What would you wear to a large/formal wedding in Italy in July?

[reigsin]

I really am in need of some inspiration for an outfit for my brother's wedding. Venue is gorgeous castle in Tuscany.

I'm late-thirties, 5'9", size 8 and very pale - I don't cope all that well in the heat (nor the cold, but presumably that isn't going to be a problem) so am slightly concerned about sweat.

What would you choose if you were me? I don't even know where to begin looking - there's just too much choice! I'm also not very stylish and lack confidence in my decisions, tending to stick to the same safe styles.

Budget is flexible.

Most of my family live in France, which has different style rules from Italy, but with overlap.

In France, the general aim is to look sensational but in an effortless way - "Bah oui, I just threw on this outfit, which happens to fit me perfectly". Unless we're talking a gala ball or something, the French do not do dressing up in the way the Brits do - it is regarded as too try-hard.

I've gone to various formal events in Italy and been confused! Sometimes they are super, super-dressy, as reflected by several PPs on here, talking about ballgowns for weddings. Others have been more French-style, "Oh this old thing - I just chucked it on". Presumably there are social codes that you know, if you are Italian, which tell you what to do, but they have mystified me.

You want natural fibres. Its hot.

Air on classy but understated

I love Sara Roka. I picked up a gorgeous SR dress second hand on Ebay for €70, so worth a look a look there or on Vinted.

Generally speaking, for weddings in Italy we wear formal, long, dresses or trouser suits. A lot of black is worn, as the weddings are usually early evening going into the night. Since no Italian connection or guests, that won't apply to yours.

It will be bloody hot, though. Last year it was 40 degrees and I pitied any poor brides getting married.

@Oriunda well spotted you! I do covet (several of) her dresses. Making myself a note to check out secondhand ones.

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/midi-dress/ruched-tiered-floral-print-organza-midi-dress/1647597342345104

US4 is a UK8

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/maxi-dress/floral-print-chiffon-maxi-dress/1647597344105225

I love this

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/mikael-aghal/dresses/gowns/tiered-floral-print-habotai-gown/1647597342344081

I have no idea but something really posh, the Italians are really up for dressing up, even just for going for a walk in the town let alone a wedding.

I think there is almost an expectation that as an English women you will wear a floral dress. I would embrace this, don't try to out italian the italians.

I’d look at Hobbs or phase eight.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/viviana-silk-fit-and-flare-dress/0123-5426-3793L00-BLUE-MULTI-14.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20999048544&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20999048544&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50_V1vSYE8gYy9OyYUYPA0tHMqQxujiWXPBkmcaJZae05dbPNHVWmAaAn3ZEALw_wcB

that's sooo pretty. but I'd baulk at paying £400 for 100% polyester.

Zimmerman would be perfect.

See, I’d much prefer strappy polyester as it doesn’t show sweat, or wrinkle like cotton or linen. Plus linen is so itchy

I wouldn't mind a bit of poly in the mix but 100% polyester for a July wedding in Italy makes me feel sweaty just thinking about it.

https://ohelloclothing.com/products/madeleine-tulle-layered-maxi-dress-blue

I'd wear something like this, could be more formal / less formal depending on your accessories but would definitely be great in the heat - https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/kachel-rita-sleeveless-maxi-slip-dress?category=clothing-wedding-guest&color=000&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

A few years ago I was staying at a smart hotel in southern Italy (Puglia) where a wedding was taking place.
The guests were done up to the nines, fabulous cocktail dresses, mostly short, sky-high stilettos and perfect hair and make up. The men wore extremely sharp suits, snowy white shirts and highly polished shoes, and looked fantastic even when the suit jackets came off and the ties were loosened. (Fans self.)
It was the best-ever occasion for people watching.

Goodness, @Papyrophile I'm in rural West Devon too, and haven't noticed much stylish Italian clothing to he had. Where are you shopping? (Guessing it's not Mole Avon in Okehampton!)

Mango has some lovely dresses which I think fit the bill:

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-dresses/asymmetrical-floral-dress_67067140.html?c=50

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-dresses/satin-maxi-flower-dress_67006756.html?c=88

https://shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-dresses/asymmetrical-pleated-dress_67016340.html?c=70

Cold might be a problem if there is aircon somewhere you're at during the day so I would bring a wrap. I lived through a few American summers (30-40C in July and Aug) and as fellow pale skinned, heat adverse person I think you should definitely look for breathable fabrics. Linen is great got weather but is often not very formal looking and it travels terribly. Same with lightweight/seersucker cotton.

A long dress in silk or a silk blend such as silk-chiffon is probably your best best. Viscose would be a trailing third choice. You can often filter by fabric type when shopping online.Or sorting by price works too as silk clothes are more expensive. Sleeveless or a halterneck style with an open back will hide sweat. You can also go for sheer or loose fitting shelves. Pleats, scoops or some other sort of detailing around the bust area, again to hide sweat. If you're pale skinned you're likely cool-toned so jewel colours will look good on you. Style your hair up if it's long as it will just go limp or frizzy with the heat.

Do you have any formal clothing stores near you? I'd plan a day of hitting up various stores to see what sizes and styles work and then go online and look on eBay or Vinted for previous season dresses. Brands like Hobbes, Revolution, Coast, Phase Eight, LK Bennett, Elie Saab (3 digit price tag new).

Forte forte are an Italian brand if you want to get an idea of formal clothing styles that are popular there

https://www.forte-forte.com/eu_en/clothing/dresses.html?p=2

This is a silk kimono inspired dress from French brand Soeur
https://www.soeur.fr/en/products/robe-andora-bleu-ecru-rob1424andora24sble08

Boteh have a heavier blend linen dress that may survive travel. It's a bit more out there style wise and the colour may be slightly off for you.

https://eu.boteh.com.au/products/wallpaper-full-sleeve-dress

And this cotton shirt dress from Devotion twins looks premium enough for a formal wedding

www.devotiontwins.com/products/022-393g-black-orange

We live in Italy- it’s well hot in July! Defintely second something light and floaty and elegant :) maybe something from ghost or Nicole Farhi similar? Have a wonderful time!

Just saw that you said orange looks good on you so this cotton dress may be worth a look. I've bought from smallable before, they're legit but you do have stump for return postage

https://www.smallable.com/en/product/dalia-dress-orange-maria-de-la-orden-353381

@WaftherAngelsthroughtheskies Thirteen in Tavistock. The antidote to Mole Valley farmers and mud crusted wellies.

Plus brilliant cheese, two other decent frock shops and all the hardware and builder's merchants any woman could ever wish for!

@Papyrophile I thought it must be Tavistock- I have a lot of love for Mole Valley for worming powders and weedkiller, but it won't take one a Tuscan castle wedding. I must find an excuse to head over to Tavistock for a mooch when feeling flush 😉