It’s the most glamorous time of the year: Wedding Season is about to kick off with Meghan and Harry’s high-profile royal nuptials and the stars of the stage and screen are currently lighting up the Cannes Film Festival. If you are searching for a red-carpet-ready wedding guest outfit, look no further – M&S have got you covered with styles to suit all tastes, figures and budgets. And, if you enter our fabulous competition, you could WIN the first prize of a £200 M&S gift card plus a £200 donation to your good cause, or one of the 3 runner-up prizes of a £50 M&S gift card plus a £50 donation. It’s a wedding win-win!
Marvellous Midi
The midi is big news this year, with an emphasis on vibrant primary colours and eye-catching patterns. A cinched waist is always elegant, while an asymmetric hemline – as seen on Julianne Moore at Cannes – adds a cool modern twist. M&S have put together a bang-on-trend collection of midi dresses – check out the Colour Block Midi Dress or super-cute Petite Floral Bodycon Midi (both £45).
Perfect Maxis
Maxi dresses are available in a huge variety of styles, so whether you’re an apple, a pear, or a rectangle, you’re guaranteed to find a fabulous frock to flatter your figure. At Cannes, Cate Blanchett showcased a luscious lace design, while Carey Mulligan opted for a striking floor-skimming style with severe architectural pleats. M&S stocks a range of en-vogue maxi dresses with a variety of necklines, colourways and sleeves – click on their Multiway Strap Maxi (£49) for a super-wearable outfit reminiscent of the gorgeous Grecian inspired gown worn so well by Romee Strijg.
Sassy Shift and Swing
A shift or swing dress is a great choice for a wedding, taking you seamlessly from ceremony to an evening on the dancefloor. The classic shift silhouette is often associated with Audrey Hepburn but is still just as relevant today – as confirmed by Elle Fanning at Cannes. Be sure to pick the right shape to enhance your figure – bigger busts suit a deep scoop or v-neck, while an A-line cut will skim larger hips in the most flattering way. If you like to emphasise your waist, select a swing style – the M&S Cotton Blend Lace Swing Dress (£59) ticks all the boxes, and comes in wedding-friendly colours red, blackcurrant and teal.
Jaunty Jackets
A well-cut jacket or blazer completes a wedding outfit and is an investment piece you’ll come back to again and again over the years. The M&S Collection Double Breasted Gold Button Jacket (£49.50) is a perfect pick – and because of its timeless styling, it won’t date. Or, to add some edge to a floaty floral frock, opt for the Cotton Rich Single Breasted Blazer (£69). Available in a range of colours, this little number will look equally great with skinny jeans once wedding season is over.
Cool Trouser Suits
Cate Blanchett was papped heading out to dinner at Cannes in a stunning yellow trouser-suit, and this is a look you can certainly make work for a wedding with a little help from M&S. If, like Cate, you love canary brights, check out the M&S Autograph Linen Rich Coat & Trousers Suit Set (£154) or stand out from the crowd in the Floral Print Ruched Blazer (£59) and matching trousers (£35).
Marvellous Millinery
Your headwear needs to compliment the rest of your outfit, so it should be the last thing you buy. M&S have embraced all the latest headwear trends with their traditional Big Rose & Mesh Wide Brim Hat (£89), their 1920s-inspired chic Pillbox Bow Fascinator (£39.50) or their simple but very pretty Flower Clip Fascinator (£9.50).
Stylish Shoes
The perfect wedding shoes tread a fine line between elegance and comfort. If you’re wearing a shift/swing dress, you can’t go far wrong with a classic court à la Chloe Sevigny – try the lovely Leather Stiletto Heel Pointed Court Shoes (£39); maxi dresses cry out for a strappy metallic sandal such as the gorgeous Stiletto Heel Glitter Sandals (£39); while shorter dresses look cute with a wedge or platform heel. Top tip: a nude shade will really elongate your legs.
For your chance to win a £200 M&S gift card plus a £200 donation for your good cause, or one of the 3 runner-up prizes of a £50 gift card plus a £50 donation, simply click through to the M&S competition page whilst logged in to easyfundraising. Good luck!