As we head towards the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on 20 May, it’s time to get ready for your annual visit to the grounds of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea.
One of spring’s most popular events – and a favourite of the Royals – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the perfect excuse to start thinking about your spring/summer wardrobe. With your tickets secured, we’re here to help you plan a perfect outfit for the day and beyond.
Compared with the strict rules of Ascot, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is more laid-back, with no formal dress code – but it is a great opportunity to dress up. As well as members of the Royal Family, you could be rubbing shoulders with TV personalities and celebrities, who are all always impeccably turned out.
But there also some more practical (and slightly less glamorous) factors to consider with your outfit choice. How long will it take you to travel to and from the event? Are your shoes comfortable for a full day of walking around? Have you packed an extra lightweight layer in case of showers? And one crucial question – do you have any blister plasters in your bag, just in case?
As the show is one of the first events in the spring calendar, it’s a chance to find a smart-casual outfit you can continue to wear through the season – a dress you could wear to a spring wedding, a hat that can form part of your capsule wardrobe or a bag you can take on a city break. Choose items that will integrate seamlessly with your wardrobe and go for bright colours, vibrant prints – or, of course, florals.
For inspiration, take a peek at last year’s Bridgerton-inspired garden…
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Here’s our pick of what the high street has to offer...
What to wear to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Dresses
If the weather’s sunny, a classic midi dress or floaty floral frock will be ideal for the occasion. This year, high-street favourites such as M&S, Boden and Me+Em are overflowing with beautiful designs at reasonable prices. Natural materials, such as linen or cotton, will ensure you’re comfortable if the temperature rises. If the weather’s cooler, layer lighter pieces with cardigans, oversized shirts or a spring jacket.
See our top picks for the day from across the high street:
Trousers and jumpsuits
A statement jumpsuit can be the perfect choice if you prefer a more tailored look. The Phase Eight number below is the epitome of smart-casual dressing and works well with neutral wedge heels, trainers or espadrilles.
If you’re looking to channel a more boho look, & Other Stories’ lilac trousers can be worn as a set with the matching lilac blouse (very Chloé-inspired). Pair with sleek ballerina pumps or slim-style trainers and a spacious tote.
Can you wear jeans to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
While there’s no specific ban on jeans, linen trousers are a more sophisticated alternative.
Hats and hair accessories
You don’t have to wear a hat to the Chelsea Flower Show and a fascinator is too formal for the occasion, but you might want to accessorise with something understated. Wide-brimmed hats won’t make you hugely popular with other guests trying to peek over your brim to try to see each garden or display, but you could shield the sun from your face with a practical yet stylish fedora, or accessorise with an elegant hairband. On a really sunny day (we can only hope!), a straw fedora or classic sunhat is a must to help protect your face.
Shoes and bags
What you wear on your feet dictates how comfortable you’ll feel for the whole day, so choose wisely. Flip-flops, strappy sandals and stilettos should be avoided, as it can be a long day. Play it safe yet stylish with a smart pair of trainers, espadrilles, or loafers if you want to add some height.
The same principle applies to bags; practicality is important, so if you’re going to bring layers or a change of shoes, try this season’s popular straw totes. They’re also perfect for those of us who love to shop, thanks to their roomy designs.
Remember, smart casual is a versatile dress code, so don’t be afraid to mix and match fabrics and looks to create your own style for the day. Just make sure your outfit is weather-appropriate, your feet are comfortable and you feel good in what you’re wearing. Enjoy!
