FASHION AND BEAUTY Q&A

https://nikkismoments.com ASK THE EXPERTS

Q&A Fashion & beauty

Our experts give their advice to help you look your big-day best

LOVELY LOCKS Please can you share some hairstyle inspiration for my bridesmaids and me for my winter wedding? We all have long locks. First things first, decide how you’d like to wear your hair and then you can find a style for the bridesmaids that matches you looks. There are a few things to consider, such as the unpredictable weather. The cold, rain or even sleet can be a nightmare for long and loose hair because it can cause curls to drop or it might make your hair frizzy.

Winter weddings call for a shawl or a fur stole and if you’re considering a cover-up, make sure your hair won’t rub against the material because you need to move comfortably and confidently all day.

If you’re opting for floral accessories for the perfect finishing touch, make sure you pick flowers that can survive the cold and won’t wilt against the heat of your head. Snowdrops or ivy and berries are great for a festive feel. For the bridesmaids, pick something to suit each member individually, like a side-messy bun, a romantic-undone braid or a ponytail. Rarely one style will suit everyone, but you can then tie the looks together with the accessories.

I’d recommend you pick a soft and romantic updo, which is not only on trend this year, but will withstand the weather and look effortless. Kim Sandford | Kim Sandford Hairdressing www.kimsandfordhairdressing.co.uk

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE I’m trying to find the perfect pieces to finish my wedding look; what style of jewellery is currently on-trend? You can’t go wrong with a classicdiamond pendant; a single-sparkling diamond will ensure you truly shine on your wedding day. This can not only finish off your wedding attire, but it can also be worn after the day and treasured forever.

Alternatively, a single-pearl pendant is perfect for a more avant-garde look and works perfectly with pearl earrings for something truly elegant.

If you want something blue, a sapphire and diamond are the perfect combination, whether as a simple pendant, an earring set or an elaborate necklece to make a statement. Lizzie McAuley Baker Brothers Diamonds www.bakerbrothersdiamonds.com BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE I’m looking for a stylish suit to wear at my upcoming wedding. I’d love something that ties in with our winter theme without being over the top. Do you have any suggestions? There are no rules when it comes to finding a wedding look. For us at Chimney Formal Menswear, personality comes first when it comes to creating your bespoke look. Mix and match styles work really well; blending various patterns, textures and colours derived from different inspirations are great ways to merge character with any theme.

I’d suggest integrating deeper colours such as scarlet, burnt orange, dark green, navy and purple shades for a winter wedding. This can be done delicately through accessories or boldly with a waistcoat or jacket. Adding a pop of colour through a pocket square or cravat can be a great way to anchor your look together nicely.

Layering textures in your outfit not only works well for the colder months, but it adds a rustic yet refined elegance to the look – think tweed, plaid and heavier wools. Don’t be afraid to incorporate multiple patterns to the look, such as check, tartan and florals. You can also add a wintry touch through a festive buttonhole. Sharon Cousans | Chimney Formal Menswear www.chimneymenswear.co.uk/index.php

https://lisajane-photography.com LOVE IS IN THE HAIR I’ve seen some gorgeous pictures of messy buns and textured up dos, but I have straight hair in a long-bob style. Can I still get this look? Textured up dos and messy buns are achievable for your hair type if you use the right products, prep the look and add additional hair for thickness and volume. To achieve the fullness of a messy bun, extra hair and padding are pretty much a must. Sometimes brides are not overly keen on this idea on their wedding day because they’re worried it will be noticeable. But as long as the colour match is good, it can be you and your hairstylist’s little secret!

As with any look, it’s essential to have a hair trial to get a feel of the stylist and plan the perfect look. Some hair types need more prep work than others to create ruffled and wavy hair, which you need as the base to build a gorgeous up do. It’s also important to remember when you’re looking for inspiration to pick photos of people with similar hair colour as texture shows up better in blonde or multi-tonal hair, and the same style on darker hair will look different. Bernie Dickens | Hair by Bernie Dickens www.instagram.com/berniedickenshair

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SHOWSTOPPING GOWNS I’ve bought a dress with no embellishments and now I’m worried it’s too plain for our vintage-style wedding. How can I add the wow factor? I love a vintage-style dress that has no embellishments because it provides the ultimate-blank canvas and allows us to get creative. There are endless ways you can add your style to a bridal look to achieve the wow factor you’re after.

Work directly onto the dress itself while adding embellishments such as beading, pearls, sparkles, colour and even hand-embroidered touches. You can add a special touch by weaving in personal notes, including your names, wedding date, lyrics or symbols of your love story. Make sure to add anything that means something special to you, whether romantic, quirky or out there – it’s all about letting your personality shine through.

Or, why not opt for a two-in-one look by choosing an additional piece to add to the dress, such as a hand-embroidered silk ribbon, an embellished or embroidered veil, bridal cape, overdress or skirt that can give that wow factor during the ceremony. These added extras can then be whipped off in the evening. Sophie Tyler | A Lover’s Thread | www.aloversthread.com