While the bridal gown will usually be the sartorial focal point of any wedding (and rightly so), bridesmaid’s outfits are an important part of the overall aesthetic. As a bride, not only do you want your bridesmaids’ dresses to complement yours, you also want your BFFs to feel fabulous on your big day – and depending on the size of your bridal party, you’ll have several opinions to take into account. As with bridal gowns, bridesmaid trends come and go too, so what’s hot this wedding season? We asked fashion experts to run down the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends of the moment. Here’s what they had to say… 1. Sage green Six Stories Sage Halter Neck Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £120“Sage green is definitely the most popular colour for bridesmaid dresses this season,” says Lucy Menghini, founder of Six Stories. Following last year’s surge in deep green shades like emerald, now softer hues have come to the fore. “The good thing about sage green is that it can work all year round,” Menghini adds. “While it’s a beautiful shade for summer, the grey undertones make it a perfect pick for autumn/winter weddings too.” 2. Same shade, different styles Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear an identical dress or the exact same colour. “With this trend, bridesmaids can wear a variety of different shape and style dresses, which are tied together by being similar hues of the same colour, or a range of complimentary colours,” says Kirsty Keoghan, global general manager of fashion at eBay UK. “I love this trend because it promotes individuality and helps bridesmaids feel their most confident selves on the big day.” It makes shopping a whole lot easier too, adds Menghini: “It also allows the bridesmaids to have a say in what type of dress they find most comfortable and flattering.” 3. Classic black dresses Monsoon Beatrice Crepe Bardot Maxi Dress Black, £87.50 (was £125)While a black wedding gown might not be for everyone, contrasting the white or ivory bridal look with black bridesmaid dresses creates a modern, minimalist colour palette. “Many people are often intimidated by a set of black bridesmaid dresses, however this look adds elegance and finesse to any wedding,” says Menghini. “Black dresses are also perfect for those with large bridal parties, who are looking for different styles of dresses in the same colour, as you won’t have to worry about matching the shades.” 4. Pre-loved pieces “One trend we’ve seen boom is bridesmaids wearing pre-loved wedding attire, with 58% of newlyweds looking at ways to shop sustainably and 75% of couples getting married looking to keep the costs down,” says Keoghan. Occasionwear is perfect for shopping second-hand, because many garments have only been worn once so they’re in excellent condition (plus there might be big savings to be made). Bringing together dresses from brands like, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Ted Baker, eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub. Keoghan adds: “Bridesmaids can look to the hub to find unique options from the high-street, to high-end, that increase the lifespan of the dress, for a fraction of the retail price.” 5. Satin no more Traditionally, bridesmaid dresses often had a silk or satin finish, but recently there’s been a trend for different materials and textures. “In particular, velvet dresses have emerged as a front runner in autumn and winter weddings, as a fabric which adds a new layer of elegance and luxe to the bridal party, while also providing a bit of warmth for the person wearing it,” says Keoghan. “Taking it a step further, we expect to see more bridal party styling to feature dresses which are made from an array of fabrics, whether it’s velvet, lace or chiffon.” 6. Style over symmetry New Look Pale Grey Satin One Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress, £45.99“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,” Menghini says. “Perfect for summer weddings, the asymmetric shape is stylish and sleek and is such a flattering shape.” Also, multi-way maxi dresses are a stylish solution for bridesmaids – the ribbon ties can be fashioned into an asymmetric neckline. How should you style a one-shoulder dress? “Accessories can be pretty minimal, as the neckline is the star of the show,” says Menghini. “Steer clear of necklaces and stick with simple earrings, rings and a bracelet.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Experts share 8 healthy habits to help you live longer Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls George Alagiah: What are the signs of bowel cancer?

