Please style me for an autumn wedding!

[RevolutionaryBiscuitsOfItaly]

I'm thinking of buying this dress for a wedding in October. It's a small relaxed event, registry office followed by lunch in a nice pub with around 20 people. I'm a close relative of the bride so expect to be in the photos - the bride will be wearing bright pink! I'm pretty clueless when it comes to style and beauty matters so I'd really appreciate your ideas on shoes, jacket and bag to complement the dress. I can only manage fairly flat shoes, say 5cm high.

This is what ChatGPT came up with, adding its choice of jacket etc to a pic of me trying on the dress. But I think everything looks a bit dull

I like the dress and jacket, I think the shoes and bag are the problem, what about a brighter pair in berry with more of a pointed toe and heel?

Yes! That sounds better, I like the berry idea. I'll try to find some examples.

The jacket is unfortunately AI-created and I haven't been able to find something similar yet (neat nipped in waist, matte velvet) but keeping looking.

But you don’t have to wear what an AI suggests! 😲 It’s fine to ask it for suggestions - but if you find its suggestions dull you choose something else. Surely?

For a relatively relaxed event these would be rather cute with your dress:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/soft-leather-kitten-heel-ankle-boots-p13128810.html?v1=545422845&v2=2419160 (4 cms.)

As would this:

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/zw-collection-bomber-jacket-p05247049.html?v1=583750032&v2=2664773

ChatGPT has its uses - but it has limited experience of putting on its glad rags for an excellent day out with people it loves.

Bag?

https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/bags/party/floral-embroidered-shoulder-bag/37064801/85/00

Oh exactly! But I live in trousers and t-shirts and trainers, don't even own a dress, skirt or pair of heels, so I'm grateful for inspiration from the real (stylish) humans on this board.

Thanks ColdHenrietta for those links. The boots in particular have given me a different direction to think about, I've been stuck in the ballerinas/sling backs train of thought, but it really doesn't feel like me.

I would always say start with what you are comfortable and confident in. I used to wear dresses and heals to events but as I got older I was able to acknowledge I don’t feel comfortable in them and therefore feel more self conscious. I the started weary in nice sandals instead and later would go for evening trousers and a nice top. It helped me be more confident in these situations. Equally I had a personal shopper session in a Fenwicks recently (I believe John Lewis do the same) as I needed something for a specific themed party. They pulled something I would never have chosen as one option and it was a dress that I loved and felt amazing in.

Pick something that makes you feel excited. Don’t pick something because you thing it’s the sort of thing you are meant to wear.

Here’s your not dull jacket.

https://www.plumo.com/products/velvetine-blazer

(And yes, I do realise that 99% of readers may throw up their hands in horror - but it would be such a lovely celebration not just of the wedding but of your flowery dress.)

?

I like the chestnut leather boots with the dress - they pick up that in the dress & brighten things.

I love a tone-yet-clash type of pairing - but I personally would drop the coat! The bag might work well, or you might find one that works better if you dig around.

The dress has a lovely pinky-mauve shade within it that I think would look good picked up in a jacket - especially as it looks as if your hair is silvery grey, OP?

Maybe this?

https://avlisporte.com/products/persia-jacket?variant=59476226081102&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24058888074&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs78n634BjfDWlb7tfqeSvVVo4FfgBXkyQPS0I_WJfzHMZ4uoLX80M7BoCEm0QAvD_BwE

Or, this cooler shade might be better, while still going along with @ColdHenrietta 's clashing/toning patterns. It's silk mix too.

https://grizas.com/products/open-velvet-blooms-devore-silk-jacket?variant=56095455019387&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=23931027496&utm_content=6720693985&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23921391741&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs73Brl4ymgCSqUCyYMPxndmUTW70zbO-0K2xJ2Y9crbwrNiExEfdlQxoChYcQAvD_BwE

Not sure if this would work?

https://www.riverisland.com/p/red-quilted-paisley-drummer-jacket-942375?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=nonbrand_shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23474851197&gbraid=0AAAAADtCggjx2dW4iL0tiaYpz517al_65&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs7yTL6Cpbtk4cuszABNfJXFXYpqFN6EqbgWfaVIB2SrN1wVET8D908xoCmNIQAvD_BwE

Btw, if I paired a patterned/self-patterned jacket with the dress, I'd go with a plain bag. But I think I'm a less courageous dresser than @ColdHenrietta !!

