A wedding is the mother of all occasions – and the mums of the bride and groom need a look that’ll do it justice. Scottish stores show off their latest styles on a variety of body shapes to prove that, no matter your mum’s dress size, she will look fabulous
Frox of Falkirk
“Kelly does all of our plus-size modelling and we think she looks absolutely stunning in this gold and blue brocade fit-and-flare style by Fely Campo (below, £POA). It can also be ordered with a high-low hemline or in a more fitted silhouette. The matching Snoxell hatinator features a bow that’s made in the dress’s fabric – a really chic touch that pulls the whole look together,” says Natalie Godfrey at Frox of Falkirk.
“Meanwhile, this gold and ivory silk dress and floaty jacket (below left, £675) is from our Lewis Henry collection. Not only is it super-flattering and comfortable, it comes in a range of different colours. It’s one of those outfits that looks completely different on the body than it does on the hanger, so we always urge our customers to keep an open mind. We say it all the time but we mean it: try on as many different styles as you can to see what suits your shape best,” continues Natalie.
“Maureen (my mum!) is wearing a floral lace dress from Olvi’s Lace Collection (above right, £POA). Even though it’s a fitted style, it has been designed with some extra fabric at the front, which gives flattering coverage over the tummy area,” says Natalie.
“Gill Harvey is a British occasionwear designer who specialises in vintage-inspired, embellished dresses – they really are showstoppers! This navy blue dress with feathers and beading (below left, £830) is quirky and glamorous, so we teamed it with a fun, frothy headpiece (available in an array of colours). If navy isn’t your hue, the dress also comes in sassy silver, an amazing aqua or shocking pink.”
“Lastly, this fit-and-flare teal dress (above right, £POA), accessorised with a bespoke headpiece by Sarah Crozier, pulls in at the waist before falling into a flowing skirt. We carry a variety of these Olvi’s styles and colours in store, but the range can also be ordered if we don’t have your size or chosen colour in stock.”
Mia Bella, Glasgow
“Mandy is a community nurse and Mia Bella real mum who found her occasionwear with us last year for her daughter’s wedding in November – and this happens to be her actual outfit,” reveals Christina Sigerson at the Glasgow boutique. “It’s a silver mikado silk dress with delicate glass/pearl detail on the belt (£POA). The folded box pleats and off-the-shoulder, illusion V-neckline emphasise the waistline. It can be worn with a matching pull-through wrap which hugs the bodice perfectly and is available in nine alternative colours.”
“We advise our mums to concentrate on comfort when shopping. The outfit will end up being worn for 12 hours or more, so it’s important to make sure you not only look good, but feel good all day.”
Serendipity, Kilmarnock
“I absolutely love the fabric of the Couture Club dress (below, £490) that local councillor Clare is wearing,” says Kayleigh Kerr at the Kilmarnock occasionwear store. “The silhouette is chic and modern, while the subtle details – like the little bit of sparkle in the belt and the full bell sleeves – lend a high-end, couture feel. The percher hat is available to hire (£25) and the shoes (£65) and clutch (£55) are from our Lotus collection.”
“I’d say at least 50% of the outfits I sell to mums are ones they didn’t like the look of on the hanger, so always try things on. I would also limit the number of people you take shopping with you; too many opinions can make outfit shopping stressful.”
Joyce Young Design Studios, Glasgow
“This pistachio crepe dress and top is a new silhouette from my latest collection (£POA). The dress can also be accessorised with a selection of fine art silk scarves,” explains Glasgow designer Joyce Young.
“My advice to mums? I ardently believe that less is more. Don’t be ruled by ‘fashion’: simple, elegant shapes never date, but they have to be expertly made in top-quality fabrics. Choose a beautiful colour that complements your complexion and a style that you know suits your shape, then sit back and enjoy the compliments!”
“This cornflower blue number and bespoke hat (above, £POA) is the actual ensemble that Dinah chose for her daughter’s wedding. It’s also from my new collection and can be made in a choice of colours.”
Rinaldo Girasoli, Paisley
“The tailored suit has always been a favourite of mine, but here I’ve given it an asymmetric, modern twist,” says designer Rinaldo Girasoli. “Mariangela is wearing a sleeveless half-coat dress with matching palazzo pants in a fine silver-grey crepe (which drapes beautifully) and a bias-cut satin cami-top, all fully lined (£POA). I designed this outfit as separate pieces so they can be worn individually on other occasions. The palazzo pants, for example, would look fabulous with a chunky knit.”
“‘Be yourself’ should be any mother of the bride/groom’s mantra. Focus on silhouettes and palettes that you know look good on you. If you are wearing a colour that you don’t like, it affects your posture and mood.”
Patricia Forbes, Broughty Ferry
“Isn’t this dress (below left, £559) such a fabulous colour? The fuchsia and navy print, bardot neckline, dipped hem and beaded waistband all ooze wow factor,” says boutique owner Karen Charles.
“If the happy couple are planning a family brunch the day after the wedding, this blue and ivory print cotton dress by Marella, an Italian label that is part of the Max Mara group (above right, £199) could be just the ticket.
“I urge mums to start shopping early in the year of the wedding when they will get the widest choice. Styles can sell out quickly and they often can’t be reordered. January/February is the best time to look. There are extra deliveries around August too.”
Blues & Browns, Perth
“I am wearing Miranda, an outfit that was designed by me, then cut and sewn in our workroom in Perth by Floraidh (under the tutelage of our head tailor Melinda). It is a floral embroidered woven-silk dress, fully lined with anti-static fabric, layered on top of net petticoats. I’ve accessorised with a Mitzi purple and cream shot-silk collar, smartie silk-covered, sinamay-embellished headpiece, silk pochette and bespoke silk shoes finished with a bow,” says Blues & Browns’ owner, Kairen Alexis Ruse.
“My top tip to mums is always make sure the outfit you pick is comfortable. There is no point wearing something if you can’t move in it.”
Sheila Conn Ladies’ Fashions, Biggar
“Both ladies are wearing elegant, easy-to-wear dresses from our stunning Veni Infantino range,” says Shona Thorpe, owner of Sheila Conn Ladies’ Fashions. Elaine’s (below left) is an ivory and navy ensemble with full skirt and eye-catching waist detail (style 991654, £520), while Karin (below right) is donning a candy-pink and cerise printed dress and bow-neck short jacket (style 991754, £630).”
“If any mums out there are feeling trepidation about starting outfit shopping, remember that we are here to give honest advice always. Come with an open mind, step out of your comfort zone and try a variety of styles – we think you might just be amazed with the results!”
Catwalk, Falkirk
“Ann (below left) and Leigh (below right) are both wearing looks from Veni Infantino. Ann’s Admiral Blue beaded dress (£POA) comes with a fluid and flattering waterfall chiffon coat. Meanwhile, Leigh’s dress with pearl neckline and beaded waist (£POA) has proved to be a real hit with our customers, mainly because the ivory/blush palette tones well with lots of bridal party colour themes. And it has pockets – always a bonus!” says Louise Brown at the Falkirk shop.
“We would advise mums to do some research in magazines and online before they make an appointment. Most importantly, keep an open mind and try some wild cards. You’ll know when you’ve found ‘the one’.”