What to wear to Garsington Opera

Garsington Opera, held annually at Wormsley in the CHiltern Hills, is a theatrical highlight of the summer social calendar. It was founded in 1989 by the late Leonard Ingrams and his wife Rosalind at Garsington Manor, near Oxford. Following Leonard’s untimely death, Garsington Opera moved to the Wormsley Estate, home of the Getty family, in 2011. It has always played second fiddle to the prestigious and globally renowned season at Glyndebourne on the South Downs but in recent years the exceptional performances at Garsington have made it at least as good as it's more well-known rival.

Set in stunning grounds, the opera pavillion is a marvel of architecture and engineering, and so the entire occasion demands that you dress up! Evening dress is suggested to add to the atmosphere, which can include black tie for gentlemen, and long or short dresses or a suitable alternative (jump suits for example) for ladies. The only exception in the dress code for this season involves the Orfeo performances, when the audience is invited to wear white or cream to reflect the production design.

Favourbrook's Spring/Summer 22 collection is perfect for Garsington, blending classical, timeless silhouettes with embroidered floral motifs, reflective of the Garsington environment. Summer coats truly come into their own at outdoor operatic events, which is why we think our Westminster coats are a very sophisticated option and perfect for day-to-night.

 

Westminster Coat Mint Jekyll Crease Resist Linen

Westminster Coat Yellow Vincenzo Jacquard Silk Organza

Westminster Coat Plum Fiddlehead Crease Resist Linen

An alternative to the Westminster coat, the Eton coat features a re-worked bodice, tailored pockets, and back button detailing. With working pockets and full internal lining, it also features French border embroidery with a scalloped edge hem, and we think it perfectly complements the scene at Garsington, being chic, sophisticated and playful all at once.

Eton Coat Cerulean Blue Aldeburgh Crease Resist Linen

Eton Coat Pale Blue Tildesley Crease Resist Linen

Eton Coat Lilac Rossetti Crease Resist Linen

While our silk coats provide a comforting outer layer, we would recommend that you bring some warm layers for when the sun goes down at Garsington. As spirited as opera is, even a warm baritone will not protect you from the Chiltern chills so pack a cardigan or wrap for the evening performances. It's also advisable to bring some comfortable flat-soled shoes because many a stiletto and kitten heel has literally fallen foul of the soft ground!