FASHION SPECIAL
The Queen is a regular at Royal Ascot
Actress Rosamund Pike enjoying the Chelsea Flower Show
than in the city. Some guidelines on what to wear are based on practicality and functionality; clothes should be appropriate for the weather and the relevant outdoor activities. For example, a woman would not wear very high heels for picnicking at the races as it may include a long walk on the grass. Jeans or cords, with a shirt, jumper or blazer, is appropriate.
At the races, men wear brown rather than black shoes, and tweeds with wellingtons. Women would now wear a tailored jacket in a social and business setting, but might choose either a waxed gilet, jumper or cardigan.
Outdoors weatherproof jackets are worn as opposed to woollen overcoats. Colours are muted; greens and browns are more rural than black or navy blue or anything hi-vis, unless you’ re wearing your Oxford or Cambridge Blues to cheer on your team at the Boat Race. Country sports, even if you don’ t participate, are the inspiration for the“ correct style”; it’ s always worth remembering that the wearing of polo whites or a hacking jacket by a fashionista will cause much amusement among the purists. Note the saying:“ All the gear and no idea”. Even more of a no-no is dressing for the activity you are attending yet not taking part; for example a man wearing dirty whites at the polo when he hasn’ t played that day should be avoided as should the man turning up at a shoot in plus fours when he’ s not shooting.
Accessories are everything, so scarves and woollen or fake fur hats are frequently worn by women while men may wear flat caps. Always remember such accessories as your binoculars, picnic hamper, champagne or sparkling wine not to mention the right 4x4 ensuring your picnic sits perfectly on the tailgate.
Finally, for the diehard country set, they’ ll tend to dress up for social and sporting events more than weekenders from the city. This may cause clashes of dress codes which should generally be avoided. As for other dress codes formal or otherwise, err on the side of effort and never be afraid to ask in advance what others are going to be wearing or check for the dress code statement on your invite. Q
SAVILE ROW STYLE MAGAZINE 79