Your 2022 social calendar – the ultimate Guide
Diaries out? Read on for our insider guide on where to go, what to do, and – of course – how to nail the dress code with perfect prints and dazzling dresses from Ted Baker.
Spring has sprung, Summer’s just around the corner, and you know what that means, don’t you? It’s time for us to start planning for the fun times! Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Regatta and a whole raft of other sizzling events are on our social roll call for 2022, and they all require different outfits – I know, isn’t that a total shame? (*waves credit cards excitedly*) .
Our advice? Just shop in one place and get the lot sorted – and make it a British brand while you’re at it. Ted Baker has just brought out a SS22 collection that manages to combine its proud sense of English heritage with literally dozens of whimsical, modern to-die-for dresses, jump suits and trouser suits. Buy up, look awesome – and then accessorise with our insider guide on how to make the most of your day out.
GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL
WHEN: 21 May – 31 Aug
DRESS CODE: The vibe is modern black tie and while not strictly enforced, the venue suggests formal or vintage. Whatever you wear needs to work seamlessly from picnic (which may or may not be on the grass depending on how organised your group is) to the seated auditorium. Most go long, swishy and snazzy.
WHAT TO WEAR:
WHY WE LOVE IT:
With its classy high neckline, waterfall sleeves and feminine design this full length magnolia-patterned midi dress oozes vintage glam. Simple, elegant, chic – all the right adjectives. Wear with pared-back accessories to let the dress do the talking.
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PSST! OUR INSIDER TIPS FOR GLYNDEBOURNE:
1/ Make the most of your day and check out the extra bits beyond the performance, be it Insider Talks, Working Rehearsals or Jerwood Recitals by young opera singers, all of which you can only book with an opera ticket for that day.
2/ You can book seating undercover, or better yet order a picnic in advance and it comes with a porter service and furniture hire. If you bring your own picnic, include a cool box to keep drinks cold for the interval.
3/ The dinner interval lasts around 90 minutes so save dessert and a digestif for between the acts – I think an espresso martini or Amaretto sour should do the trick.
WHEN: 15-18 June 2022
DRESS CODE: Be warned, it’s picky. Dresses, skirts and jumpsuits just above the knee or below; straps of one inch thick or greater; nothing strapless, off the shoulder, or with spaghetti straps. Forget Nineties midriffs, fancy dress or ‘novelty’.
WHAT TO WEAR:
WHY WE LOVE IT: Elegant but striking, this oversized sheer polka dotted shirt dress, £225, ticks all our boxes. Puffed sleeves that hit flatteringly just above the elbow, and a retro sensibility with its tiers that sits, fifties style to mid-calf. Add a pair of stilettos if you’re certain you won’t be walking on turf, and a hat – remember, no fascinators, or you’ll have to be fascinating outside the gates.
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PSST! OUR INSIDER TIPS ON ROYAL ASCOT:
1/ Make it champagne all day – Moët & Chandon is a partner this year and habitually any champers brand will offer up its best quality offering for Royal Ascot. Er, do you need any more excuses?
2/Whilst there are plenty of slick dining spaces, our tip is to pre-order a decadent picnic — everything down to the white tablecloths and butler service included.
3/ Get there early – seriously, ‘fashionably late’ loses its cachet when you miss the Queen’s arrival.
WIMBLEDON
WHEN: 27 June – 10 July
DRESS CODE: If you’re being hosted in the debentures areas or hospitality suites, the code is smart casual, and shorts must be tailored. The no-no’s? Torn jeans, running vests, dirty trainers, sports shorts, or any clothes with political statements or ambush marketing – this is not the time to try to get your new start-up on the telly.
WHAT TO WEAR:
WHY WE LOVE IT:
It’s straight Aces for the feminine, romantic vibe of this floaty cotton dress with pretty tiered skirt, subtle floral textured print and pretty elbow-tied puff sleeves. Sunnies and accessories in classic Wimbledon white are a must – just watch out for strawberry and cream spillages!
