I was recently contacted by a Club Forty reader asking if I would write a post with suggestions on what to wear to a special occasion – specifically a ‘cool’ urban wedding. Well it is my pleasure to oblige!
In my head I am conjuring up images of this wedding… post ceremony, the uber-fashionable guests are gathered on a roof top, the light bouncing off the surrounding buildings, sipping cocktails as the sun goes down. I have no idea if this will be anything like the wedding in question, but it sounds good doesn’t it?!!!
So what to wear? Well I’m afraid my go-to ‘occasion outfit’ is rather predictably – a jumpsuit… did you guess?
H&M Jumpsuit £34.99
For me, a jumpsuit hits the perfect note of being cool, contemporary, yet glamorous and easy-to-wear – even with the de-robing required for toilet visits! I personally feel very comfortable in a jumpsuit.. they are very ‘me’. I do think it’s important to stick to your signature style and what you feel confident wearing.
Plus, the great thing about a jumpsuit is that, depending on the style you choose, they require very little in terms of accessories, jackets etc. A one-stop outfit solution. You can let the jumpsuit do the talking.
Take for example this option from Mango, the shawl effect sleeves are statement enough so no jacket is required; just a pair of red strappy heels, an oversized clutch bag and some impressive earrings to complete the look.
Mango Jumpsuit, £59.99
This polka dot jumpsuit, again from Mango, and reminiscent of Pretty Woman’s iconic dress, just needs white accessories and perhaps a white floppy fedora hat to nail the Riviera vibe.
Mango Jumpsuit £59.99
If you choose a block colour jumpsuit like this gorgeous cobalt blue from River Island, pick a contrasting colour for your accessories. Red or cerise pink would work really well with this blue.
River Island Jumpsuit £65, Zara Bag £29.99, Zara Sandals £29.99
Kimono style jumpsuits are great for bigger busts as the wrap front creates a good shaping, hides a supportive bra and the mid-length fluted sleeves provide balance across the chest area.
Next Jumpsuit £70, Next Sandals £28, M&S Handbag £29.50
Add a jacket to more simple style jumpsuits where they won’t interfere or detract from the design. Fitted, strapless or cami-style jumpsuits pair well with a jacket. It’s safer to opt for a shorter length jacket, especially for culotte-style jumpsuits like this one below from Warehouse – a longer jacket would drown the overall look.
Warehouse Jumpsuit £76, Quiz Bolero Jacket £17.99, Zara Shoes £29.99, Quiz Clutch Bag £16.99
You don’t always have to wear heels of course, these embroidered mules add enough glamour and will be kinder to your feet on the dance floor – as long as no high kicking is involved!! The outfit ensemble below sits on the bohemian side, but I think still works well in an urban setting and certainly has the ‘cool’ factor.
Pepe Jeans Mules £44.99, New Look Clutch £9.99, Mango Jumpsuit £59.99, Zara Jacket £49.99
When I buy jumpsuits I often size-up. I would try on your usual size and one size bigger – just to compare. Also, underwear is really important… I can’t stand VPLs so I wear huge body-control knickers with jumpsuits – not very attractive on the under-side, but they really improve the silhouette on the outside!