Wedding in Sydney, Jan, dress code "Cocktail" ?

[ravenousbugblatterbeast]

We've been invited to DH's best mate's wedding in Sydney, and have pretty much decided to go for it. The wedding's in a catholic church, then in a v posh hotel in central Sydney from 6pm. On the invite it says dress code "Cocktail".

For background, I/we don't "do" dressing up, we're (happy) housebound hermits since DS came along, and not mad socialisers before that! I have a dress from Monsoon which I hope will do, as I REALLY don't want to spend any more money than I have to on outfits. The pic's on my profile - it's silk, about 3/4 length, and the silk is patterned with small flowers on stems - damask is it called? I'm about 5'6", size 14/16, not much of a waist but passable in magic undies (!), with mid brown chin-length hair.

So, the question to you style mavens is : will the dress do? And if so, what can I get to go over the top - something shrug-like or a pashmina/wrap, bearing in mind it'll be about 35 degrees and my upper arms, while not horrific, are 40 years old, like my good self... Also, what shoes can I wear with it? I'd ideally like to wear a pair of court shoes, like these : similar shoes in black, because I already own them but even I feel that might be a little funereal... They need to be comfy enough to trek across Sydney, and mid-heel at the most.

Help!

Lucky you. Can i come with you (to my home town) as a personal stylist ? I don't know how to access the picture on your profile but if the invitation says cocktail the dress you have described should do it. If your friends were going for over the top formal, they would have noted it on the invite. So you won't need a hat, could you go for a 'fascinator' thingy to jazz up your dress? A pashmina/wrap will be appreciated in the catholic church to cover your shoulders (though we are not talking ulta conservative like southern Italy for example). As for the shoes, I would suggest open toed shoes as its just too hot to wear closed shoes in January in Sydney. Get some fake tan and you are away. As for trekking across Sydney (are you going from the cathedral to the reception?), you could always catch a cab- particularly if you need to head down to the quay. Ah the wonder of Sydney harbour on a summers day. Enjoy!

I would definitely wear strappy sandals for a start. Those shoes are very heavy going. It's going to warm! Lucky you. You won't need a wrap.

The dress looks fairly shapeless (sorry don't mean offence, just not sure it would flatter your figure). There is a load of party dresses on the Monsoon website under £100 at the moment. Weddings in Australia tend to be a bit more party wear in style.

Yikes, I'd forgotten about the hat thing... Yes, a "fascinator" would probably be easier to pack too, although DH will wet himself at me wearing something like that, and it'll have to be glued to my head as my hair is soooooo fine. How do I choose one? Go into John Lewis and choose whatever looks least ridiculous? Does it have to match anything??

Trekking is hopefully less bad than it seems, from our (probable) base in St Leonards to just south of the CBD, then into the CBD, just by the bridge. Are the trains air conditioned.?

Thanks!

If your hair is fine, what about just a jewelled strap in your hair twenties stylee, or a flower on a clip?

Yes the trains are air conditioned. Imagine! Grab a window seat for when you go across the bridge.

I also think fascinators are a bit of a laugh but go for it, as you say. I agree with thighsmadeof to make the most of the fact that the party season is among us and grab a fab frock. Accesorise may also have fascinators or try one of the big department stores or hey, shop on line.

How about something like this : ivory on hairband
I can't think of what other colour to get, as it would probably be tough to match the burgundy dress, so is ivory a good compromise, then maybe get an ivory coloured wrap to match it?

Sorry thighsmadeof, I cross posted then didn't scroll back up. I'll go and look at Monsoon now, but I'm really trying to keep (avoidable) costs down!

I would not worry about the hat. No one wears hats to weddings in Australia. Make sure you have comfy shoes though. Weddings are parties. Big parties lots of dancing, drinking etc. Although after living in the UK I want people to wear hats to mine .

I've got these sandals and they're comfy. But probably a little too comfy and casual do you think? Please tell me they'll be fine!

I'll have to get DH to check with his mate about the hat situation, although I know it'll just be a case of "whatever, if you want to...". I had to really push the point to make sure DS was invited - although he was on the invite TBH I don't think anyone really expected us to come, so while the groom was on the phone to DH all "I'm sure it'll be fine", I was virtually waving placards to DH with "CHECK WITH THE BRIDE" written on them!

OK - well I guess the dress will do at a push but really I think you could do with something a little dressier. The sales will be starting soon and you should be able to pick up a cocktail dress for under £50.

And lordy no to those sandals - they look very comfortable but really not for a wedding.

And 40 is young!

You are not the bride. If you are happy with those shoes then wear them. Who cares if they are not covered with glitter and diamonds .

Most wedding guest dresses are similiar to what people would wear to the races or a christening here.

How about something like this with some nice peep-toe shoes?

That dress would look fab on you I'm sure as its very flattering and can be dressed up or down.

No-one will wear a hat, I'm sure of that. Yes keep an eye out in the sales for new party frock. Those shoes are not for a cocktail wedding, I'm sorry.

Right, eyes peeled for the sales then.. Any ideas on alternative sandals, which are borderline sensible without being overly mumsy..? Which would go with the existing dress at a pinch?

Something like this ? Monsoon dress

Yes much better Ravenous. (btw where is the reception? I'm from Sydney)
Silver strappy sandals?
Do you have a friend you could borrow some off?

Reception's in The Park Hyatt. Looks pretty special, from the website. Does that make my original dress look even more sad...? The families are (quite) normal I think, not high society, if such exists in Sydney so I'm not too worried about what everyone else'll be in. We'll be the furthest flung guests, being about 15 miles north of the grooms family, so quite frankly I think I should be allowed to attend in shorts and t-shirt!

Good idea - I'll ask around for strappy sandals, I have a couple of friends with social lives..

That is a gorgeous hotel, the most amazing views of the bridge, opera house and harbour. Sigh. You lucky thing. Have fun.

How about this : Coast dress on Ebay

I'm from Sydney too! Agree gorgeous hotel. Sounds like it will be fab - you're going to have such a lovely time [sigh]

I like the coast dress the best - but not with those sandals. It'll be hot so don't worry about a shawl. And don't bother with a hat. Cocktail is stylish but not formal.

Get cabs around the place so you can wear shoes you like (I'm thinking strappy sandals too).

And the fake tan is a good idea too.

Right then Sydneysiders, or even anyone who can remember what the sun looks like. Does this Phase Eight look too wintry? Coupled with a very pale lilac wrap, pale (white/silver?) strappy shoes and a white fascinator?

Thankyou!

Hmmm it's ok, but does look a bit heavy.

Do you like this?

Hard to buy summer dresses in winter!

Too strappy for me, especially on the back. And dark again.. There's a Monsoon dress on ebay which I've got my eye on. This one Problem is some daft bints (not me, honest!) are bidding on it with days to go, so the price is going up already...

Gorgeous dress!

Do you like this one better?