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PSST! OUR INSIDER TIPS ON WIMBLEDON:
1/ We all want Emma Raducanu to bring it home, but don’t get carried away with the cheering – total silence is expected during rallies and it’s de rigueur not to applaud a double fault.
2/ Plan your loo breaks – you can’t leave your seat during a tie-break – only at the change of ends or between matches.
3/ We’re not mad keen on the Wimbledon sit-down dining options – a bit stiff, perhaps? – but you’ll be perfectly catered for by the various cafés and snack stations around Wimbledon which were much improved in 2022. If you want to bring your own picnic you can (though not in a hamper, coolbox or tupperware) and booze is limited to one bottle of wine or Champagne or two cans of beer or premixed cocktail per person. Whatever route you go for, there’s one non-negotiable purchase: a tub of strawberries and cream. If you’re after a top-up, the bars get pretty busy, but if you’re an Amex card holder, there’s usually a card members’ lounge where the queues are less biblical.
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
WHEN: 28 June – 3 July 2022
DRESS CODE: The Steward’s Enclosure has the best views and, naturally, the most stringent dress code. If you’ve managed to blag a ticket you’ve either endured a years-long waiting list or schmoozed a member – so make the most of it and go big. It’s customary for ladies to wear hats – ergo if you don’t you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Hemlines must be below the knee, or trousers worn with jacket or blazer and avoid stiletto heels as they’ll sink into the grass. If you’re in the Regatta Enclosure or other hospitality areas, it’s no denim, shorts, sports attire or trainers – I mean, honestly, would you?
WHAT TO WEAR:
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This maxi dress with bold painted print hits the sweet spot between elegant and playful. Full style marks for the flattering puff sleeves and tie waist, plus we particularly love the interesting panelled waist detail. Keep it colourful with these pink sunnies and statement earrings below.
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PSST! OUR INSIDER TIPS ON HENLEY REGATTA:
1/ Temple Island is the hospitality area closest to the start of the race, and let’s just say, what goes on at Temple Island, stays on Temple Island! Our advice: say no to ‘The Royale’ cocktail – Pimms and Champagne are best drunk separately and lethal when mixed.
2/ Whatever you do, don’t let your phone go off in the Steward’s Enclosure. It’s akin to blasphemy and you’ll possibly be thrown in the Thames, along with the member who, to their regret, invited you.
3/ Don’t wear a striped blazer thinking that it’s natty. There will be hundreds of real rowers there in their actual striped blazers and you’ll look like a fraud. Would you wear a beret in Paris?
COWES WEEK
WHEN: 30 July – 5 Aug
DRESS CODE: Whether or not you’re joining in the racing, you’ll be watching Cowes from a boat, so don’t be the one in a pencil skirt and heels. Make it jaunty but also take layers and flat grippy shoes. And if you go on the Tuesday, it’s Ladies’ Day, now modernised as ‘Women’s Day’, when female spectators wear blue and white in support of women sailors.
WHAT TO WEAR:
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Want to be the most stylish on the poop deck? Then this halterneck jumpsuit with flowing shape and flattering cinched waist is a dead cert, and is just the right amount of sophisticated and casual when paired with white sneakers and oversized sunnies.
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PSST! OUR INSIDER TIPS ON COWES:
1/ Races typically last 2.5 – 4 .5 hours so if you get sea sick, you might want to book a rib ride, rather than a yacht. The action is less rolling and you can also get really close to the racing boats.
2/ After a day of being hosting onboard you’ll take your wobbly legs landward and hit the ‘Après Water’. Head to the Lawn Bar for sundowners, often accompanied by live music and pizza, or Shepards Marina if you want to jostle alongside the real sailors. Check out our updated Muddy Insider Guide to the island for the complete down-low.
3/ Take binoculars to alternate with a massive pair of shades, or be damned with crow’s feet for eternity.
