FASHION Q&A

Q&A Fashion

We reveal what’s trending this season

STYLE DOWN THE AISLE

Meet the expert: Claire Ridley is the editor of Your Glos & Wilts Wedding and the fashion editor across all 19 County Wedding Magazine titles.

What are the new-season bridal dress designs for spring 2023? Claire says:

Sustainable fabrics include organic lace, satin, mikado and natural silk Plain dresses feature clean-cut lines with a minimalist aesthetic Sheath-style gowns, created in stretch crepe and georgette showcase front splits Statement sleeves are here to stay with lightly puffed styles adding the wow factor A new take on princess-style dresses is lace bodices adorned with beautiful beadwork and voluminous skirts made with layers of organza The sassy mermaid silhouette has had an update, made in stretch crepe Contoured corsetry boasts square or strapless necklines Wide, low backlines provide a fresh update to the illusion look, as does the option to include cape veils The midi-length dress with a soft tulle skirt (à la Carrie Bradshaw) is still popular, combined with off-the-shoulder sleeves A touch of colour with dresses made in nude, champagne and peach shades Couture details structured box pleats with hidden pockets, lace appliqué and floral motifs

MAKE YOUR ENTRANCE IN STYLE

Meet the expert: Alexander Edwards is the managing director of The Cotswold Tailor with stores in Shipston-on-Stour in the North Cotswolds (close to the popular Gloucestershire towns of Chipping Campden, Broadway and Moreton-in-Marsh) and also a store in Woodstock in Oxfordshire.

We’re shopping for our gentlemen’s wedding attire for a mid-winter celebration – what styles, colours and fabrics are popular at the moment?

Alex says: This winter promises to be just as eventful and busy as the summer was. Our shop is buzzing with the excitement of newly engaged couples finalising their arrangements for their special day. As always with this time of year, we see a lot of the light-coloured, pastel shades of waistcoats and ties replaced with more autumnal colours. Burgundy patterned ties are always incredibly popular, as are navy, and an emerging trend seems to be burnt orange. All of the above pair nicely with tweed three-piece suits. The slightly more textured-looking tweeds, such as Harris tweed, not only look wintery but are also super-practical, providing warmth to their wearer which is perfect for those frosty December days.

Another shift that we’re seeing this season is the change in footwear. Boots are rarely worn for summer weddings but are hugely popular for winter weddings. Brown and dark tan continue to be the colour of choice with our 2022 winter grooms, with the darkened toe and coloured laces. It’s important to note, trousers fall very differently over a boot so make sure you opt for the right length of trousers depending on your choice of footwear.

One exciting development is the return in popularity of the morning suit. We’re hiring out more morning suits this year than ever before. This traditional garment can’t hesitate to turn heads and is ideal for slightly more formal venues such as the stately homes. Just because these classic suits have been around for decades, they don’t have to be shapeless and old-fashioned. There are many companies out there such as ours that have taken these classic garments and given them a contemporary twist. Our morning suits have tailored fitted trousers, flat fronts instead of the usual pleated trousers and a nice waisted silhouette offering the wearer a very flattering fit.

County Wedding Magazines | www.county.wedding

The Cotswold Tailor | 01993 358 284 | www.thecotswoldtailor.com

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