What to Wear to a Royal Garden Party: behind the scenes at the palace in 2025

What to Wear to a Royal Garden Party: behind the scenes at the palace in 2025

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Featured, Lifestyle, Royal England, Spring and summer in Europe, Style

There’s something truly magical about the Royal lifestyle, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll understand why I’m absolutely enchanted by it. My journey into this glamorous world began a few years ago, when I had the incredible opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Party.

I still remember the excitement, the preparation for the event, and the awe-inspiring feeling of being part of something so grand and traditional. It was not just an event; it was a memory etched in time.

Fast forward to 2025, and the allure of these Royal Garden Parties, now under the reign of King Charles, has grown even more. It’s like stepping into a page of history, yet each year brings its own contemporary twist, especially in terms of fashion. Let’s dive into what it takes to dress for such a prestigious event, blending the time-honoured traditions with the vibrant pulse of current fashion trends.

Dates for this year’s parties are:

There are usually two garden parties a year at Buckingham Palace in May or June, and one at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in June or July. At time of publishing, 2025 dates are not yet available.

Bookmark this post as we will update here as soon as we know.

 

 

Fashion Forward: The 2025 Guide to Royal Garden Party Attire

When dressing for a Royal Garden Party, the aim is to strike a perfect balance between formality and the latest fashion. It’s about respecting the grandeur of the palace and its traditions while showcasing a bit of your own personality and style.

 

For Women:

  • The dress code: The classic formal day dress or sophisticated skirt and blouse combo remains the go-to choice. Modest hemlines and tasteful silhouettes are key to maintaining decorum at such an exclusive event.
  • 2025 trends: Romantic influences are dominating this year, with flowing fabrics, puffed sleeves, and delicate lace details taking centre stage. Expect to see whimsical prints inspired by nature, such as butterflies, wildflowers, and birds, adding a playful yet elegant touch. Three-dimensional floral appliqués and soft pleating will be popular for dresses and skirts.
  • Colour and style: While bold florals and vibrant pastel shades like lavender, mint, and coral are trending, neutrals such as soft beige and champagne offer a timeless option. Monochrome outfits in shades like blush or dove grey are also gaining traction. Sleeveless and off-the-shoulder designs are still popular, but this season they feature more demure necklines and flowing capes or wraps for added sophistication. Of course, a chic hat or fascinator remains non-negotiable—look for designs incorporating feathers, bows, or minimalist geometric shapes to stand out.

 

For Men:

  • Dress code essentials: A sharp, well-fitted suit in light neutral tones such as stone, taupe, or dusty blue is ideal. For a classic yet modern twist, consider pairing your suit with a waistcoat in a complementary colour or pattern.
  • 2025 trends: This year is about blending traditional British style with subtle contemporary updates. Striped or lightly patterned ties are back in vogue, as are textured fabrics like herringbone or linen blends. Accessories such as pocket squares in bold prints and tie pins with a vintage touch add an air of refined individuality.
  • Modern twists: If you prefer a more casual approach while maintaining formality, try pairing your blazer with tapered trousers in a different shade or texture. Stylish footwear choices like polished leather brogues or two-tone loafers are on trend. If you’re feeling daring, a patterned blazer (think checks or subtle florals) can add character to your look without straying too far from tradition.

 

Here’s how we addressed it:

 

Understanding the Day Dress Code at Buckingham Palace

While embracing 2025’s fashion trends, it’s essential to respect the specific “day dress code” required at Buckingham Palace for Royal Garden Parties.

For Women: Opt for elegant day dresses, preferably knee-length or longer, that align with the Palace’s decorum. Incorporate contemporary trends to add a modern flair.

For Men: The day dress code calls for a suit or a smart blazer and trousers. Traditional colours are a safe bet, but lighter shades or subtle patterns can offer a stylish, contemporary edge.

There is also a lot of great advice and discussion in the comments on this blog – take a look below.

 

Practical Tips for a Flawless Royal Garden Party Experience

 

Comfort Meets Style: Practical Considerations

  • Footwear: Choosing the right shoes is crucial. For ladies, the chunky heels of 2019 have given way to the chic and comfortable kitten heels in 2025, perfect for gracefully navigating the garden terrain. For gentlemen, stylish loafers or comfortable dress shoes are ideal.
  • Dressing for the weather: The English weather is nothing if not unpredictable. Lightweight, airy dresses are perfect for warmer days, while adding a stylish blazer or a light jacket can prepare you for a cooler turn in the weather. Men can opt for breathable fabrics in their suits to stay comfortable.

 

Colour and Trend Insights:

  • Bold and Bright: This year, it’s all about embracing vibrant colours. Gone are the days of sticking solely to navy, black, or grey. A boldly printed dress or a brightly coloured suit can make a fantastic fashion statement.
  • Shimmer and Shine: The ‘heavy metals’ trend is in, allowing you to incorporate shimmering elements into your attire, adding a touch of glamour and helping you stand out in the most sophisticated way.

The Art of Dressing for the Occasion:

Remember, the essence of Royal Garden Party attire is finding that sweet spot between formal and fashionable. It’s about dressing respectfully for the occasion while still injecting your unique style into your outfit. The key is to respect the tradition but also embrace the new – blending the old with the new is what 2025 is all about!

 

A Royal garden party invitation - hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Copyright royal.com

Image courtesy royal.com

 

Got any questions or need more tips on Royal events or fashion? I’m always here to share insights and advice.

Drop a comment, and let’s keep the conversation going. Your curiosity and engagement are what drive this community of royal fashion enthusiasts. Let’s explore this glamorous world together!

 

More information:

Keep an eye on the Royal website for updates on events in 2025.

