What will Princess Catherine choose?

I am inordinately excited about what the newly invented Princess Catherine will wear for the Royal Wedding in just a few weeks time. There has been speculation that she will wear Alexander McQueen and because she is a modern princess I would love to see her in a label like this, known for it's drama. Yet I suspect that even if this bride ever had daring styling tendencies, they will have been dumbed down by a sense of decorum. I hope I am wrong.

To be fair there is so much choice for brides that I can only imagine how hard it is when it comes down to it. You can see my own favourite, multiple personality wedding style below.

Elegant waists...

Here, above, Brigitte Bardot in casual pink gingham Jacques Esterel and below, Dita von Teese in voluminous Vivienne Westwood. Both dresses rely on boning and structure to emphasise tiny waists and are endlessly flattering.

Lace and Edging

Nicole Kidman (above) wore Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga for her wedding. The dress was delicately detailed, and it's turn of the century style sleeve was reminiscent of Tess of the d'Urbervilles. The exquisite lacework of another dress I am in love with belonged to the original Queen of Hearts, Grace Kelly. First and foremost a silver screen icon, her dress was aptly designed by MGM designer Helen Rose.

A modern legend in bridalwear design, Vera Wang, was the chosen designer of the dress for Avril Levigne's wedding in 2006. From the scalloped edges in Grace Kelly's veil to those on the bodice and skirt of Avril's dress you can see how mastery of an elegant detail like this can soften the image of even the most tomboyish.

Tailoring

I am most enamoured by this outfit. It reminds me so much of Ossie Clark's pattern-cutting that I can hardly believe he didn't design it himself. In fact this was a Mainbocher creation. The label also designed a further 66 pieces in the wedding trousseau which were accessorised with Schiaparelli and Chanel. Lucky girl!

Bianca Jagger married Mick Jagger in a sharp, white Yves Saint Laurent suit that although eminently stylish can only be pulled off by the slimmest bride. Daring in her omission of a top!

I think the only approach is to adopt what I call 'The Elizabeth Taylor Principle' - have lots of weddings, chose a totally different look every time! I wonder what Princess Catherine would say to that. But then, I think I might know that already.

Elizabeth Taylor wears an Irene Sharaff shift dress (Sharaff was the costume designer on Taylor's 1963 film Cleopatra).

Going Ballistic

Amy Westcott's costume design in Black Swan (Rodarte only collaborated in the design of the tutus) artfully taps into a childhood fantasy of being in a ballet corps; of behind-the-scenes stretches in layers of scooping jersey, shrugs, and leggings. As Westcott found in researching these modes amongst New York dancers, these are not however mere nostalgic notions. The clothing is very functional. It protects, it accentuates, it flatters, it warms and it is easily de-layered as the body warms up.

Where am I going with this? Well, I'm thinking of anyone who wants to get straight into the UGGs and pyjamas after a hard days work. I am thinking there might be a way to feel comfortable and keep warm without abandoning all hope of remaining attractive or indeed presentable.

Staple look, all Swans: scoop-back leotard by handmade dancewear designer Yumiko - as worn by Mila Kunis in the movie and grey/black cropped leggings (Topshop or any).

For the Black Swan.

Above: I know it's super pricey but I am including this Rick Owens grey top (£820 at Net-a-Porter) as an idea. Lovely, much cheaper option available at M&S online for £19.50.

Ballet pumps at French Sole (£85) or get the real thing at Repetto. Both super comfy for padding round.

For the White Swan

Above: Expensive dream option by Vivienne Westwood: Anglomania £185 at Net-a-Porter. For a more pocket friendly option how about the sale price All Saints Clio top (with built-in layering) £26 down from £65.

Above: Splendid waterfall-front cardigan also at Net-a-Porter £79.

Or look up the All Saints Jerry Wrap Top for £60.

For the Duplicitous Swan in all of us; the beauty of this look, Mix and match.