wedding and hats???

[RTCoutts]

Going to 4:00 pm wedding reception following in nice golf course facility. Heard it is dressy. Brides' mom wants ladies to wear hats. What type of dresses do you wear with hats, length, style, etc? Also size 16W, need some advise. PLEEZ

[apricot]

Go to an expert to try the hats on and take your jacket of outfit with you. You don't necessarily have to buy the hat there. You could hire one when you know what suits you and is comfortable. Lots of standing around at weddings so dress from the feet upwards and make sure your shoes don't pinch.

[woofgang]

This does seem to be a good year for hats, my local debenhams and John Lewises have loads of different styles ands prices. Apricot is dead right, i would like to add, take your own usual summer style and up it one or two dressy notches, look at trousers suits if you are not a skirt person, stick to tailored if you are not a frills and flounces type...then as apricot says, choose the hat that goes. Rather than agonise about colour matching, go for a neutral coloured hat an add a flower, scarf or pin to go with your outfit. For inspiration, it might be worth flicking through one of the myriad bridal magazines that's out there. I bet the bride has a few she could lend you. Last thing is don't worry...you are invited, not your clothes!

[apricot]

Hi woofgang how are you? I suspect RTCoutts may be from the USA so john lewis and debenhams may be out of reach. Where are you RTCoutts?

[secretspirit]

Just make sure your dress is below the knee and made of a smart fabric i.e. fitted/tailored, not stretchy. And if you're having a patterned dress go for a simple hat or choose a simple dress to go with a more elaborate hat. At this time of year (depending on weather) you might want to wear either a matching tailored jacket or take a toning pashmina with you.

[secretspirit]

One other thing I forgot is that although people do it, it is a bit off to wear an outfit that is completely white (competition with the bride) or black (funereal).

[thewillow]

You don't HAVE TO wear a hat. 'Hat weddings' are aspirational nonsense.