Communion and Confirmation days are important for mums too: Here's what to wear

Annmarie O’Connor thinks mothers should adopt a ’less is more’ approach to their communion and confirmation outfits. So be careful with necklines, hemlines and anything strapless.

Fri, 20 Mar, 2015 - 00:00

Annmarie O'Connor

As sartorial conundrums go, the question of what mothers should wear to a communion or confirmation most definitely ranks somewhere in the ‘Oh Holy God’ category.

Unlike its church-going peer ‘what to wear to a wedding’, the sartorial-sacramental balance for smallies’ rites require a far more delicate balance. There are several extenuating factors to bear in mind: Formal church dress etiquette, protective covering for outside photographs, public image (they are watching you), playing host to family and friends — let alone the prospect of enduring a bouncy castle experience. If you happen to be a sponsor, then a more pious effort is required on your part. Tough brief.

On these occasions, it would appear that caution is its own reward. The words ‘time’ and ‘place’ come to mind, as do ‘not’ and ‘neither’, especially when applied to plunging necklines, abbreviated hems, and any attempted state of straplessness. Your feet and ego will also thank you if you leave vertiginous heels at home and forego the prospect of an errant speed wobble. As for hats, the only ones wearing headgear should be eight year old girls in veils; this is not the Galway Races.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the options. Dresses boasting a mid-hem, three-quarter length sleeve, and comfy jersey fabric get my vote. Thanks to past and present progenitors from Victoria Beckham to Kate Middleton, this style solution has rolled out across high end and high street alike to great applause. Homegrown favourites include the likes of Luke Lovely, Fee G, and the eponymous duo Lennon Courtney at prices averaging from €190 to €240. Consider these your wardrobe heroes — easy-to-wear, easy-to-wash, easy-to-wear-again. If you’re a multi-tasking mother who is duty-bound to all and sundry, you’ll want a gúna that’ll get you through the day — and a few more after that. ‘Tis the season, after all, and getting bang for your blessed buck is always a bonus.

Not a dress devotee? How about trying a trending trouser suit? Think Katharine Hepburn, Anjelica Huston, and Lauren Bacall. These dames were the original pants practitioners and still stand head and shoulders above the others in the style stakes. Comfortable yet chic, this is one way to have your communion cake and eat it too. As for shoes, do the fashion maths. Subtract those hours wishing you were sitting from the potential hours spent standing. This is your personal heel capacity. For most of us, that means slippers. Given the occasion in question, perhaps look to a small- to medium-sized heel, ideally one with good arch support, for stress-free piggies. Wedges do the job nicely, as do the clever combination of block heels and square toes which occlude pinching and limping — win-win. That said, why not opt for the timely trend of fancy flats? A brightly coloured or bejewelled loafer are standard fare in multiples such as Zara and H&M; not to mention online retailer & Other Stories (soon to land in Dublin, hurrah!).

When it comes to bags, it’s best to apply the Little Red Riding Hood school of thought. Yours should be big enough to fit a lipstick, tissues, cameraphone, cards, cash, and keys, yet not so big that everyone else gives you their worldly belongings to haul around. Corporate bods call this capacity management; I call it being clever. Apart from trying to fit a bag the size of a battleship into a packed pew, it’s a surefire recipe for resentment. Let the others fend for themselves.

And when it comes to jewellery, less is always more. Choose one stand-out item (ideally something that won’t get caught in your child’s updo during a hug or a photo opp) and leave the house (pronto) before questioning your judgement. Handy hack? Bright colours make a savvy substitute for bling and baubles allowing you to stand out without overshadowing the main players of the day. No one wants to be confused with Mr. T — or the fool being pitied thereby. No, sir.

There you have it — a venerable guide to the next few Sundays of stylish celebrations. And remember: When in doubt, don’t. Going overboard on such occasions rarely comes with a life raft but does come with guaranteed camera flashes. Those photos are forever. Why take the risk?

RELATED: The diary of a Holy Communion mum

Visit our features section for more great feature articles like this one

Find more fashion and beauty tips over in our dedicated section

STOCKISTS

& Other Stories — www.stories.com

Asos — www.asos.com

Dune — Dundrum Town Centre 01-2169941; www.dune.co.uk; and other branches

Fabucci — www.fabucci.ie

Fee G — Siena Boutique 021-4638153; www.feeg.ie; and other branches

French Connection — Patrick Street 021-4251322; www.frenchconnection.com; and other branches

H&M — Opera Lane 021-4278086; www.hm.ie; and other branches

Lennon Courtney — Kilkenny 021-4226703; www.lennoncourtney.com; and other branches