We have so much to be proud of here in Britain. Our history, our towns and cities, our traditions and, of course, our ability to carry on regardless of what the weather decides to do! But the time from late spring into summer when the ‘social season’ gets underway is one of the most unique.
The season is a blend of sporting, royal and society events including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Trooping of the Colour, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Royal Regatta, Cowes Week, the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. There are also countless balls, fundraisers, fetes, polo matches and more - some private, some public and all with lots of one thing in common - style!
Some people think of the season like a fashion show that spans glorious summer weeks from late May, through June and into early July, but with a twist. Most events (or at least, certain enclosures or boxes at the events) have strict dress codes that influence the outfits people wear. The dress codes aren’t guidelines as you will be checked as you enter the event and if your outfit doesn’t comply, you will be refused entry. That would be not only disappointing, wasting the money and effort you’ve spent getting there and missing the day’s fun, but it’s also an incredibly embarrassing experience…
And there’s one more factor to consider, one that will come as no surprise at all to most of our readers. You need to balance elegant dressing and strict adherence to event dress codes with ensuring you’re ready for our changeable British weather. Some years see Henley baking in the summer sun one day and weathering downpours the next. Unlike Wimbledon's famous Centre Court, which has that wonderful retractable roof, some of the events and venues in the season leave spectators rather exposed to the elements, whether they are hot or cold elements.
If you feel in need of a little help planning outfits for your summer vents after reading all that, the Etton Taylor team is here to help. For this month’s blog, dropping just as the main events of the British summer season get underway, we’re looking at how to dress to impress and tick all those boxes!
The strictest dress codes of the season
Perhaps the most famous example is Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure, where rules around hemlines, necklines, straps and hats are all carefully laid out. Ladies are expected to wear dresses and skirts that fall just above the knee or longer, keep their midriff covered up and ensure straps on tops are at least an inch wide, while hats remain compulsory and must meet specific requirements. A tiny fascinator is not permitted! Gentlemen are required to wear traditional morning dress in black, navy or grey complete with waistcoat, tie and a grey or black top hat.
Henley Royal Regatta's Stewards' Enclosure takes a similarly traditional approach, although with a slightly more relaxed feel that suits the riverside setting. Ladies’ dresses and skirts should cover the knee, shoulders should be covered and tailored trousers suits or separates are perfectly acceptable. Men must wear lounge suits or tailored trousers with a jacket or blazer and a tie or cravat. You'll still see plenty of hats and smart summer tailoring, but there is often a little more room for personal interpretation at Henley than at Ascot - we love spotting the different (and often very loud) rowing club blazers.
Then there is Wimbledon, where the atmosphere feels rather different again. Most spectators can dress as they please (barring ripped denim, beachwear and political slogans), although many still choose smart summer outfits that reflect the occasion. The famous Royal Box, which is only accessible by invitation, has its own expectations, but perhaps the most interesting rule is that ladies are asked not to wear hats so that they don't block the view of the spectators sitting behind them!
We highly recommend you double check any dress codes before you start planning your outfit so that you won’t have last-minute nerves about being sent away at the gate - and you can find something that fills you with confidence and ticks all the boxes. If you’ve spotted something on our website that you think could be perfect - for example Ellie leopard-print dress or one of our tiered styles, we can send the length measurements and help you double check lengths!
Staying comfortable in all weathers and on different surfaces
Layers can be your best friend when British summer weather misbehaves. A well-cut blazer looks elegant at almost every summer event and can completely transform an outfit while providing a little extra warmth if the temperature drops. It also tends to feel a lot more polished than reaching for a practical waterproof or borrowing somebody else's jacket halfway through the afternoon. Equally, one of our fur-trimmed wraps can be a wonderful addition for evening events, providing warmth and a touch of glamour that will elevate your outfit.
Your footwear also deserves careful consideration, particularly as many of the season's most famous events take place on grass. While stiletto heels might look fabulous in the mirror at home, they can be rather less enjoyable when you're crossing a lawn, navigating a racecourse or making your way around a regatta enclosure after a spell of wet weather. Choosing heels with a little more stability, or opting for an elegant wedge or block heel, can save a great deal of wobbling and sinking throughout the day.
And most importantly… remember to have fun!
Of course, while dress codes, weather forecasts and footwear choices are all worth considering, they shouldn't overshadow the reason you're attending in the first place. The British social season is full of wonderful occasions, and there’s nothing so good as spending a day beside the Thames at Henley, enjoying the spectacle of Royal Ascot, watching world-class tennis at Wimbledon or attending a summer fundraiser with friends.
If you're planning your own summer calendar and would like a little help choosing the perfect outfit, our personal shopping service is always available. Whether you're looking for something that fits a specific dress code or simply want a second opinion before placing an order, we'd be delighted to help.
