THE SEASON IN STYLE – gorgeous outfits for glam events

The invites are dropping in thick and fast for all the events and celebrations we’ve missed out on over the last few years. But if your wardrobe is still stacked with lockdown loungewear and your special occasion dresses now rather dated, then read on… Firstly, try on as many styles and colours as you can. Keep an open mind, take along a trusted and honest friend or enlist a stylist – many department stores and boutiques offer one. Consider your accessories well in advance – will you last all day in skyscraper heels (and the likes of ‘Glorious Goodwood’ advises against stiletto heels because of the terrain), will that gorgeous clutch bag really fit in what you need, and does the whole look work perfectly together? Check your ensemble from all angles – ask a friend to photograph you from the back and sides. Details are everything when dressing for a special occasion. Plunge back into the jewellery box that has been gathering dust through all the lockdowns. And with the good old British weather, consider a beautiful shawl, bolero jacket or matching brolly. 

Decoding the dress code

Before you splash out on that stunning dress, find out what is expected of the guests in terms of the dress code. You want to stand out – for all the right reasons. And some of the society events enforce strict rules. If you’re heading to Royal Ascot’s Royal Enclosure, for example, ladies are required to wear skirts of modest length and the top must have a strap of one inch or more. Smart dress is encouraged for the Epsom Derby (with stricter rules for the Queen’s Stand Enclosure) and the best dressed are entered into the Style Awards. Look at press coverage of the various events from past years. Stripes and polka dots are a Wimbledon fave but if you want to catch the eye of the cameras, yellow is the hue to go for. Don’t forget that you’ll need to be comfortable and not revealing too much when seated, plus you’ll need a pair of sunglasses so you can keep the glare out while watching the match.

Hat tricks

If the occasion requires a hat, it can be daunting if you’ve never bought one before. Theatrical milliner Sophie Lambe – Reel Millinery, head milliner on Netflix series Bridgerton 1 & 2 advises: “Make sure your hairstyle supports and suits the hat design you like, so you will be comfortable wearing it. When you feel awkward, your posture is affected and you don’t “wear” the hat, so comfort is the key.”  Adds milliner Lisa Tan: “I’m often asked whether you should start with the hat or with the clothing, and to be honest, I advise starting with the piece you love the most – whether that be a hat, a dress or even a pair of shoes – then build your outfit around that piece. However, if you’re visiting a milliner for a bespoke hat, it’s often easier for us to create your hat around the rest of your outfit, so we can use complementary colours and fabrics and take into account the silhouette of your look. “Choosing a fairly classic hat style can be a wise game plan as well, as you can always bring it back to your milliner for a retrim to complement future outfits, ensuring your hat can be reborn and reworn for many years to come. “It’s important that you feel comfortable in your millinery, as you’ll be wearing it for some time and don’t want to have to adjust it constantly. Don’t be afraid to tell your milliner if you feel it needs adjusting, we have plenty of tips and tricks to ensure it stays put all day long. “Most importantly, have fun with your millinery! It’s not often we have a reason to wear something so fabulous and fanciful.” 

Main image: LK Bennett – Royal Ascot Collection

Pictured below:

Vivien Sheriff / Vivien Sheriff / Lisa Tan / Lisa Tan / LK Bennett – Royal Ascot Collection x4 / Hobbs x4