HATWORTHY EVENTS AND DRESS CODES
Top tips, official dress codes, style advice and etiquette for the UK’s top sporting and other hatworthy events, its all covered here…
WEDDINGS
Wedding etiquette states that the mother of the groom should choose a smaller wedding hat than the mother of the bride, however, if both the bride and groom are hosting the wedding, it is perfectly acceptable for the two mums to opt for equally grand creations.
Bearing in mind that weddings are highly photographed events, whether you are a mother of the bride, the groom or a wedding guest, try to avoid hats or headpieces with feathers, nets or veils that fall over your eyes or face, they just don’t work in photos! If necessary, ask the photographer to kindly remind guests to adjust their hats for group photographs so that their faces are clearly visible.
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
If you are one of the lucky few who receive an invitation from The Queen to attend an Investiture or Garden Party, the official dress codes state that a hat is preferable and that the occasion calls for classic formal headwear.
Investitures usually take place in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace or in the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle. Garden Parties take place at either Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyrood House. It is appropriate to wear a day dress or suit with a hat or fascinator. National dress and uniform are also often worn.
TOP TIP: The majority of the garden party is on grass so wedges are a good option to avoid thin heels sinking into the grass. Perhaps slip a pair of comfy flats into your bag, along with an umbrella…just in case!
henley royal regatta
Henley Royal Regatta is without doubt the most prestigious and best-known regatta in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors every year to watch 200 rowing races over five days. Hats are encouraged in both the Stewards Enclosure (which is for members or by invitation only) and also Fawley Meadows. The official dress code states that ‘it is customary for ladies to wear hats’.
There is a strict dress code in the Stewards’ Enclosure (where divided skirts, culottes or trousers for ladies are not allowed and the hem line of your dress or skirt must fall below your knee) but there is no general dress code in the Regatta Enclosure and there is public access along the towpath, so you can take a picnic, wear what you like and watch without charge.
ROYAL ASCOT
Royal Ascot is one of the most colourful, famous and exciting events in the British summertime sporting and social calendar. It delivers five days of world class racing, daily royal attendance, oodles of eccentricity, sensational fashion, show-stopping millinery and pageantry galore.
For many of us it is THE most perfect excuse to dress up to the nines and wear a spectacular hat, so why not make a visit to The Hat Hire Boutique part of your Ascot experience!
INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL
Epsom’s Investec Derby festival is one of the most famous flat races in the world, offering the biggest prize money in Britain, a cool £1.25 million. This vibrant, glamorous and unmistakably British event calls for either formal or smart attire over the two-day meeting and, although it is not as strict as Royal Ascot, you can’t go wrong if you follow the Royal Ascot dress codes.
If you are visiting The Queen’s Stand on the Saturday, Epsom Derby Day, you must be wearing a hat or a headpiece at all times.
Ladies Day is the day of the annual Style Awards. Ladies in the Queen’s Stand and Duchess’s Stand are invited to enter with a chance of winning the coveted title as well as some superb prizes. Fashion and millinery are a key focus of the day and the vast majority of ladies will be wearing a hat or headpiece. Dress to impress!
THE QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL
The coolest of the cool. The Qatar Goodwood Festival or ‘Glorious Goodwood’ as it is affectionately known, exudes informal elegance. Taking place at one of the world’s most beautiful racecourses, it is renowned for its more relaxed race days with Pimms by the paddock, gentleman in panamas and beautiful ladies in sensational millinery.
It sits somewhere between Royal Ascot and the Derby in terms of the formality, so hats are encouraged but not required, that said, it is Glorious Goodwood….so why wouldn’t you? Embrace your inner hat goddess and go for it.
Ladies Day is a particular highlight and don’t miss some good old horsey fun on the last day – The Stewards’ Cup a 28-horse cavalry charge, not to be missed.
THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
Four days of extraordinary jump racing with prize money second only to the Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival is not only a premier horseracing event but also an occasion for dressing up and embracing the finest of winter occasion attire with felt, feathers, furs and velvet galore.
For Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, whilst the dress code for jump racing is more relaxed, many ladies do wear hats. Given that average temperatures in March range from 3-10 degrees, remember to dress to keep warm!
THE RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL
Watched by over 600 million people The Grand National is arguably the world’s most iconic horserace, showcasing 3 days of top-class racing and featuring the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Ladies day celebrates style, fashion and exquisite millinery as the event explodes into spectacle of colour. With top notch prizes on offer – including a big car prize for the winner of the Style Award – it’s certainly worth going all out for this meeting! #FabulousFriday
Smart dress is encouraged in all enclosures and although hats are optional there will be an abundance of amazing millinery on display. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as April can be cold and unpredictable…umbrellas at the ready!
