What to wear to a wedding? A rummage in a vintage clothing boutique is a good place to start...

The last thing you want to encounter at a wedding is somebody else wearing the same dress - yes, we know, the horror. Thankfully, you can circumvent any possible embarrassing situations by forgoing the high street altogether and heading straight for your local vintage vendor, where you'll find an array of secret gems that are simply begging for another day in the sun. However, the thought of rummaging through rails of secondhand garments can be enough to send even the most experienced of shoppers into a cold sweat, especially with the added pressure of knowing it'll be seen by dozens of your nearest and dearest - in other words, there's no room for error. Our advice is to arm yourself with these handy tips to ensure you'll end up looking less 'hobo' and more 'hottie', and bag yourself a retro bargain in the process.



1.    Firstly, never go into a vintage store with a specific style in mind; if you're after that perfect Chanel LBD circa 1960, you're more than likely to come away disappointed and empty-handed. Likewise, try not to restrict yourself to a certain era; yes, we know you love those floaty boho frocks so loved in the '70s, but you might just find a knock-out '90s number that suits you way more.



2.    This leads us onto our next tip. Always, always, ALWAYS, try on everything before writing it off. Even if the colour isn't what you'd usually go for or the style looks 'mumsy' on the hanger, you can never really tell until it's on your body. Take in a selection of loves, maybes and even some hates because you never know where that vintage surprise may be hiding.



3.    Sizing is also an important issue when shopping vintage because it's changed significantly over the years, and it's crucial to remember this when looking at the tag. You might be a 10 in Topshop now but your retro size is more likely to be a 12 or even a 14 depending on which decade you're buying from and where it's been manufactured. Don't let it cloud your judgment or turn you off that fabulous '50s tea dress with your name on it, because, at the end of the day, size is just a silly number.



4.    Okay, so you've found your dream dress and you're delighted. You get home and hold it up against yourself when... 'hmmm, what's that unusual odour that seems to emanating directly from my new (to me) purchase!' Yes, vintage is old and old stuff stinks. It's a fact but one not worth panicking over because most smells can be eradicated quite easily - some fabrics can be soaked in a gentle detergent (a splash of vinegar helps too) or, to be on the uber-safe side, send it to the dry cleaner for a thorough once over.



5.    Lastly, keep it simple. Wear one central vintage piece at any given time to avoid looking like you've just rocked up at a fancy dress do and not some sophisticated nuptials. Offset any retro-induced meltdowns with a pair of bang on trend designer heels or the latest 'It' bag that says 'I may be wearing a '30s gown but I still know my seasons'.



And there you have it. A handful of ways to shop vintage, stay classy and ensure your ensemble remains wedding appropriate, all whilst maintaining that desirable fashion edge. What are you waiting for then? Go forth and thrift!



Cornwall is home to a wonderful array of vintage boutiques and, when photographer Emma Griffin discovered Daisy Potter Vintage Clothes in Hayle, she was inspired to put together this photo shoot. "It's such a pretty little store jammed packed with romantic lace and soft natural colours as well as '40s and '50s prints and colour-pop," she says. "There's a range of decades to fall in love with; it's like being a little girl again with a dressing up box!" These outfits will ensure you're the belle of the wedding guests.







Hair Jo Innis joanne.mcginnes@yahoo.co.uk
Make-up Sally Orchard www.cornwallmakeupartist.co.uk
Fashion Daisy Potter Vintage Clothes www.daisypottervintageclothes.co.uk
Models Crystal Lily, Stephy Cattran-Robinson
Photography Griffin Photography www.griffin-photography.co.uk

photography Griffin Photography
words Aine Carlin

Copyright Wed magazine 2014