Get the look: dress like the guests at the Royal Wedding
There’s no question that the fashion at the Royal Wedding was pretty fabulous. From embroidered floral dresses to strong, bold colours that stood up to the summer sun, the range of dresses walking towards St George’s Chapel got all fashionistas salivating. As a bespoke dressmaker, I can’t help but look at fashion with a professional eye, my mind racing on different fabric options, style lines, patterns and how wearable each dress could be for a range of women.
So, I thought I’d break down my key favourite looks from the guest list showing you how you can get the look. From fabric type to cut and style for different shapes, read on to see how you can get these fabulous wedding guest looks.
Amal Clooney
First and foremost, have we all snapped our jaws back from off the ground after being smacked in the face with the sheer fabulousness that was Amal Clooney?
Enter International law and human rights barrister Amal Clooney and her actor husband – some bloke forget his name ;). My breath was literally taken away when I saw Amal walk so gracefully towards the chapel in that incredible, bold mustard yellow dress by Stella McCartney. Resplendent in its colour and tailoring, the dress and hat oozed classic Hollywood, with perfectly styled starlet locks and make up to die for.
If you loved Amal’s dress, then let me reassure you how wearable this dress is. Firstly, the draped shoulder detail and simple bodice makes this dress open to various sizes and shapes. With the right shaping, a fuller bust could easily wear this design with the eye being drawn away from the bust to the cinched pleated waist and decorative draped shoulder.
The pleated waist at the skirt, again, offers wearability to a range of sizes as it offers ease and shaping in what is typically a tricky area. The long, chic skirt can be customised in length depending on your height and preference while that splendid back belt detail can be used to the wearer’s advantage, flattering one’s curves while adding glamour and drama.
In terms of fabric, I think this sumptuous mustard satin backed crepe from Joel & Son’s would make for a perfect version of Amal Clooney’s Stella McCartney dress. Lined with organza and silk lining for structure, you could get this look and also be the knock-out guest at any wedding or event!
Carey Mulligan
Embroidery is very on trend at the moment and Carey Mulligan was like a breath of Spring in her beautiful Erdem pre-fall dress. Fresh, modern and beautifully embroidered with hues of yellow, orange and pink flowers, this dress really nailed it in the wedding guest stakes.
If you cannot afford Erdem prices, this stunning luxury floral cotton fabric would be a great alternative. With its light drape, it offers the soft floaty look of Carey’s dress, without the designer couture price tag!
Otherwise this beautiful silk organza featuring ‘climbing floral’ embroidery is a very near match to what Carey Mullian wears. Light and delicate, this organza would glow gracefully with a satin underlining.
If you’d like a bolder look, I love this Italian embroidered orange tulle. When set over a satin crepe underlining in either ivory or a muted gold, I think this would make for a stunning dress in the vein of Erdem’s iconic style.
The dress itself is loose and feminine with a relaxed fit and gorgeous flared skirt towards the hem. It may not suit a larger busted woman with its high tie neck, but an alternative would be to add a waist seam for shaping, convert the neck to a soft loose pussy bow and incorporate bust darts or a princess seam for a flattering shape. The sleeves, however, are perfect and flatter both smaller and larger arm sizes.
Abigail Spencer
Everyone is talking about how Meghan Markle’s fellow actors from Suits scrubbed up particularly well at the Royal Wedding. Abigail Spencer really caught my eye in her chic polka dot number by Alessandra Rich, reminiscent of the 1930s with its slim shirt-dress silhouette. I loved the surprising mis-matched belt and wide white collar and cuffs.
To get this look, any shirt dress pattern would do with particular attention paid to the style of collar and cuffs, in order to make it more fashion than every-day. A luxury polka dot silk georgette would provide a light, yet high-quality finish, underlined with a navy satin of similar weight for a subtle elegant sheen.
Other alternatives would be to play with the cuffs and collars, either offer embellishment or an unexpected contrasting fabric for quirky, editorial fun.
Serena Williams
I so love Serena Williams and her off-court style. Not only does she have the body of a champion athlete but also she knows how to dress her body and accentuate her curves. Her choice of Versace in that beautiful, muted rose was clever and so well-executed. The draping over her bust defiantly proves that larger busted women can wear fitted, tailored clothes without issue. The clever, beautiful draping that curved from her left side to her right waist, naturally draws her waist in, while the long sleeves and asymmetrical neckline balances the entire look. I thought she looked exceptional and comfortable with an incredible fascinator and clutch bag to boot.
For a light, breathable take on Serena’s dress, I suggest this gorgeous sandwashed silk in a hint of blush. The texture feels like silky butter and its drape offers the right quality for similar pleating around the bust and waist.
For a heavier, more structured look, perhaps a single wool crepe would work particular well. Other options include a weighty stretch jersey, which would be more comfortable and wearable for a range of shapes.
If you love these dresses, but either can’t find a similar version in the shops or you think you don’t have the right body shape, consider a bespoke version. Having your dress made for you means you get the right fit n the style that YOU want. A professional dressmaker will work with you and talk you through all the options for your custom style, including types of fabrics as well as cost. For an idea of the process check out my recent blog post about bespoke wedding dresses and what’s involved. The process is similar for a formal dress albeit not as involved or costly.
As well as wedding dresses, I make custom occasion wear from ball gowns to cocktail dresses. Based in my studio in Cambridge, I make everything to order using couture standard finishes meaning you’ll receive an impeccable dress that fits your body how you want it to. For a free consultation, email hello@riverelliot.com.
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