Eight habits that could help people live more than 20 years longer have been identified by researchers. While it’s long been known that certain lifestyle factors can influence lifespan, the American study isolated the eight factors that have the biggest impact – being physically active, being free from opioid addiction, not smoking, managing stress, having a good diet, not regularly binge drinking, having good sleep hygiene, and having positive social relationships. The research was presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, and used data from 719,147 people enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. It found low physical activity, opioid use and smoking were associated with around a 30-45% higher risk of death, while stress, binge drinking, poor diet, and poor sleep hygiene were each associated with around a 20% increase, and lack of positive social relationships was linked with a 5% increased risk of dying. Men who had all eight habits at age 40 were predicted to live an average 24 years longer than men with none of the habits, according to the findings, and women with all eight habits in middle age were predicted to live an extra 21 years, compared with women with none of the habits. Xuan-Mai Nguyen, health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said: “We were really surprised by just how much could be gained with the adoption of one, two, three, or all eight lifestyle factors. Our research findings suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for both public health and personal wellness. The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial.” The researchers say the findings highlight how lifestyle factors contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are associated with premature disability and death. How to embrace the eight healthy habits Inspired to give your own lifestyle a boost? “If making these small but mighty adjustments could help you to live for an extra 20 years, maybe it’s time to make those changes,” says life and wellbeing coach, Natalie Trice. She shares the following insights and tips… 1. Do more exerciseRegular exercise can help prevent a wide range of major diseases – plus it’s great for keeping stress levels in check. “Going for a walk, having a swim, running with friends, even just a good old dance-off in the kitchen can get your heartbeat up and those feel-good endorphins pumping – so get your trainers on and start moving,” says Trice. 2. Manage stressTrice suggests adopting simple stress-busting practices such as mindfulness meditation, and enjoying hobbies and sports. “These can profoundly impact overall wellbeing, as you bring your stress levels down,” she says. “This isn’t about pretending everything’s great, but rather looking at easy habits you can adopt that will take down the stress, which can lead to anxiety and burnout.” 3. Don’t smoke Quitting smoking is an essential step in improving health and potentially adding years to your life. Trice points out that while some people may think reaching for a cigarette takes the edge off their stress, there are healthier ways to cope. “Maybe going running or taking up yoga could be the release and focus you need, and one that will help you live longer, smell fresher and feel better,” she suggests. “Also, with the cost of cigarettes going up all the time, giving up will free up cash for the things in life that really need to be paid for.”If you are struggling to quit smoking, talk to your GP about options available to help. 4. Don’t binge drink“By cutting down on booze, you’re doing your body and brain a massive favour,” says Trice. “Drinking every night will impact your body and could affect your sleep and work performance. Enjoy life, but if you want to enjoy it for longer, then keep tabs on your drinking.” Official guidelines suggest drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent to six medium glasses of wine of six pints of beer), spread across at least three days. 5. Eat healthily Generally speaking, a balanced diet that’s rich in fibre, whole grains, fruit and veg and lean protein, with heavily processed and sugary foods kept to a minimum, is linked with better health. “We all know about eating five-a-day but doing this can be tough if you’re busy with family and work. If you can start to do this, you’ll feel better,” says Trice. “Focus on eating regularly and thinking about what you put in your body, so that it works for you, not against you.” 6. Don’t take drugsRecreational drugs can harm health in a number of ways. Trice suggests those affected start by speaking to a trusted friend or their GP, and “look at the support which could not only extend your life, but save it”. 