Ask an Expert: Fashion

I'm getting married this year, and my mother is in a dilemma over her outfit as she really hates hats (and has a large head). Any ideas?

To be honest, I'm not much of a hat fan myself, so I understand how she feels! Tell your mother she doesn't have to wear anything on her head - as long as she looks gorgeous in an appropriate outfit with beautifully done hair, she'll look absolutely fine. Read more

I'm going with red bridesmaids, but don't know what colour to use as an accent colour - I don't want to use red or white. What do you think?

I really adore a plummy purple with red - I think it's a fabulous combination. But there are lots of other gorgeous options too - you could go with yellows and/or oranges, or even for a bit of a clash and go with pink (sounds terrible but can work... Read more

I've got a very definite idea about the kind of wedding dress I want to have, but I keep getting told I should try on other options. Is it a bad thing to have a definite dress idea??

I would definitely try to find and try on that dream dress you have in mind, but the other advice is good advice - you won't actually know the most flattering gown for your body shape until you try on different wedding dresses, and sometimes brides find... Read more

What do you think the most cutting edge thing is in bridal fashion at the moment? I want to go with something new and different.

Actually, I'd probably say laser or die cut lace would fit that bill - designers are getting some amazing patterns and textures into gowns that can't be achieved using regular lace. Read more

I love peplums and want one for my wedding dress, but I get married in two years time and am worried they won't be fashionable anymore! What do you think?

Peplums are still appearing on catwalks both bridal and regular, so I think you're safe for the next couple of years. If you love it, wear it with pride - that's all that matters, at the end of the day. Read more

I went for my measurements in december, and tried on the gown in the shop with my bridal shoes. My dress was ordered one inch longer than it needed to be. Why should I have to pay when it is there mistake that it was ordered in the wrong length?

The main issue is that there's variation in the cutting of wedding gowns, and therefore some variation in length. It's much better if your wedding dress comes in and is too long (resulting in a hemming job) rather than being too short, which would require... Read more

My friend is getting married in Australia in February and I need to find a suitable bridesmaid dress to wear for the beach wedding. I am looking for something long but strapless in a burnt orange colour ideally. Any suggestions? Thanks very much!

Burnt orange sounds gorgeous. If you're looking for a close colour match, I'd probably go to Dessy as my first port of call - they supply a Pantone colour match service, and have many options in burnt orange that are both long and strapless. Read more

Are there any extra costs when buying a wedding dress?

You'll need to pay extra for any alterations required when you purchase a wedding gown, so budget for a bit extra on top of the cost of your gown. Read more

How much time should I leave myself to go shopping for my wedding dress?

Most bridal shops require six to nine months to get the dress made and delivered, and you also need a little time for fitting, so I'd recommend you go shopping 12 months before your big day. Read more

Can you take photos of gowns you try on in bridal shops?

Generally speaking, no, bridal shops won't want you to take pictures. It's not the bridal shop trying to be awkward - it's to stop copying. Read more