A Guide To British Summer Event Dressing

 

 

Seasons change, and so do trends. However, as we all know, some styles are simply timeless – as is the dress code for the highlights of the summer social calendar.
Here at FashionBeans, we’ve rounded up the key looks for dressing for the quintessential British summer season. Think morning suits for Royal Ascot, loud chinos and even louder blazers at the Henley Royal Regatta, soft cotton lounge suits for Wimbledon and the perfectly fitted dinner jacket for Glyndebourne…

Royal Ascot

Whatever day of the meet you attend, gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure are obliged to wear morning suits (grey or black) with a waistcoat and tie (cravats are nowhere to be seen). Top hats should also be grey or black, while shoes are strictly limited to black.
That being said, there is still plenty to play for in the style stakes – especially when it comes to making your mark. With the colour-blocking trend set to dominate SS14, now is the time to be more adventurous with your selection of tie and waistcoat.
While opting for a three-piece from a Savile Row stalwart such as Gieves & Hawkes is undoubtedly a safe bet, the more seasoned racegoer would do well to mix and match. A silk trimmed, Edwardian-style morning suit jacket (try Favourbrook on London’s Jermyn Street) paired with tailored trousers from Ede & Ravenscroft makes for a perfect combination. Elsewhere, Hackett is an excellent choice for a Royal Ascot waistcoat, being both colourful and reasonably priced for the quality.
The choice of cloth for a day in the Royal Enclosure is somewhat dictated by the prevailing weather on raceday, which is not always fair, even in June. Opt for pure wool or cashmere when the wind is blowing, switching for lightweight cotton if the sun is shining. If you’re a man in a hurry, or don’t want to commit, Lipman’s on Charing Cross Road, London is a reliable family tailor who also hire out high quality pieces.