level of attention won't be paid at a wedding! Hats/ fascinators won't be essential but are very nice.
I hope you have a wonderful time.
Lady Jicky- Thanks for the advice! Have not witnessed guests wearing white first hand but have heard horror stories...
ReplyDeleteHi Rose- I was hoping you'd leave a comment as I figured you probably know better than any of us... thanks for the advice! I'm planning on buying everything over there... just walking into a shop and saying "Help!"
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Yes that's a good plan. I think Kate Middleton is a good example to follow- she very much follows the Princess in waiting dress code at these things.
ReplyDeleteYou could change her jackets to a cardigan or wrap with a dress if you wanted though.
Indeed no white as lady jicky already said and of course, no all-black either. (Combining the two however is fine) Formal daywear is very ambiguous and encompasses many different styles. A good idea is to let the venue be your guide. (What are the activities for the day planned, where is the actually ceremony held, etc.) Seperates a la Middleton are safe but only ok when as matching, tailored and eye-catching as a good dress would be. Too, in my oppinion they can be a little aging, not resulting in the freshest of images. Of course sweetie, you are so gorgeous and fresh that is not a worry! :) Still, my vote is for a beautiful on-or-around the knee dress and I do think a feathery fascinator would bring attention to your beautiful face :)
ReplyDeleteDivina- Thank you so much for your advice! I am leaning towards a dress, rather than tailored separates, as I feel WAY more comfortable in one and would start to feel too office-y in the other. I never knew the word for "fascinator" so thanks to you and Rose for introducing me to it! Am overwhelmed by the kindness and support I've gotten for this fashion crisis- what would I do without you guys?!
ReplyDelete