7. Try to get good sleep Trice says: “It’s vital that we look at getting a decent night’s sleep, as this can help you feel so much better. Making sure you have a sleep routine in place can be helpful and can be as easy as having no screens in the bedroom, having a bath or shower before you hit the sack, as well as making sure the temperature is right and you have curtains to keep the light out in the mornings.” 8. Nurture positive social relationshipsTrice observes: “If you’re able to nurture a supportive network of friends, colleagues and family, this can lead to improved mental and emotional wellbeing and a longer life.” Lacking social connections? Look at local volunteering opportunities and community walks and groups. Making friends can take time, but even finding ways to regularly spend time and interact with others can help. 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After months of hype, Barbie is now in cinemas. It’s had arguably one of the best press tours of recent years – with star Margot Robbie dressed as a string of real-life Barbie dolls – and has sparked a craze for all things pink. From the hottest pink hues to saturated shades of red, rose and magenta, the latest style trend — coined ‘Barbiecore’ — is here to stay. Barbie is the latest example of a film influencing how we dress. Whether it’s glittering costumes or Nineties minimalism, film often uses fashion to dazzle – or even give inspiration for your own wardrobe. When it comes to fashion, some films are a cut above the rest — where the style or certain characters have become iconic for a reason. Here are some of the most fashionable movies to watch… 1. Breakfast At Tiffany’s, 1961 No discussion of fashionable films would be complete without a mention of Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Hubert de Givenchy created the iconic black dress for Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, which she wore with strings of pearls and chic black sunglasses. With Hepburn’s sleek bouffant and a long cigarette holder perpetually in hand, Breakfast at Tiffany’s shows that fashion doesn’t have to be OTT to make a statement. Golightly’s style has truly stood the test of time, and is still being copied today. 2. Pretty Woman, 1990 Pretty Woman stars Julia Roberts as Vivian, a prostitute who falls in love with rich entrepreneur Edward. With Edward’s money, Vivian gets a whole new wardrobe, serving some of the most memorable fashion moments in movie history. The most stand-out look is when Vivian goes to the opera, wearing an off-the-shoulder red gown which played off Roberts’s auburn hair. While this is certainly the knock-out look, the rest of the film is full of incredible outfits; whether it’s the brown polka dot dress Roberts wears to the polo, or the chic white sun dress paired with matching gloves and a black hat. 3. Pulp Fiction, 1994 There isn’t much to say about the menswear in Quentin Tarantino crime thriller Pulp Fiction. John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson stick to suits which aren’t perfectly fitted (this was the Nineties, after all), with the occasional trench coat worn on top. However, it’s the women’s clothes which really shine. Uma Thurman plays Mia Wallace, who stood out for her androgynous tailoring and an interpretation of Nineties minimalism which still resonates today. With black cigarette pants and white shirts, there wasn’t anything not to love about Thurman’s outfits. 4. Clueless, 1995 Few leading ladies have a style as covetable as Cher from Clueless, played by Alicia Silverstone. Her fashion was the epitome of Nineties cool – we bet you can already picture Cher’s yellow plaid skirt and jacket set, or the Calvin Klein slip dress. It wasn’t just Cher, but the whole cast serving up some iconic looks – whether it was Dionne’s black and white top hat or Amber in a fluffy headband. This was a preppy take on Nineties style, with plenty of over-the-knee socks and perfectly matching ensembles. The film provided a fashion education to a whole generation; when Cher is robbed at gunpoint, she argues about getting on the ground by saying: “You don’t understand, this is an Alaïa!” who she calls a “totally important designer”. The movie might have been made in 1995, but thanks to the current obsession with Nineties fashion, we’re still seeing Cher-inspired looks everywhere. 5. The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001 In terms of fashion, Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot is the real star of Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, with her fur coats, tennis dresses and heavy eye make-up. The film’s style is as eclectic as can be expected from Anderson – the quirky director loves to play with bright colours. Special shout-out has to go to Ben Stiller’s character and his children, who wear matching red Adidas tracksuits throughout. 