What to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show
Our style guide helps give you some inspiration for what to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show…
What wear to Chelsea Flower Show 2024: Take a look at what the celebrity guests wore to the preview day on Monday for some inspiration: RHS Chelsea Flower Show Celebrities: The Social Diary – The Sloaney
The first part of our British Summer Social Season is whizzing by and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place next week. This horticultural extravaganza is one of the most popular events of The Season in the UK and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
The weather can be changeable at this time of year so deciding what to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show can prove a little tricky. We recommend that you keep a close eye on the forecast as it can be very warm in London during May but also very wet if you get a bad day! With this in mind, layers are probably a good idea if you are travelling a long way.
Unlike Badminton Horse Trials earlier this month and some of the other leading racing fixtures on the British Summer Social Season Guide, visitors are much more confined at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. So, while you will be on your feet all day, there is less mileage to cover. This means you have more choice when it comes to footwear and you should keep this in mind if you are still deciding what to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show. However, elegant flats are probably best for the day, rather then towering heels.
The summer fashion collections for 2016 have embraced florals and many brands have beautiful pieces for you to consider when thinking about what to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show. It is important to channel elegance and sophistication for this occasion but also remember that it is a daytime event. A pretty summer dress works well when worn with a tailored jacket or cardi over the top or cropped trousers paired with a delicate shirt may prove an equally good option.
While you may take inspiration from the show, we are certainly not saying that you should go head-to-toe flower power. That said, it is definitely worth giving a subtle nod to the gardening theme. With this in mind, here are some of our favourite pieces from current collections:
This stunning tote bag by Dolce & Gabbana really embraces the theme. It has a ladylike floral pattern and the elegantly structured bag is perfectly proportioned for all day-to-night needs. This means you can take it to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and then head straight out for a drink in the evening at one of the fashionable bars on the King’s Road.
Remaining with the red and pink theme, we also love this printed Saint Laurent shirt. It is ideal for the spring weather and on a warm day it will be light enough but if a breeze picks up you are better protected than if you go bare shouldered.
Back to D&G and this vibrant shirt‘s print boasts painted flowers and it is finished with forest-green piping.
If you are choosing what to wear to the Chelsea Flower Show but don’t want to wear anything obviously floral, Diptyque‘s ‘Florabellio’ eau de toilette is perfect for the occasion. It includes an unexpected hint of Apple Blossom.
These ballet pumps by Ted Baker will give you comfort on the day but also a sense of elegance.
This River Island floral dress mixes the seasons with its colour scheme and look great with a tailored jacket.
Plan your summer with our guide to the British Summer Social Season.