The Game Fair is an event that’s woven into the fabric of Etton Taylor. It’s a three-day celebration of everything that makes the British countryside so special, and over the years we know Jo adored her time there. Think gun dogs, clay shooting, fly fishing, horses, amazing food and drink and, of course, shopping galore. Our stand aligns perfectly with the countryside focus and has been a perennial hit with ladies looking to snap up one of our fur-trimmed wraps or find the perfect new top or jacket for upcoming events.
This year, The Game Fair is back at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire after a one-year hiatus at Blenheim Palace and runs from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th of July. We’re sad to share the news that we won’t be exhibiting at The Game Fair this year, so this blog is a quick explanation of why that’s the case and some of our top styling tips for those of you going along to Ragley Hall later this month. Enjoy!
Why you won’t see Etton Taylor at The Game Fair this year
It's been a busy couple of months since Faye took the reins here at Etton Taylor, and some of her favourite moments so far have been spent face-to-face with our customers at events. While the website and our social media are amazing tools to reach those of you who live too far away from events or can’t attend, the trade stand is an amazing way to shop. It’s a chance to see the clothes in the flesh (or ‘in the fabric’, if you like), see the colours, feel the material and try things on.
The Game Fair is a natural fit for Etton Taylor, but as a small business with a limited budget, the costs involved were just too high. From the stand cost alone running into the high four-figures and then the added cost of staffing it - the Game Fair is too busy an event for one person to cope - the sums just didn’t add up for us so soon since purchasing the business. To have to make tens of thousands to break even is a big ask, so this year we’re watching from the sidelines. We hope that everyone heading to Ragley Hall has an amazing time, and we hope to make it there next year! And we’ll be taking the trade stand out to other events in the second half of 2025, so watch this space.
What to wear to The Game Fair
1. Plan for all weathers! Just like any outdoor event that takes place in British summer time, we recommend having a couple of options in mind leading up to The Game Fair. Something that works if it’s cool and breezy, something if rain clouds are in the forecast and an outfit that you’ll be comfortable in if there’s (another) heatwave that weekend.
2. Footwear for walking all day long.
The next step (pun intended) is to make sure your footwear combines style and comfort. Depending on where you park there can be a long walk to get to the rings and trade stands, and then you’ll be on your feet most of the day enjoying everything on offer. Some Chelsea boots, canvas trainers or well-broken-in deck shoes are all popular choices. If rain is likely to play a big part, then wellies or long, waterproof country boots are essential.
3. A chance to show your style…
The great thing about The Game Fair is that you’ll see so many different styles on show. From classic tweed jackets, shirts and chinos or jeans, wellies and a t-shirt/gilet combination on the men to ladies wearing gorgeous summer dresses, jeans and a statement blouse or tweed skirt, t-shirt and gilets - you’ll see it all. Our mantra is to pick something that makes you feel amazing the moment you put it on.
Some of our top picks include the Mara Leaf Print Mini Dress, which we’d pair with some World Secret sneakers, or the Carolina Vintage Cotton Shirt to wear however you like - with a pair of straight-leg jeans, our best-selling Zanzi Culottes or a tweed skirt. If the weather turns cool then reach for the Arlo Rugby Jumper - bang on trend, a choice of three colours and very cosy to boot!