Is there any other information you’d like to see covered about Royal events? Let us know and we’ll find out more. We’d love to hear from you – please do drop us a line in the comments.

 

 

 

King Charles III coronation in London – 5 ways to experience the spectacle all year round!

King Charles III coronation in London – 5 ways to experience the spectacle all year round!

by | Apr 5, 2023 | Event vlogs, Royal England, Travel vlog

If you’re obsessed with The Crown like we are, then you’ll be excited for King Charles III coronation in London! Whether you’re a Royalist or not, it’s difficult to underplay the significance of this event. The British Monarchy has survived while so many other hugely important dynasties of the past have crumbled. And of course, we’ve not seen anything of this magnitude since 1953 when Queen Elizabeth took the crown.

The history of it all is intriguing, and we get to live it in 2023!

 

King Charles III coronation in London

We’ve been lucky enough to be in London for the two Royal weddings that took place over the past ten years. Not only is this city full of extraordinary energy, but adding a celebratory Royal event makes it a city-wide party! With the King’s coronation, the wonderful three-day affair, Londoners are preparing for a grand celebration.

To help you get in on the action, we’ve pulled together the top five ways Londoners will be celebrating as King Charles III officially takes the crown. The streets will be lined with Union Jack flags and the sounds of fanfare music will fill the air. Secondly, public viewing screens will be erected across the city, giving everyone a chance to watch the historic moment. Street parties will take place across the city, with communities coming together to celebrate – read more about this below. Also, museums and galleries will hold exhibitions and events to commemorate the occasion. Of course, the city’s restaurants and bars will be offering special menus and drinks, so be sure to indulge in some of the culinary delights on offer.

How Londoners will celebrate the coronation in 2023

 

1. We will line the streets to see the coronation procession! 

On the morning of 6 May, the King and Queen Consort will depart Buckingham Palace and travel to Westminster Abbey. The coronation church since 1066, the Abbey is over 1,000 years old. Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the route and throughout St James Park to witness this historic moment. A procession will occur before and after the coronation service, as they return to the Palace.

To learn more about the coronation long weekend, the procession, and other future royal events, visit royal.uk.

Obviously you can still enjoy these locations if you’re in London in the future. Indeed you can visit both Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for a fee. Reservations are required to join a tour when available. More information can be found online by searching for the place you wish to visit.

For a peek inside Buckingham Palace, check out our experience at the Queen’s Garden party.

St James Park is among the eight magnificent royal parks in London and is situated adjacent to Buckingham Palace. It is free to explore. To learn more, visit here.

 

2. Party with the people and ‘The Big Lunch’

Across the long weekend, everyone in the UK is invited to bring their neighbours and community together. We can host street parties or set up our own Big Lunch. At the time of publishing, over 7,000 parties have been registered across the country!

Furthermore, we know that when these events take place, there is a happy air about the place. People really do get together to celebrate, creating a sense of togetherness that is unparalleled. It’s amazing! In fact, this is a moment in history that people here will remember for our whole lives.

In case you miss the street parties, there are other ways to enjoy the festivities. For instance, the pub culture in England is something altogether unique! You can book a spot at your favourite pub or restaurant and enjoy the celebrations with your friends and family. This is how we celebrated Harry and Meghan’s wedding, at one of our fave London pubs, The Narrowboat.

Cheers to that :)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sarah Blinco (@sarahblinco)

 

3. Congregate at iconic landmarks

Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic landmarks. Not only are many steeped in Royal history, like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, but there are also year-long activities being held at many famous places around London to mark the coronation.

On the coronation long weekend, many Londoners will visit somewhere like Hampton Court to enjoy garden parties and celebrations on the property’s beautiful grounds. Additionally, Windsor Castle will play host to a huge concert on Sunday 8 March. Furthermore, a lottery was run via the BBC and 10,000 lucky people have scored free tickets to this momentous show.

For anyone coming to London in the future, a little tip is to check out the Historic Royal Palaces site to see if a membership might save you some money on entry fees. Moreover, the HRP pass grants access (and sometimes special privileges) to a number of sites, including Hampton Court, the Tower of London, and Kensington Palace. To find out more, visit their website.

 

4. Be of service – volunteering, The Big Help Out

King Charles is patron of over 400 charitable organisations. It’s no surprise that as part of the celebrations, we are encouraged to give back too. On Bank Holiday Monday a nation-wide initiative The Big Help Out will take place. Over 1,500 organisation are registered. We can pop our postcode into The Big Help Out app to find out how to help out in our area.

It’s a positive way to make a difference, mark this momentous occasion and make new friends.

If you’re not here for the coronation long weekend, there are always plenty of ways you can get involved in the community. Start by getting in touch with a cause that means something to you. Or, there are often plenty of opportunities to support some of the historic properties around London and the UK. Take your pick.

 

5. Celebrate with fashion

All eyes will be on the Royals across the entire weekend, and keen note will be taken of what they’re wearing. You may have heard that there are rules around what is appropriate or not. Here’s some background that pertains to the Royal Garden Party attire.

Furthermore, many people will flock to the special 2023 Kensington Palace exhibition, From Crown to Couture for inspiration. Dubbed “the fashion exhibition of the centuries”, it features over 200 pieces from across history and the world – from Charles II to Lizzo and Lady Gaga!

In addition to the coronation weekend showcase, the exhibition runs from April to October 2023, providing ample time for visitors to marvel at the collection. Moreover, Kensington Palace is always worth a visit, with a revolving door of exhibitions every year, so if you miss this one, don’t worry. The area is also brimming with fun activities, food and shopping, all of which you can read more about here.

 

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