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Summer occasion dressing minus the frump factor

— by Alyson Walsh

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Linda Fargo photo: Pop Sugar

No one wants to look mother-of-the-bride even when they are the mother of the bride (or groom). My friend’s son is getting married this summer and she is determined not to go down the traditional pastel-y, floral-y route. Another friend is celebrating her 60th birthday and wants to avoid the frump factor. Both asked me what to buy. My advice: keep it chic, simple and modern. ‘Forget fascinators and frou-frou, they look naff and will add 20 years. Spend your money on a blow-dry instead,’ that’s what I told The Times when they asked me for a quote on dressing for a formal event in summer.

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Carolina Herrera’s signature style

I don’t have any special occasions to attend this summer – though I’m always open to an invitation (see email address in sidebar). And when I do, I try to  wear something I already own, rather than buying something new. Wear what you feel comfortable in, that’s my motto. Then whoop things up with a bit of bling.

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Giovanna Battaglia blinging up the basics

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The summer jumpsuit. Photo: whowhatwear

For a simple summer dress, try COS, Jigsaw and Winser London. Though obviously, it’s not always necessary to wear a dress…

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Off-the-shoulder: Jenna Lyons

 

But, if it is a really posh ‘do’ with competitive in-laws, then my advice is: buy something you’ll wear again. The aim is to feel relaxed and to look like yourself; not Piffy on a rock bun. That’s a northern phrase and I’m not sure who Piffy is but I always understood it to mean, standing around on your own, feeling awkward (a rock bun is a cake that’s a bit like a scone, by the way). Just be yourself, that’s my best advice.

 

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No one wants to look mother-of-the-bride even when they are the mother of the bride (or groom). My friend’s son is getting married this summer and she is determined not to go down the traditiona…