Knowing what to wear for a Summer wedding when it actually feels like Summer can be tricky. Staying cool and composed isn’t easy in a heatwave, and by UK standards it’s been really hot. We travelled over to my mum’s in Cambridgeshire at the weekend for a family wedding reception at the beautiful Wadenhoe House in nearby Oundle. Although it had cooled down considerably by the time we arrived in the evening, it was still very warm. I didn’t want to wear anything tight that would make me feel even hotter, so I chose my Max Azria draped one-shoulder dress. Strictly speaking, I suppose it’s not really a one-shoulder dress because it has a spaghetti strap, but it’s near enough.
This is one of those dresses that I always feel good in. The draping accentuates the waist and skims over the hips, finishing at knee, which is my preferred length. Maybe part of the reason I love this dress so much is because it conjures up happy memories of going to the Moulin Rouge on my 40th birthday trip. I even chose the same shoes and clutch, although the platform on them made walking on grass rather perilous. I managed not to fall in a bush though, even after a few glasses of wine!
Max Azria dress (old) | Asos studded clutch (old, similar) | KG by Kurt Geiger shoes (old, similar) | Merle O’Grady ring (this one from Asos is a great budget alternative) | Azuni bangle
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A one-shoulder dress is a very elegant option for keeping cool, without flashing too much flesh, but not everyone is happy exposing their arms. My mother-in-law doesn’t like wearing sleeveless dresses because of her “bingo wings” – her words, not mine! Similarly, my mum insists on having her arms covered, but this is because she has a fistula for dialysis. I don’t think she should be self-conscious about it – after all, it’s helping to keep her alive, but I understand that she’d rather cover it up. I can take no credit for the gorgeous blue lace dress she’s wearing – she chose it herself, as well as the accessories. The flared sleeves are very on trend, while the sheer lace provides coverage without getting too hot.
Mum had been there all day and looked as fresh as a daisy when we arrived in the evening, which was impressive considering it had been in the high 20s. We don’t get to see each other very often these days, so when we do, I love to grab a photo. Isobel got to wear her favourite sequin dress and have a dance with the bride, which made her evening! It was wonderful to meet up with family members – some I hadn’t seen for years – and the location was stunning. Happy memories 🙂
Mum’s outfit: Joanna Hope lace dress | River Island bag
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Linking up with: The Saturday Share, Visible Monday, #iwillwearwhatilike, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesday, Color and Grace, Fancy Friday, Style Swap Tuesdays, Spread the Kindness, Confident Twosday, Red, White & Blue Link Up, Friday Faves, The Blended Blog, Thursday Moda, Top of the World Style, Fabulous Friday, Midweek Inspirations, Weekend Wear, Fun Fashion Friday, Flashback Fashion Fridays, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fine-Whatever, Thursday Fashion Files, Passion4Fashion, Fab Favorites, Fashion Friday, Oh, Hey Girl!, Style on the Daily
Wow, Emma! What a gorgeous dress. I love the print and the one shoulder style on you. It is super sophisticated and chic! Really great look, my friend.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you Shelbee! 🙂
Great dress qnd accessories- love the ring! It sounds as if it’s currently hotter back home than it is here in Greece. The irony!
Thanks Gail! Yes it was a scorcher!
That dress is perfection on you Emma!! And how cute to include a photo of the family!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie 🙂
That’s a gorgeous dress, Emma.I love anything floaty and fluid like this. Isn’t it hot!! xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Thanks Laurie! It was so hot…we’re just not cut out for it in the Uk!
You look positively divine, Emma. And at first glance, the studs of your clutch are laid out in such a tribal motif 🙂
Thanks so much Sheelah!
This dress is beautiful! I need a dress for a big fashion show in Seattle that I am attending in July and this would be perfect! I love the colors, design and style and how it really compliments your hair color! So pretty! Peace!
Cheryl Tucker
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Thanks Cheryl! The fashion show sounds very exciting!
Sexy!!! You wear that dress with grace! Fabulous! And that ring is fantastic too.
Thanks Nancy!
First off , Emma your haircut looks so stunning! I have been considering a new hairstyle, but I always chicken out. I am just going to try some pretty updos for summer as it is hot here too! Love the print and style, the one shoulder s sexy and elegant. The clutch’s tones go perfectly! Sounds like you had a lovely time too. Your mom looks lovely in blue!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you Jess 🙂 I was so overdue a haircut. I’ve had the same hairdresser for 17 years! She lives near my mum so I have it done when I go to visit. It’s not always practical to wait so long but I can’t bring myself to go anywhere else!
Your hair, it looks fantastic shortened, Emma. Sounds like a great wedding where all three of you including your mom and Isabel had fun and all three looked fabulous too. I love the asymmetric dress on you and that studded clutch matches it perfectly! =)
Thank you Ada xxx
Emma I love reading your blog, and love your style, but how can you really be forty something??!! You look sooo young!.
That dress is pure elegance, I think you look super in it. How lovely to spend time with your family, I can feel the love coming through your blog for your family. xx Many thanks for sharing this Emma, and for the link up. xx Jacqui
mummabstylish
Thank you so much Jacqui, what a lovely thing to say 🙂 I had it drummed into me from a young age to wear SPF by an older cousin. I saw her at the wedding for the first time in years and she still looks so young so I guess that proves that sunscreen really does work!
I can see why you love that dress, it is so pretty!!!
Thanks Stephanie!
Love this dress on you – really flattering colour and style for you.
Thank you Imogen!
Absolutely Stunning!!! Oh how I love that print and fit!! So Fabulous!!
Thank you Andrea 🙂
OH wow! You look absolutely stunning. That dress is GORGEOUS!!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Thank you Suzy!
Wow – beautiful dress and hair! Thanks for linking up to Vis Monday, xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti!
Beautiful dress my dear! I know exactly what you mean about trying to stay cool in the heat. Here in Texas August is the hottest month and I stay cool by eating tons of ice chips lol! Keeps me cool when I’m out and about. Thanks for sharing:)
Thank you Trina! We’re really not used to very hot weather in the UK so we struggle to cope…same with very cold weather and snow!
Beautiful dress and it you look great wearing it.
Nora
Thank you Nora 🙂
“Bingo Wings”! She sounds fabulous. And you look fabulous! I haven’t tried the one bare shoulder yet, but I this look so elegant. Now I wonder if I have a place to wear it…hmmm. To keep cool in the summer, I pick as light of a material as possible without being to sheer. I know this doesn’t work for every occasion, but where I can…Thank you for linking up with Thursday Moda. It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat with so many beautiful ladies.
Thank you Chrissy! So glad you stopped by 🙂
Ok, you look STUNNING!!! Love this dress on you and your hair and makeup are flawless! Looks like a beautiful wedding !
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thank you Elise xxx
This dress is a great choice for you. It flatters you skin and hair tone. Great styling with the clutch. You are at risk to outdress the bride. LOL. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style party!
Thanks Nicole!