6. Atonement, 2007 You might not expect a film of love and betrayal in WWII to make this list, but Atonement – an adaptation of an Ian McEwan novel – isn’t an ordinary war film. In a particularly pivotal scene, Keira Knightley wears an unforgettable green silk dress with a low back and sweeping hemline. There have been countless replicas of the dress made, some of which have sold for hefty amounts of money. Even though the green dress overshadows the rest of the film’s fashion, the other outfits are just as beautiful – as Cecilia, Knightley wears everything from a white bathing suit with matching cap to more androgynous tailoring when the film moves into wartime. 7. The Great Gatsby, 2013 It’s hard not to be blown away by the costumes in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book. Set in the flapper era, the outfits are a feast for the eyes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, costume and production designer Catherine Martin was in charge of 1,700 vintage costumes, and she enlisted the help of Miuccia Prada to do so. With sparkles, geometric shapes, headbands and plenty of feathers, the ensembles were a modern take on Twenties dressing, adding a glamorous and almost otherworldly note to the film. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live The qualities to teach your kids that are more important than exam results 6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival How to make your clothes last longer, as research shows expensive doesn’t always mean durable

The final step in your grooming routine, a spritz of cologne means you’re styled, smelling fine and ready to head out the door. And if you’re looking for a fresh scent you’re in luck, because this season there’s a wave of fragrance launches perfect for complementing summer outfits. Here’s our pick of the best new colognes for summer… 1. Barbour Coastal For Him Eau De Parfum, £76 for 100ml, The Fragrance Shop Inspired by the craggy clifftops of the British coastline, this cologne opens like a blast of sea air, with lingering citrus and spice notes giving it a summery lightness. 2. Molton Brown Wild Mint & Lavandin Eau de Parfum, £120 for 100ml (available August 30) Evoking a dawn stroll through a misty forest in Provence, this unisex scent brings together mint, basil, lavandin (the more potent cousin of lavender) and nutmeg to create a heavenly herbaceous blend. 3. Montblanc Explorer Platinum Eau de Parfum, £79 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop The latest addition to the Montblanc fragrance family, Explorer Platinum takes the original woody scent to icy new heights, with cedarwood, violet leaf and amber notes lending an air of alpine sophistication. 4. L’Occitane Verbena Carrot Flower Eau de Toilette, £56 for 100ml Fans of L’Occitane’s bestselling Verbena shower gel will love this new juice, a sensationally citrusy melange that dries down to reveal a green, woody heart. 5. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette, £85 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop A manly, marine-inspired cologne, Luna Rossa Ocean swells with zesty bergamot and vetiver, balanced out with tonka bean, resulting in an alluring aquatic fusion. 6. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Infrared Eau de Toilette, currently £68 for 90ml (was £85), Boots For the man who wants to stand out with his seasonal scent, Spicebomb Infrared is the obvious choice. An intoxicating explosion of saffron, red pepper, cinnamon and tobacco, the rich, long-lasting juice is made for summer nights. 7. Valentino Born In Roma Uomo Intense For Him Eau de Parfum, £96 for 100ml, The Perfume Shop Make like Ryan Gosling in the long-awaited Barbie movie and unleash your ‘Kenergy’ with this fuchsia-tinged fragrance. Born in Roma Uomo Intense takes the original scent in an oriental direction, adding nutmeg, amber and lavandin, inspired by balmy nights in the iconic Italian city. 8. Courreges Seconde Peau Eau De Parfum, £115 for 100ml, The Fragrance Shop Part of a six-piece collection from Courreges, Seconde Peau (meaning ‘second skin’) is inspired by the French fashion brand’s signature knits. The subtle yet sexy eau de parfum combines notes of pine, tea leaf and vetiver to create a delicately woody composition. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Barbie’s here: 7 other fashionable films to watch The qualities to teach your kids that are more important than exam results 6 hacks for handling the heatwave at a festival

