With Royal Ascot only days away, we thought it would be prudent to take a look at the forthcoming events on the calendar and devise something of a wardrobe strategy! Between the well-known events, ad-hoc jaunts and summer weddings, the need to realise new outfit configurations will be great so it's always wise to plan ahead to avoid that dreaded feeling one gets when looking into one's wardrobe the day before and event and discovering there is nothing to wear!
Glyndebourne - 21st May-28th August
Glyndebourne has reopened for the season which will literally be music to the ears of opera lovers. Situated at the foot of the stunning South Downs, it is the most magical place to get dressed up and watch some of the world's premier operatic talents. With the festival running until late August, there is plenty of opportunity to dress up and enjoy the world-class performances.
Shift Dress Azure |
Eton Coat Cobalt |
The famous opera house in East Sussex has hosted the opera festival ever since 1934 and remains the premier operatic event of the calendar. Tickets are exceedingly hard to come by (public booking opens in March), but if you do manage to find yourselves there, it's worth getting dressed up for. Glyndebourne founder John Christie always impressed upon guests his preference for formalwear in respect of the performers and we would thoroughly agree with him (although 'contemporary fashions' are now also encouraged). For men, it's a chance to be flamboyant with black tie. Equally, ladies should think glamour and sophistication when deciding upon their outfit. Don't forget a shawl for the cooler days and a cushion for your derriere.
NAVY BOTANICS SILK |
STONE BRESSINGHAM |
Wimbledon 27th June - 10th July
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Ivory Bray Herringbone |
Navy Fern Cotton |
The oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament in the world needs no introduction, so we will save our figurative breath. Will someone come from relative obscurity and wrest the men's trophy from Novak Djokovic's unrelenting grip? Can Emma Raducanu make lightning strike twice and replicate her US Open miracle? All we know for sure is that it's a wonderful occasion to get dressed up for, even if you're just planning to kick back on Henman Hill with a bottle of bubbles and a few punnets of strawberries. While there is no official dress code to speak off, Wimbledon is an occasion worthy of your finest summer smart-casual attire, especially if you're making a beeline for centre court or court no.1 where the camera's are at their most active.
Josephine Dress Corn |
Nancy Dress Turquoise |
Dress for the weather is our top piece of sartorial advice. Hot days are amplified on the main courts so a good hat is advisable. Gents would do well to keep to a palette of pastel linen tailoring while ladies should opt for lightweight silk, linen and chiffon dress styles, big sunglasses and plenty of suncream.
Henley Regatta - 28th June - 3rd July
Coral Culcross Linen |
Coral Culcross Linen |
The famous five-day rowing regatta at Henley-on-Thames plays host to an international crowd, world-class crews, Olympic champions and more Pimms than you can shake a cucumber at. If you intend to picnic on the riverbanks as the action unfolds on the water, then think about a lightweight summer ensemble. However, dress codes do apply in ticketed areas, especially in the Stewards’ Enclosure and Leander Club, where men wear suits or rowing blazers, and women are not permitted to wear trousers (skirts should fall below the knee to be safe) but are encouraged to wear hats.
Cowdray Gold Cup - 17th July
One of the top three polo tournaments in the world alongside the US and Argentine Opens, the Cowdray Gold Cup sees the very best players in the world battle it out at the beautiful setting of the Cowdray Estate in West Sussex. While the chukkas are extremely competitive, the atmosphere in the crowd is relaxed and provides a great day out for families. The dress code is smart casual although no shorts are permitted in the Members’ Enclosure.
Louise Dress Azure Pink |
Louise Dress Ivory |
Qatar Goodwood Festival - 26th-30th July
Louisa Dress Ivory Gosford |
Serena Circle Dress Azure |
Glorious Goodwood is one of our favourite events of the season. Of all the race meets on the calendar, Goodwood is always a vibrant, colourful crowd and a wonderful event to wear your summery finery. In the Richmond Enclosure (which is the smartest of the three enclosures) morning dress is not necessary but gentlemen are required to wear a jacket accompanied by a tie, cravat or polo-neck sweater. According to the official dress code "Ladies are encouraged to dress stylishly but with a relaxed feel." Think lightweight floaty dresses with delicate patterning or embroidery. Flat shoes or kitten heels are a more practical option than stilettos (which you might have to excavate from the turf).
