Wedding Guest Outfit | Vintage 1950s Dress and Novelty Paris Clutch

Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress, novelty clutch, hair chignon
If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen that I attended a wedding the other weekend.

My second cousin (once removed? I don’t know how that works) got married in Surrey, and we had the most beautiful September weather with all-day sunshine and warmth. Looking back I think it may have been the last day of summer in fact…!

It was a lovely, traditional white wedding with a church ceremony and reception in a gorgeous hotel and country club. I always love getting dressed up for a properly formal wedding and it was the perfect opportunity to wear the vintage 1950s dress that I bought on eBay a year ago (or was it two?) for the very first time. As a large chunk of my family were all travelling up from the South West, we decided to hire a huge (black) executive people carrier and turned up looking like the A-Team (minus the red stripe) which myself and the husband took turns to drive (there is a point to this story – do bear with me). As we didn’t want to drive for hours in our wedding togs we hung all our clothes in the back and left the house saying to each other ten times “Do you definitely have your SHOES and your CLUTCH and your JACKET”, etc. (a vintage 1950s dress worn with sneakers isn’t a good look, and my dad once forgot to put his suit jacket in the car when we went to a funeral).

Everything was fine until I got changed in the ladies of the pub we stopped off at nearby… only to realise I’d left the black belt I’d intended to wear with the dress at home. Not as bad as the time I brought just one left and right of two different pairs of shoes to a photo shoot [see no.18], but still incredibly annoying when you’ve worked out exactly how you want your outfit to look. One vintage dress, no cinched-in waist.

So I bring you my beautiful, sheer, vintage 1950s dress with the Paris novelty book clutch that I absolutely adore, the classic black heels (similar), long red nails to go with the 50s theme, hair up in a large low chignon (created with a hair donut) – and NO BELT.

It could have been worse: I could have left the underslip at home. A sheer dress with no slip at a church wedding doesn’t even bear thinking about πŸ˜‰

Have you ever had any public wardrobe malfunctions or forgotten items of clothing like me? I’d love to know what happened to you, do share in the comments…!

Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress
Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress, hair chignon
Wedding guest outfit: Novelty Paris clutch
Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress
Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress, hair chignon
Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress, novelty Paris clutch
Wedding guest outfit: Vintage 1950s patterned dress, hair chignon with pearls

Dress: Vintage, eBay | Shoes: Aldo | Clutch: Asos | Pearl necklace (worn in hair): c/o The Pearl Source| Sunglasses: c/o Lulus (similar) | Earrings: c/o Matalan | Watch: c/o Olivia Burton | Bracelets: F&F / Tiffany & Co | Nails: Max Factor Glossfinity ‘Red Passion’

Wedding party group selfie
The family group selfie, clockwise from front left: Me – my niece – the husband – another niece – my sister – my dad – my mum. Three blondes, two silver foxes, one silver vixen, one ginger nut ♥

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63 Comments

  1. 22 January 2016 / 12:07 pm

    I don't like pink but that dress is gorgeous and completely my style otherwise, pattern included. I'll be searching around in vain for something similar. I remember a wardrobe malfunction last summer when I wore a new dress to a theatre show which had managed to unbutton itself every 5 minutes. So lucky I had a kimono with me to wrap around my waist but I exposed my bra to everyone every 10 minutes so that wasn't much consolation

    https://matchamilady.wordpress.com/

    • 22 January 2016 / 12:52 pm

      Oh no, Selina, that must have been pretty embarrassing!!!! This dress really is my pride and joy – I'd love it even if it didn't fit me because I'd just want to look at it…! Thank you sweetie x

  2. 26 September 2015 / 2:56 pm

    IS it a surprise I love everything about this look? Romantic pale pink, love your hairstyle! I need to work my chignon and with the added pearls!! Love the clutch, so fun!! You look gorgeous my friend!
    Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish,com

  3. 21 September 2015 / 6:26 pm

    OMG this clutch is so so beautiful and I love the dress and every single detail in your look!
    It's perfekt!!!

    Greets from the EDELFABRIK Chrissie

  4. 20 September 2015 / 7:31 pm

    What a beautiful outfit. It looks stunning despite the missing belt!

  5. 20 September 2015 / 7:09 pm

    So pretty!! I always love a feminine look and you look gorgeous in this one!!

  6. 20 September 2015 / 6:21 pm

    Just to repeat what Greetje just said… the dress is perfect πŸ™‚ Actually I don't miss a belt at all. It is so your style and also perfect for the occasion. So glad the weather was nice and you were able to wear it without a jacket or coat.

