Top dresses for your best friend’s wedding

*In collaboration with Sue Williams

It’s that age old saying – “Don’t outshine the bride!”

However, I can’t help but think it is a little out of date. Whilst there is this paranoia about wearing white, it’s really what you do with your look that differentiates yourself from the bride. I mean, you’re not exactly going to wear a floor length white gown and veil are you?

First things first – you need a realistic budget that you can stick to! With budget tools out there for the happy couple (Wedding Site has to be my favourite and something my friends rely on when he finally puts a ring on it), you need to budget too, to avoid costly fashion faux pas.

When searching for the perfect wedding attire, remember to think beyond that one day and pick something you can wear casually throughout the summer or has the timeless style that you keep forever.

Spring/summer weddings are perfect. The high street is full of great tea dresses in all sorts of styles and fabrics so here are just three of the top styles out there at the minute!

White

Wimbledon has just begun and this means strawberries, Pimms and all whites! Whilst Serena likes to mix up her style with some bizarre outfits (heck, why not!) I do like the traditional all whites. Why not use Wimbledon as your wedding outfit inspiration? The England football team might have left the country on a little downer, but we have all the faith that Andy Murray can do the business and sporting crisp whites does show off your tan.

White in general is a scary thought especially if you have small children, but during a wedding you can afford to buy something you would have usually vetoed immediately, especially if it’s an adult only affair. The classic tea dress design is perfect for a white dress and to really make your outfit pop, pick one bold colour for your accessories.

Florals

Whether you opt for pretty paisley prints or tropical bold shapes, there is a floral phase to suit all. For delicate prints in pastel colours, it’s great to accessorise with white including court heels and leather clutch and include pieces of delicate silver jewellery. Another option is these bold and bright prints that epitomise Caribbean summers. The print makes such a statement here, you needn’t do much in the way of accessorising but some funky earrings and messy up-do gives the whole look a carnival feel.

Printed Trousers

Any fashionista will have a couple of pairs in her wardrobe by now – they’re everywhere! And so flattering too. Your printed trousers are perfect for a wedding when teamed with the right combination. Usually I just wear mine casually with pumps and a plain t-shit, but for a wedding, more effort is required. So, first you need to swap those pumps for heels. A simple pointed court is very classy; black or white go with everything and is something you probably already have but if you fancy treating yourself, why not pick one colour from your trousers and select the accessories that best match! Warning; this takes much more effort than you first imagine!