Q. Hi Darren, my daughter is getting married in late September and I need some help with the mother of the bride outfit. I am a tiny 5ft, 7 stone, quite petite, and usually wear casual clothing. I like vintage dresses and am fairly quirky. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than wearing what seems to be standard mother of the bride dress and bolero ensembles. I am fairly flat chested so tend not to do low necks. I would appreciate your advice on clothing suggestions. Thanks a million, Saramai

A. Taking inspiration from vintage styles offers a great choice for a lady of your petite proportions. This 50’s style floral print prom dress from the Asos Salon collection (€192.30) is a covetable piece that ticks all the boxes. The bold autumnal floral print is spot on for a September wedding. What’s more its wide square neckline combined with the fitted paneled bodice and high cut waistband will accentuate your curves without drawing undue attention to the chest. The gathered pleat skirt flares out into full midi-length and is complete with layered tulle underskirt. A stand-out piece that will have you looking anything but run of the mill as far as mother’s of the bride go. Keep accessories to a minimum but if you’re feeling it go for maximum effect with some full-length gloves. Alternatively go for something more low-key but just as elegant such as this navy pearl trim dress by Philip Lim (€540) or for a more subdued floral print from MaxMara (€620, Brown Thomas). Both have a high neck and are exceptionally cut to make the most of your shape.

If you indulge in a new coat this year, let it be camel. Camel is perhaps the most luxurious of neutrals and has appeared on the Autumn/Winter catwalks of MaxMara, Chloe and Philip Lim.

It’s not unusual in times of recession for fashion to turn back to basic, investment pieces. Camel coats were on last Winter’s catwalks and they’ve continued into this year. To be bang on trend opt for a double-breasted military style or a cape. Or for a camel that won’t date, go for a more traditional, gently draped, three quarter length. Textured fabrics like cashmere look best.

To wear it well your ensemble should be sophisticated, at Chloe and Gucci the camel coat was teamed with tailored trousers and the result was very polished and grown-up. It can be paired with nearly every colour, especially black, which adds to its appeal as an investment buy. If you shop wisely, you’ll have a wardrobe staple that will last you for years.

By Katie Prior

Harvey Nichols Dundrum presented their spring summer offerings with a fabulous concept fashion show styled and produced by Paula Hughes on Thursday last.

The scene was set when invited guests were ushered, champagne in hand, to a warehouse-style venue hidden in the basement of the store. Ultra-violet lighting, a paint splattered run-way and Auguste-faced clowns (aptly named Hilarious Hank!) provided the setting for a multicoloured circus concept show. Designs by Sonia Rykiel, D&G, Vivienne Westwood, See by Chloe, and Alexander Mc Queen strutted down the catwalk. My favourites came in the form of Amanda Wakeley, Philip Lim and the queen of digital prints Mary Katrantzou.

Kudos to the team at Harvey Nic’s who didn’t ignore the men in the audience and presented some pretty slick menswear looks from Diesel, Dsquared2, D&G and the super cool ‘Elvis Jesus emerald Miami Vice’ t-shirt exclusive to Harvey Nichols.

More images after the cut

German designer Jill Sander is the latest big name to create a collection for Uniqlo which is due to see its first release this autumn/winter 2009-10, having signed a deal to act as creative director of the Japanese retailer earlier this year.

Uniqlo has collaborated in the past with high profile designers, including Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim. Jil was somewhat a surprising choice, given her trademark palette is quite the opposite of Uniqlo’s famous paint box range of colours.

A first look at the line shows Sander’s trademark minimalistic aesthetic is definitely the basis of the collection with the overall style being decidedly minimalist, featuring streamline, straightforward basics for both men and women. For what is usually such a fun, colourful brand, I find this collection very safe, quite boring and overall a disappointing result.

+J collection for Uniqlo is due to hit stores in October.

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