Monochrome suits are making a big comeback and wearing them correctly head to toe can result in a super sleek look. Pairing formal and more casual pieces together is the #1 rule for this top trend.
Don’t forget about the little ones! You want them to look sophisticated and chic, but still age-appropriate. Outfits and accessories inspired by vintage style is the perfect way to do just that.
One trend we love is to dress the kiddies as mini versions of the bride and groom!
Dress your ring bearer in a cute tux that matches the colours of the groom’s tux or suit.
Have the flower girl wear an accessory that matches the flowers; hair clips, floral crowns and corsages are popular.
The 2019 trends are here, and we are so excited to see what the new year has in store! When it comes to bridesmaid dress styles, modern themes are taking over with new and fresh looks that will give your bridal party a total make-over.
1. ONE SHOULDER
We’ve seen the return of this trend in everyday wear, and can’t help but swoon over the sophisticated style it brings in a bridesmaid gown.
2. TWO PIECES
Stunning two-piece sets allow your bridesmaids to mix and match their looks to your theme. This choice adds a playful side to your bridal party and is suited to a summer wedding.
3. DRAMATIC SLEEVES
Tie, cap and flared sleeves are all taking the wedding fashion scene by storm with their cute and playful appearances. Whether it’s dramatic flair or a statement you’re after, you are sure to find a creative sleeve style to suit your theme and bridal party look.
4. VELVET
Velvet fabric creates a subtle sultry aesthtic that, when paired with jewel tones, lets your bridal party flourish like royalty.
5. ROYAL SHADES
The royal weddings of 2018 have set the standard for wedding trends this 2019. Rich and textured shades of emerald green, mustard yellow and ruby red are major statements this season.
6. MESH
Sheer overlays flowing to the floor give your bridesmaid dresses an air of romance and grace that is both feminine and flattering.
7. WRAP DRESSES
Classic and elegant, the wrap dress is a suitable option for all of your bridesmaids. If you’re planning your wedding for the spring of 2019, this look will fit your bridal party perfectly.
8. SHORT DRESSES
Short and tea-length dresses detailed with tulle and pleated skirts create a fun and playful look that is also chic and reminiscent of ’50s styles.
9. EMBROIDERY
The reincorporation of various textures into fashion has led to styles like embroidery being brought back in new and creative ways. Let this age-old method take over your bridal party look in a gorgeous update that is modern and elegant.
10. JUMPSUITS
Some bridesmaids will be skipping the dresses altogether in favour of sophisticated and modern jumpsuit styles. They’re comfortable, fashion-savvy and your bridal party can wear them past your wedding day.
Images: Pinterest
Step into the jungle for a style transformation of eye-catching colours, feathers, exaggerated skirts and fringes, and deluxe detailing, perfect for a tropical wedding.
Dress, Elbeth Gillis; earrings and ring, both Jangi
Dress, Anna Georgina; shawl, Kobus Dippenaar; earrings, Pichulik
Dress, Stefania Morland; ring, Jangi
Top, Janita Toerien; skirt, Ilse Roux Bridal Wear; necklace, Jangi
Bodysuit, Anna Georgina; skirt, Gavin Rajah
Top, Stefania Morland; skirt, Janita Toerien; earrings; Jangi; heels, Aldo
Dress, Elbeth Gillis; cape, Gavin Rajah; necklace, Jangi; arm cuff, Call it Spring
Dress, Gavin Rajah; rings, Jangi
Header image: Top, Zara; skirt, Elbeth Gillis; bracelet, Jangi
Fashion: Jodi Cohen
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
*All products subject to availability
Classic black dress shoes aren’t your only footwear option. Here are 5 wedding shoes for men to suit any attire. Keep things fresh by opting for a shoe in brown or grey instead of classic black.
1. BROGUES
A low-heeled shoe with sturdy leather uppers and perforated and serrated edges. These come in a variety of styles but the most popular is the semi-brogue, which features a decorative toecap.
2. LOAFERS
A slip-on shoe that often sports a tassel or leather strap across its upper (it’s then known as a penny loafer).
3. ANKLE BOOTS
Widely worn by both men and women, ankle boot styles range from shoe boots, which skim the ankle, to Chelsea boots, which fit closely around the ankle, and even boots that cover the lower part of the calf.
4. SANDALS
Open footwear with straps over the instep and sometimes also around the ankle. Not to be confused with the flip-flop, which is best reserved for other less formal occasions.
5. MONKS
Also called monk-straps, these dress shoes sport a buckle and strap instead of laces and can be found with cap toes, as brogues, and in both suede and leather.
Images: Pinterest
A bold suit, bright shirts and graphic accessories combine for wedding attire that’s anything but boring.
