Yahoo News The wedding guest dress brands that will give you the fashion edge this summer
Anyone in their late twenties (and older) will be familiar with the recurrent summer panic of wedding guest dressing.
Where do I find a dress that’s super-duper chic, luxier than Zara (but cheaper than designer) and that I feel like myself in?
And, most importantly of all, where on earth do I find a dress that I can be sure isn’t being worn by a handful of other women among the congregation?
Honestly, it’s a tall order, but not impossible.
The trick? Stay ahead of the sartorial curve by opting for some set-to-be-smash-hit but, as yet, lesser-known brands.
Here are five of my faves:
If you like Reformation... STAUD
When Sarah Staudinger left her post as Fashion Director of sustainable, influencer-approved, label Reformation to launch her own brand in 2015, we hoped a heavy dose of that LA cool was heading our way. And we were not disappointed.
Staud, the label she launched with her partner George Augusto, shot to Insta-stardom last year thanks to its quirky, affordable handbags - soon seen on the arms of everyone from Leandra Medine to Alexa Chung. But it's their primary-coloured, 50s-inspired dresses and jumpsuits that have really got us hot under the wedding guest dress collar.
If you’re into boldly coloured, of-the-minute, silhouettes and wearing something no-one else at the party is, look no further.
Shop it on Matches and Net-a-Porter to avoid the import taxes.
If you like Self Portrait... PERSEVERANCE LONDON
This East London-based womenswear brand designed by Eudald Luis only launched in 2016 and yet is already making waves as a Self Portrait rival. Blending intricate lacework and delicate fabrics with architectural, modern silhouettes, the brand is set to become a mainstay in affordable and contemporary day-to-eveningwear.
Perseverance London is available on Flannels and Coggles.
If you like Cos... KITRI
Founded in March 2017 by ex-ballerina Haeni Kim, London label Kitri (which takes its name from a female character in the ballet of Don Quixote) offers designer vibes at surprisingly affordable prices.
Like a luxe, more colourful Cos, these are the sort of clothes that simultaneously say “I have a brain” and “I know to party.” And, frankly, what more could you want from a dress?
Having a last minute pre-wedding outfit panic? Kitri offer free next day delivery throughout the UK and a ‘Fashion Emergency’ same-day delivery service in central London.
Available at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
If you like Rixo... BA&SH PARIS
Although this Parisian label was founded by childhood friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief back in 2003 (and is now stocked in over 400 stores internationally, with five standalone shops in the UK), it’s still fairly under-the-radar when it comes to wedding guest attire.
Think ultra-feminine bohemia at wallet-friendly prices. Their boho prints and floaty printed dresses are ideal for a beach ceremony, or for anyone who wants to ooze Parisian cool-girl insouciance and understated elegance. So, yeah, all of us
If you like Ghost... MARINA LONDON
If you’re more into a capsule wardrobe than anything trend-led and prefer block colours to busy prints and florals, Marina London could be one for you. Founded in 2011 by Central Saint Martins graduate Marina Guergova, the label nails ultra-wearable, timeless dressing. From heavy sand-washed crepe de chine to hammered silk satin, it’s all 100 per cent silk and 100 per cent gorgeous. Their styles change only slightly each season, so if you find something you love, you’ll be able to purchase it again.
Try their hero piece, the Dree dress, with lace-up Castaner wedge espadrilles for hot weather wedding style perfection.
