July can only mean one thing in the UK... epic sporting events! Whether you're a Wimbledon regular or a member of Lords, or have your eye on a certain event going down in Paris this summer, getting dressed up for big sporting occasions makes them live long in the memory...
Wimbledon is undoubtedly one of the most stylish events of the summer, not least because centre court has become as big a draw for the players as it has the celebrities and royalty. The BBC's panning cameras love to drop onto the world's best-dressed between end changes (which of course hasn't gone unnoticed to them), leading to centre court becoming something of a fashion show. Inevitably, this just leads everyone to up their style game which is why you should never be underdressed at Wimbledon - you never know who you might bump into!!
For the ladies, we would recommend breezy floral dresses in bold colours to stand out and make a statement. Fabrics should be as lightweight as possible because it can get unfathomably hot on the two main courts, so linen and chiffon styles are perfect. If you're planning on watching some games on the outer courts, bare in mind that there is little to no shade so a good wide-brimmed sunhat is imperative if you don't want to cook. For the guys, we would recommend a lightweight linen blazer as unstructured as possible. Linen is a wonderfully good natural temperature regulator and is extremely breathable too so it's a very good option for those scorching days in SW19.
Similarly, if you are planning on attending any of the test matches against the West Indies later in the summer, then the call for linen still applies. The Lord's test is up first and this calls for the most sartorial options - a linen suit is a great call, otherwise pair the linen jacket with some sharply tailored cotton chinos and loafers for a relaxed yet elegant look. A fedora is similar style of sunhat is also imperative. The Lord's test is followed by fixtures at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston, at which wish to dress up as Where's Wally, the Pope, or Batman, depending upon your fancy dress persuasion and how many pints you intend to imbibe!
It's difficult to argue against the Paris Olympics being the sporting event of the summer. As the world's greatest athletes descend on France's gilded capital, millions of visitors are expected to make the trip meaning Paris could become a hot sticky mess! One might be advised to stay outside the city and travel in - places such as Fontainebleu are a short drive away (although be mindful of the hideous Paris traffic) and boast some beautiful countryside.
Once in Paris however, you'll want to be dressed in a comfortably chic manner as you bounce from sporting event to bar and restaurant. Once again, this calls for lightweight linen separates for the gents, perhaps incorporating a knitted polo shirt for a dressed down look. For the ladies, silk chiffon dresses are the perfect choice to transition from summer spectacle to sophisticated Parisian supper.