Along with sunscreen, flip flops, your favourite sunnies and a good book, swimming shorts are essential if you’re heading off for a beachy break this summer. Whether you’ll be lounging by the pool, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, getting active with adventurous water sports – or all of the above – you’ll need beachwear that suits your vacation mode and your personal style. From stripy shorts to sleek trunks, here are four major men’s swim trends to try this holiday season… 1. Sporty stripes Buffalo Swimming Shorts, £38, Freemans Go retro with classic side stripes and bright colour blocking, paying homage to Seventies and Eighties styles. Nail the athletic aesthetic with swim shorts in bold hues and flashes of neon. Regatta Men’s Benicio Swim Shorts Rocco Red Navy, £19.95 (were £40) Nike Colourblock 5 Volley Swim Shorts, £38, Jacamo 2. Surfer shorts Tap into surfer style with relaxed-fit board shorts in snazzy prints. Think Hawaiian florals, aquatic motifs and sunset shades. FatFace X Marine Conservation Society Coral Swim Shorts, £36 Animal Deep Dive Mens Printed Boardshorts, £35 George at Asda Orange Palm Tree Swim Shorts, £8 3. Geometric prints The coolest way to do nautical style is with subtle geometric prints. A pair of blue and white shorts are on trend now – and will last you for many a summer to come. Ted Baker Popov Dark Blue Geometric Swim Shorts, £60 Threadbare Men’s Navy Geometric Print Swim Shorts, £20 4. Bold briefs Make a summer style statement in a pair of bright briefs. Whether you’re doing laps in the pool or want to minimise tan lines, these swimmers are sleek and chic. Speedo Men’s 7cm Logo Brief Blue/Lilac, £17.15 (were £24.50)

When you want to perfect your picnic prowess, there’s a fine line between packing too much – and falling short because you’ve forgotten something vital. After all, an outdoor feast requires a few little extras to make it a joyous occasion… as much as we love the idea of being spontaneous, unfurling a blanket and hoping for the best! Here’s what’s top of our picnic packing list… 1. Thermal Travel Mugs, £28 each, Neonimo With a cute cassette print and retro feel, nothing beats a fancy flask for hot and cold drinks on the move. 2. Raffia Placemats in Pink or Sage, £21 for pack of two, Talking Tables When you want to mix it up a bit and bring a boho vibe to picnics in the park and music festivals, these trendy raffia placemats are sassy and stylish. 3. Wicker Picnic Basket with Red and White Gingham, £45, Maison Cherie Think shady olive grove, cheese, baguette, bottle of red… and this classic basket with red gingham topper perfectly completing the scene. Also features an insulated cooler and inner pocket for bamboo cutlery. 4. Waterproof Paisley Outdoor Rug, currently £15 (was £40), other items from a selection, Talking Tables Even when there’s been a long, dry spell, morning dew and dirt can put a damp squib on your al fresco spread. This pretty paisley pattern is waterproof and lightweight. 5. Folksy Teal Bee Deckchair, £149.99, Perkins & Morley For some, sitting on the ground for long periods isn’t a comfy option. With its colourful canvas sling, this bright deckchair will look fab in a sun room or on the patio when picnic season is over. Folds flat when not in use. 6. Sophie Allport Cocktails Melamine Plates, from £10.50; Beaker, £7.50, and Cocktails Picnic Blanket, £48, other items from a selection, Sophie Allport If ready-made cocktails are on the cards, these funky plates and picnic blanket with their whimsical illustrations will work a treat. 7. Multicolour Classic Bell Tent in Harlequin, from £239, Boutique Camping Sunshine or showers, this safari style tent sets the scene for sundowners, summer socials and glamping inspired get-togethers. Features include zippable windows, detachable groundsheet and space to shade your cooler box. 8. Strawberries Picnic Bag, £47.50, other items from a selection, Sophie Allport The quintessential summertime fruit, a picnic wouldn’t be a picnic without a punnet of strawbs… and this snazzy 22-litre cooler bag will keep the cream chilled in style. 9. Marks & Spencer Set of 4 Summer Fruits Picnic Side Plates, £12; Set of 4 Summer Fruits Picnic Dinner Plates, £15, and Set of 4 Summer Fruits Picnic Highballs, £15, other items from a selection, Marks & Spencer Even a picnic pallet or trestle table loves a tablescape, especially when you blend citrus brights and colour clash with fun extras such as mismatched candle holders, and wild flowers spilling from an eye-catching vase or jam jar. 10. ProCook Picnic Basket – 2 Person, £49.99, ProCook Romantic rendezvous or coastal inspired field trip, this wicker hamper with a nautical striped interior contains two of everything: stainless steel forks, knives and spoons, plus plates, wine glasses and corkscrew. Cheers! Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live These are the female players who paved the way for the Lionesses Karen Carney: It’s amazing we’re all talking about the Women’s World Cup Nearly half of women feel ‘too unfit’ to enjoy exercise this summer – how to overcome fitness fear

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