April May 2014 April.May 2014 2 | Page 38

what’s on: fashion & beauty what’s on: fashion & beauty wedding style for grooms We’re talking wedding style with our resident celebrity style expert and stylist, Danit Levi of DressYourWay Style Consultancy. Danit has noticed a change over the years with regards to the interest men take in fashion; an increasing number want to look stylish and it follows that this will be of paramount importance on their wedding day. Men are becoming more aware of how they want to look and feel in general and on their wedding day in particular. Whereas in the past it might have been the bride-to-be that will get in touch on his behalf, now they get in touch by their own accord. The first thing to decide on is what type of dresser you are: relaxed, contemporary or classic. Then – and discuss this with your partner - what is the style of the wedding? Is it a formal affair, summer wedding, garden party or a day on the beach? Knowing what kind of party it is and whether or not you will want to wear it again will make your choice of garment and price range a lot simpler. Then you can direct your attention to the easy task of choosing between a tuxedo, dinner or morning suit, summer white, vintage or kilt. For a tuxedo, I recommend opting for jet black with a white shirt, a different colour of waistcoat and a bow or cravat to match the colour scheme. A dinner suit is less formal so invest in some details like lapels, one button instead of two and add a pocket detail. For a morning suit choose tweed, and for colour, soft charcoal, maroon or granite green, depending on the season and location 38 informededinburgh.co.uk of the wedding. If you’re going for tweed opt for Harris or another good quality make so it will last you a lifetime. A summer suit looks best in soft creamy white and avoid linen as it creases and will look untidy in the photos. A summer wedding is a great opportunity for colour, soft creams or duck-egg blue, a loose fit and open neck shirt. For the ever-popular kilt, many opt for family tartan and if it is a contemporary look you are after, consider a black shirt and socks instead of white. Ask yourself if you could push conventions a little since most complexions look better with black than white. “If you’re going for tweed opt for Harris or another good quality make so it will last you a lifetime.” Keep in mind too that a well-made suit or kilt is a sound investment and can be worn again. Long gone are the days when the groom’s outfit was packed away after only one day’s wear. A quality kilt is a timeless look and lasts a lifetime and it’s perfectly acceptable to wear it again, at friends’ weddings, christenings and ceilidhs, perhaps matching it up with a different shirt or socks. Once you’ve decided on the style of outfit, discuss the number of ‘sidekicks’ you have, the flowers you want and if there is a preference for a particular colour. In Scotland where kilts are the safer ‘go to’ option, it would be nice to have a hint of the tartan colour scheme in the cravats, bowties or ties you are wearing and in the lapel flowers. Once you know the answers to these, it will be easier to dress the groom’s men and ushers. The key thing to remember when dressing your party is to either go for a completely different look for them or, if you opt for something similar, choose the same fabric. And it is not enough to say everyone will wear a grey suit, for example, as there are a multitude of grey shades which all together will look untidy. Next, think about how the outfit will look in photos. From this point on it is all about the fit and less about the function, so invest in good quality fabric to get the best silhouettes. Think shoes and accessories which include braces, a cummerbund, neck ties, belts, socks and eyewear and make sure you try it all at least once before your big day. A void dark hues in summer, white on white and heavy brogue shoes unless worn with a kilt. So where to shop around for outfits? For bespoke or contemporary kilts head to 21st Century Kilts in Edinburgh, or Alexander McQueen (available at Harvey Nichols) for quirky and modern. High street brands to explore include Reiss, Jeff Banks at Debenhams, Zara and Topshop. The look that is taking over for the next season is a clean and simple cut, soft shades of pastels - think macaroons - but I think it will take a little longer to reach Scotland. They are a bit more reserved in general and will opt for a soft light grey or blue before lemon yellow and pink. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen | 07595220049, 01224 620862 | www.dressyourway.com informededinburgh.co.uk 39 informededinburgh.co.uk 35