Shirt, Zara; jacket, CSquared; tie, Topman; tie pin, Robert Daniel
Shirt and trousers, both CSquared; jacket with lapel pin, River Island
Shirt, Robert Daniel; jacket and trousers, both CSquared; boutonnière, Fabulous Flowers; shoes, stylist’s own
Leo wears: Shirt, River Island; jacket, H&M; shorts, Zara; bow tie, Robert Daniel; lapel pin, CSquared; shoes, Call it Spring
Samuel wears: Shirt and shorts, both Zara; jacket, H&M; bow tie, River Island; lapel pin, CSquared; shoes, Tread+Miller
Leo wears: Shirt, H&M; jacket, CSquared; trousers, Topman; tie, River Island
Samuel wears: Shirt and trousers, both Topman, vest, CSquared; jacket, River Island; tie, stylist’s own; pocket square, Robert Daniel
Trousers, Zara; shoes, Tread+Miller
Fashion: Kim Mitha-Coe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
*Products subject to availability
Guys, want to look like a million bucks in an off-the-rack suit? Theo Ngobeni, the founder of Mr Slimfit, a styling service that caters to some of SA’s biggest stars, gives his six top tips on how to pick a suit off the rack and ensure it’s tailored to your exact specifications.
1. The suit jacket should always fit well on your shoulders as it is very difficult for a tailor to alter this part.
2. There are three kinds of hems you could opt for. The first is the no-break, where your trousers end just under the ankle bone. The second is the half-break, which is usually a half-inch hem. The full-break is an inch hem. If you’ve got a slim-fit suit, opt for the no- or half-break.
3. Most stylish guys want their jackets to have that flattering ‘V’ shape. A common mistake tailors make in trying to create this is to take in the jacket at the middle seam at the back. Instead, ask your tailor to take in the seams that run above the vents of a double-vent jacket.
4. The length of your jacket is critical. If it’s too long, the shape of the jacket can be compromised if it’s shortened. If it’s too short, it can look altered if it’s extended. To get this right, stand up with your arms stretched out at your sides and make a fist. Your jacket should end at the base of your fist.
5. If your jacket is slim-fit, your trousers need to be too. Ask your tailor to taper them using the inside seam.
6. Make sure the trousers fit well at the waist. If the waist fits comfortably but the trousers are too tight around your thighs, rather choose a waist size up. It’s much easier for a tailor to bring in the waist than to give you more breathing room around your thighs.
Fashion & styling: Kim Coe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/hsmimages.co.za
Considering that your wedding band should last a lifetime, it’s no easy task finding your perfect fit – especially if you’re a guy, or shopping for your beau’s ring. Here, our best advice to ensure you buy a ring to cherish forever.
1 It’s all about lifestyle and personality…
Before you even step into a store, ask yourself:
• Does your husband-to-be wear jewellery?
• What type of career does he have – is he a creative or a nine-to-five businessman?
• Is he flashy or does he prefer to stay under the radar?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of ring you should choose. If your guy frequents an office every day, chances are he already owns a number of other jewellery items so you can easily suss out his style, while if he works with his hands a lot, he might not want something that feels bulky on his hand or that looks overly complicated.
2 and value
So we all know that when it comes to a woman’s engagement ring and wedding band, no expense is spared. From the simple band bearing only a diamond to the ornately carved band encrusted with stones, the value can reach crazy heights. But for a men’s band, it’s all about practicality – something that’s durable and easy to wear – such as these three metals:
• Gold – the lower the karat, the more durable a gold band is. It seems so wrong but it’s actually true.
• Silver – the most common metal for grooms’ bands, silver looks masculine but isn’t as durable as gold.
• Titanium – Affordable and durable, titanium offers the best of both worlds and looks great too.
A special day deserves a special memento and his wedding band should tell a ton about who he is. If you’re still unsure, head to a high-end retailer or jeweller who can show you options depending on your guy’s personality and preferences.
TRY, main image: 9ct hand-made organic wedding band R12 000 (for white-gold), R11 000 (for rose gold), R11 500 (for yellow gold), all Afrogem; second image: 9ct white- and rose-gold Hand-hammered set with 0.10ct diamond R 27 900, Afrogem
Text Kim Mitha-Coe
Photography Afrogem
Old-world glamour never goes out of style – in fact, it’s called classic for a reason! Have your groomsmen add pocket squares to their suits to complement your bridesmaids’ dresses or even the decor! Use our handy little infographic to get that perfect fold.
Illustration Ryan Sedeman/HSMimages.com
Photography Olu Eletu/Unsplash
There’s nothing like a few vintage touches to complete your groomsmen’s look. With some attention to detail and few suave styles, they’ll look like the true and very dapper gentlemen they are. Here are five ways to pull off the look.
1 Waistcoats, suspenders and rolled up sleeves
Waistcoats, either as part of a three-piece suit or as an alternative to a jacket for a casual wedding, waistcoats add a great extra touch. As with the blazer or trousers, you can choose to match your suit or opt for a contrasting fabric, colour or pattern. Pair with a set of suspenders and rolled up sleeves for a more casual wedding, or with a great blazer for something more formal.
2 Old-school fabrics
Yes, we’re talking about velvet and tweed. This is a statement look not for everyone, but tweeds, houndstooth and plaid are fun and stylish. Channel your inner countryman by tweeding it up, or transport to centuries past by donning elegant velvet.
3 Pocket watches
There are few accessories for men (in comparison to women), but a pocket watch is just so charming and… vintage. What a great addition to a look, and will keep things running on time too – that’s if it still works.
4 Bow ties
Whether vintage themed or not, the bow tie is the epitome of chic for any gent. Fashionable since the 18th century, choose a fabric with a print, tweed or even sequinned for a smart look with a bit of fun.
5 Hats
Don the fedora, bowler or boater hat for a seriously smart look. It finishes the look off with stylish ease, and offers gents something a little different.
Photography Courtesy images