The colour of this cotton velvet blazer would be perfect - but it's a man's jacket? However, a smaller size might fit perfectly?

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-slim-fit-single-breasted-velvet-blazer/purple-dove/p114131124?size=38R&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164382&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zKWF-F_387RRcYgkosk0XR8&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs79yoAKWG204HccnIPqriJtJMiwRmzkfFU8RTHGDiqiYBhEDLAaoYYRoCqYAQAvD_BwE

This little Hai silk bag would probably go with all the jacket/dress combinations bar the first warmer pink one.

https://www.whistles.com/product/184423.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Whistles_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_LowCostPerformers&utm_id=23196321819&utm_content=agid_-ad_&utm_term=&utm_matchtype=&network=x&device=t&placement=&targetid=&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23205796225&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs7yO35fFW5zk0WdeeHVD7XvhuvPEB4lNZojwsJtFbWt418vwRf84HWRoCtogQAvD_BwE

Bargain!

https://www.hush-uk.com/eleanor-faux-fur-jacket-burgundy-red/012142-4686.html?size=XS&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sale&utm_content=existingusers&tw_source=google&tw_adid=724825162254&tw_campaign=22000153836&tw_kwdid=pla-2428508686928&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22000153836&gbraid=0AAAAADmDz97_o2n2ZkENoUuVXu8dB6FIu&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs7-dpBNZRJztvVqcUdhQmuLhdl8KWmqO0DClUlA6T2i7eBTrJtRygDxoCDIQQAvD_BwE

@MiddleClassProblem That's good advice, and I think it's why I'm struggling with this. I do want to look different from my normal self, to honour the event, but I tend to feel like I'm in drag when I put on very feminine clothes.

Looking back on what I've worn for weddings in the past (and I haven't been to that many) I've usually worn a wide legged trouser suit with either a waistcoat or a jacket, with nipped in waist and slightly 40s feel. I wondered about a suit this time with possibly a flowery silk blouse, but decided against because I thought that might be tricky to find and put together compared to just buying a dress. But now I'm not so sure!

You have reminded me about JL personal styling sessions, I've booked one for September - even if I've already sorted the wedding outfit by then, I could certainly do with a wardrobe refresh.

@ColdHenrietta I love the way you've approached this, but I'm definitely less brave than you and feel terrified by the pattern mix here! I thought a flowery dress on its own was taking me way outside my comfort zone. The jacket is fabulous though😀

But the shapes have given me pause for thought about silhouettes, and that maybe I don't need the type of jacket I've been looking for so far.

@EleanorMc67 thanks for those links, and I think you're right, a mauve jacket could work well, I do have grey hair. I love the colour of the men's velvet jacket, not sure about the fit though. as something that goes straight down to lower hip length can make me feel bigger than I'd like, as that's the widest bit of me. I do love the shape of the drummer jacket too.

@waltzingparrot interesting! That jacket is a bargain. I think it's more oversized than I'd want for this, but it has made me think about cropped fur jackets.

😅 I hold not she slightest anticipation than you, or anyone, would put those four items together in real life, @RevolutionaryBiscuitsOfItaly. But I do love the idea of really going for the floral theme. Or maybe just ditching the dress and adding some trousers to the mix instead.

Why can’t you wear a trouser suit if that’s what you feel good in? A velvet trouser suit is perfect for an autumn wedding - and there will probably be a million to choose from in a couple of weeks.

And furry jackets are brilliant additions to a winter wedding outfit. Again, there should be plenty to choose from soon.

Maybe like this?

I go for bright pink footwear. Contrast to your lovely dress and also in keeping if bride is also in pink. I’d go cropped fur jacket as I got an amazing one from my partner for my birthday and it would look amazing with that dress!