It's Day 1 of the Henley Royal Regatta, the iconic event held annually on the River Thames. On paper it's a world-class rowing event, but as anyone who has been before knows, Henley is also a quintessentially British celebration of tradition, elegance, and style. Established in 1839, Henley has evolved from a local rowing competition to a glittering social occasion, and hence is a chance to showcase refined sartorial flair.
It's Henley Week! Here Are A Few Style Notes
Henley gained royal patronage in 1851 under Prince Albert, cementing its status as a highlight of the British summer season. The event’s exclusivity, particularly in areas like the Stewards’ Enclosure, demands a strict dress code, making it a sartorial playground for those who appreciate tailored elegance. Style at Henley is synonymous with classic British sophistication. The “Henley look” for men often conjures images of straw boaters, striped blazers, and crisp white trousers - a nod to Edwardian elegance. Certainly, if you're part of a rowing club, then you'll definitely want to sport your stripes by way of a blazer or tie, but partisan spectators are much better off opting for smart suits or separates.
For ladies, the one style stipulation you must adhere to is dresses finishing below the knee. That brings into play almost all of our Spring/Summer 25 collection. Our Serena dresses are perfect for Henley, being crafted from a range of luxurious silk fabrics, including georgette, chiffon, and satin. They are easily paired with a number of tonal jacket styles in the collection too, combining to create a very chic summer ensemble.
Given the weather forecast for this week, we recommend that gents opt for linen from head to toe (but definitely keep an umbrella close to hand)! A linen suit or separates combined with a linen shirt will ensure you keep your cool in the midday sun. Light hues and pastel tones will work the hardest to reflect the sun, but spill Pimms at your peril. A crisp white linen shirt provides a clean canvas, and looks sophisticated even without a tie (better, pair it with a bold tone neckerchief for extra flair). Complete the look with loafers and a Panama hat. Accessories, such as a pocket square or cufflinks, should be refined yet restrained, just like most Favourbrook customers!