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

  7. 20 September 2015 / 11:27 am

    Ohhhhh I am so much in love…. This dress is perfect. The clutch is cute… Oh the dress is perfect. Did I say that twice? I can repeat it endlessly.
    Greetje

    • 20 September 2015 / 12:28 pm

      Ohhhhhhhh Greetje bless you, thank you so much!! You can say it as much as you like… bit like me having it all this time without wearing it – I said it every time I saw it hanging in my wardrobe. Thought I was never going to get to wear it in the end, thank god I did!!! x

    • 20 September 2015 / 6:10 pm

      Now start wearing it more often. Take it on holiday. Get as much wear out of it as you can. With or without belt. Otherwise, if it is a size Large, send it over haha.

  8. 18 September 2015 / 8:35 pm

    So delicate and beautiful, Catherine! Even without the belt (although I know that would have made me crazy, too,) I am usually the one who remembers everything…my husband, on the other hand, almost always forgets to pack some essential piece of his Army dress blues when we attend formal events. And most of our formal events are military functions, so not only is this annoying for him when he forgets parts of his uniform, but he also gets reprimanded by superior officers! You'd think that would be enough incentive for him to remember!

    Although, once when I was traveling solo, my sandal broke on the airplane to the point that it couldn't be worn. All of my other shoes were in my checked baggage and I had to walk through Newark (New Jersey) International Airport in my bare feet to get to baggage claim for my shoes! Anyone who has traveled through Newark, NJ, knows that this is a daring and disgusting "feat" to accomplish! Ever since that happened, I always pack extra shoes in my carry-on luggage!

    • 19 September 2015 / 9:01 am

      Oh crikey Shelbee, what a story – I don't fancy going anywhere in public barefoot, but an airport sounds especially grim…! Plus your husband forgets essentials items for such an important uniform?!! Nooooooooo that's so naughty!! πŸ˜‰

      Thank you sweetie xx

  9. 18 September 2015 / 11:04 am

    So elegantly stunning, dazzling xx

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:37 pm

      MUAH Vicki thank you – love you, girl xx

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:36 pm

      Aww Victoria what a lovely thing to say, thank you so much! x

  10. 17 September 2015 / 3:08 pm

    Stunning, Catherine, absolutely stunning! Love the silhouette of your gorgeous vintage 50s dress! What a great find! I'm sure you were more than a little frustrated that you forgot the belt, but trust me, you look amazing in this dress even without it!

    http://marymurnane.com

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:36 pm

      Haha I turned the entire contents of the car inside out (and upside down) trying to find it, Mary… I thought I'd packed it but only found it when we got back home! But thank you so much for the lovely comments, you're a sweetheart x

  11. 17 September 2015 / 11:59 am

    You look absolutely beautiful and even though the dress would have looked great with the black belt, you really pulled it off without it. Truly stunning! And so wonderful that the weather was perfect for the special couple. I love weddings!!!
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:34 pm

      Aww Suzy thank you – my fears of it looking awful without the belt seem to be unfounded…!! And yes the weather was stunning. I took a jacket but didn't need it at all all day – a treat in the UK!

  12. 17 September 2015 / 4:58 am

    I always love attending weddings and giving me a reason to dress up πŸ™‚ This dress looks amazing on you and I love the hair accessory.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:33 pm

      I love them too for that reason, Alice…!!! ;)) Thank you sweetie x

  13. 17 September 2015 / 2:14 am

    Catherine! This look is precious! I love everything about it. Back when I used to have long hair, I used to put jewellery like necklaces and bracelets in my bun. So easy. I think my favorite part about this post though is the family pic at the end! What fun to see the important people in your life!

    Love,

    Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:32 pm

      Aww Ann thank you – you always have to get a group selfie in these days, don't you – though trying not to confuse 80-something parents about where to look is challenging, haha πŸ˜‰

      Thank you oh gorgeous one, I love the idea of putting more jewellery in my hair… something for me to think about!! x

  14. 17 September 2015 / 1:26 am

    I love the look belt less, it suits you so well! My husband is notorious for forgetting shoes. Once on a business trip with no dress shoes!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:30 pm

      Oh gosh it seems I'm definitely not the only one who forgets the essentials, Su-z! Thank you sweetie, I'm so glad you think the dress is fine as it s! x

  15. 16 September 2015 / 10:45 pm

    Forgot to add how lovely to see another Silver Vixen in your family snap!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:29 pm

      Oh course, yes! I hope my hair will be as beautifully silvery white as both my parents' barnets when I'm older ;))

  16. 16 September 2015 / 10:43 pm

    Love how you've picked out the detail of the pearl buttons on the dress with the earrings and the hair accessories. Oh, it's so frustrating when you leave things behind. Last year it was TallBrownFox who left his smart shoes behind for a wedding. Had to wear his trainers with his suit. Thank god they were dark coloured ones!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:28 pm

      Little details like that make it easy to accessorise, Jacqueline…!! And oh no to the trainers with your husband's suit… What a total nightmare! What on earth would you have done had they been white?!!!!!

