When shopping for a fashion-forward wedding guest outfit, your first thought probably isn’t to head to John Lewis.
Perhaps if you’re the mother of the bride or are in need of a fail-safe floral dress. But a chic and luxurious occasion outfit? Less so.
The middle-class stalwart has made serious strides in recent years when it comes to casual style. But it still tends to fall down on occasionwear.
That’s why John Lewis Editions, a new 27-piece formal collection that launches today just in time for the summer rush, is such an interesting move.
The John Lewis Editions collection shows the retailer wants to up its fashion game (top, £79, skirt, £79, shoes, £65, all John Lewis; bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer)
Prices range from £79 to £299 (dress, £149, and earrings, £45, John Lewis; shoes, £35, Marks & Spencer)
The clothing is designed with fashion-conscious women in mind (top, £129, and trousers, £95, John Lewis; shoes, £269, LK Bennett; bag, £215, Lulu Guinness)
It’s further proof that the retailer wants to up its fashion game, following two capsule collections with contemporary London brand A.W.A.K.E. MODE in the past year.
And John Lewis has also added stylish labels such as Mint Velvet, Nobody’s Child and Sister Jane to its offering, a welcome breath of fresh air.
These new pieces are designed with fashion-conscious women in mind – think loose, draped silhouettes, bold jewellery, cool suiting and silk separates.
But what will your average John Lewis shopper make of it? I suspect some will feel left out of the party.
John Lewis Editions will be stocked online and in ten of its 36 stores (top, £79, skirt, £79, and earrings, £35, all John Lewis; shoes, £269, LK Bennett; bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer)
The line is very pale and expensive-looking, and includes the shade of the season – butter yellow (blazer, £249, and trousers, £149, John Lewis; earrings, £15.99, Mango)
John Lewis Editions will be stocked online and in ten of its 36 stores. Clothing prices range from £79 to £299 – the top end of that reflects the fact that some pieces are 100 per cent silk. Still, it feels pricey and it’s worth remembering silk won’t be forgiving on a humid day.
And if you’re after bold brights or ultra-feminine prints, you won’t find them here. It’s all very pale, expensive-looking muted tones, including the shade of the season, butter yellow.
Prints take the form of subtle abstract florals such as this dreamy co-ord (pictured left).
The middle-class stalwart has made serious strides in recent years when it comes to casual style (dress, £299, John Lewis; shoes, £210, Bobbies; bag, £29.50, M&S)
It still tends to fall down on occasionwear, however (dress, £249, shoes, £85, bangles, £25 each, John Lewis; bag, £110, LK Bennett)
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My standout look is the lilac set, which nails the balance between pretty and practical (right). The A-line skirt creates a flattering silhouette and the sheer panel adds a modern edge. Plus, the top will pair perfectly with smart trousers. Although, like many of the beautiful, floaty silhouettes in this collection, if you prefer your arms covered, you’ll need a jacket.
White also features heavily, after it was on many of the Spring/Summer catwalks including Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham (avoid if you’re going to a wedding, of course). The one-shoulder white floaty dress (above, third from left) hangs effortlessly and is a great length with flat shoes.
If you’re after chic summer suiting, then the silky, butter yellow suit (above, fourth from left) is more wearable. It’s all about the details – a tie-waist on the jacket and a side-panel on the trousers.
There’s jewellery, too – gold and silver pieces in bold shapes that pair well with the drapey dresses and are bang on trend. The £45 oversized abstract earrings are similar to a Bottega Veneta style adored by A-listers. Or if you prefer something more minimalist try the £35 delicate teardrop pair instead.
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