      Thank you sweetie so much x

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:26 pm

      I have to admit I was holding onto it hoping that someone I knew would get married so I could wear it, Monica…!! Thank you x

  17. 16 September 2015 / 9:43 pm

    Ah I don't think my comment saved!!

    This dress is truly beautiful Catherine! Even though the belt detail was small, I know only too well how annoying these situations can be! Still though, I think the dress looks amazing as it is. I also adore your hair in this style, timeless and chic πŸ™‚

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:26 pm

      It's all about the details, isn't it Daniella…?!! Thank you my lovely, you're a sweetheart x

  18. 16 September 2015 / 7:43 pm

    You look awesome πŸ™‚ Amazing dress πŸ™‚

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:20 pm

      It was an amazing find, Bogi – hence me buying it ages ago with nowhere to wear it at the time! Thank you MUAH xx

  19. 16 September 2015 / 6:39 pm

    It's lovely and charming without the belt, and you look wonderful. Once when my luggage was lost I had to re-wear the previous day's outfit, with an airline promo tee shirt, ugh.

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:20 pm

      Aww thank you Patti, that's so reassuringly nice of you! Bad luck about the lost luggage, I always wonder what I'd do if that happened to me…!!

  20. 16 September 2015 / 6:32 pm

    Gorgeous dress Catherine! Love the family shot at the end x I actually forgotten anything of mine but I have on a couple of occasions messed up with the Hubby's packing πŸ™‚ mainly odd shoes or on one occasion no shoes at all πŸ™‚ xx

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:18 pm

      Oh no about the hubby's shoes, Gail!! Imagine if it were the other way round, I'm sure we'd have a fit at our husbands for forgetting our heels…! Thank you hun x

  21. 16 September 2015 / 5:48 pm

    It is a beautiful dress…but I do see why the belt would add some interest to the look! I used to take my workout clothes with me to work so I could go straight to the gym afterwards. Can I tell you how many times I had to workout in tennies with no socks? The time I forgot my workout shorts…I just had to go home—ugh!! But it'd be so boring if we were perfect all the time, right? jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:17 pm

      Oh gosh Jodie I've done that so many times myself – when I had an office job I used to run after work… the number of times I forgot my trainers and so had to abandon it!!

      Thank you my lovely for the kind comments! x

  22. 16 September 2015 / 5:45 pm

    What a pretty and romantic look. Pearls, chiffon, pleats, dreamy clutch….could it get more feminine?? I love how you have kept it out of "little girl" territory with those red nails and fabulous (aka: sexy) shoes. Proving that a low vamp and a cut-away (along the shank) really does make a HUGE difference to the look of a pump. Perfect!
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous

    p.s Your family selfie is lovely. I can see where you get your good looks and sharp sense of style!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:16 pm

      I love the cutaway of the shoes too, Samantha – hence me buying the same pair in nude (worn in Monday's post) – I think they're so flattering…! Thank you for the lovely comments sweetie, you're always so kind! x

  23. 16 September 2015 / 5:41 pm

    That's such a lovely dress!

  24. 16 September 2015 / 5:37 pm

    The wedding sounds lovely, and you look absolutely wonderful! Great hair, too!

    And, yes, I am great at forgetting essential elements of an outfit… πŸ™‚

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:14 pm

      Thank you lovely Andrea… You sound just like me with the forgetfulness!! x

  25. 16 September 2015 / 5:36 pm

    What a lovely outfit! I adore the fact that you chose vintage and how beautifully you styled this.

    One of my all time favourites of yours, no doubt.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:13 pm

      I think I always go for vintage as a first option so as not to run the risk of wearing a dress the same as someone else…!! Thank you Suzanne x

  26. 16 September 2015 / 5:26 pm

    Wow you look absolutely stunning. This has to be my favourite outfits of yours!
    Sophie
    x

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:12 pm

      Aww Sophie really?!! Thank you so much!!! xx

  27. 16 September 2015 / 5:18 pm

    I love the dress even without the belt!! As my styling teacher once said, belts cut the frame while the lack thereof elongates it! The color of the dress is beautiful and the bag is to die for!!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:12 pm

      Thank you Anna :)) That's very true, but the dress is just a tiny bit too big for me around the waist, and I felt better with it cinched in and matching the heels (the belt was black patent too). But never mind – next time!!

  28. Louise Brown
    16 September 2015 / 3:55 pm

    Love this look, that bag is so cute!

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:10 pm

      Thanks Louise, and I have to agree with you about the bag! x

  29. 16 September 2015 / 3:28 pm

    Absolutely wonderful, I love the dress.

  30. 16 September 2015 / 3:19 pm

    A true princess indeed. Your sister looks a lot like you and you both like your mum.
    So lovely
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 18 September 2015 / 4:10 pm

      Aww Sacramento thank you!! We're always told we look like our mum – and there's a third (just as similar) sister too, as well as my brother..!

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