For women, things are more flexible, but the rule of thumb is daytime elegance. That means a dress or skirt suit, typically in a cheerful color, with a hat or a fascinator. Think of it as “Easter Sunday brunch” level, not “red carpet at the Oscars.”
Here’s the fun part: you don’t need to spend a fortune. A friend of mine once wore a simple floral dress from a department store, added a wide-brimmed hat from a charity shop, and she looked like she’d just stepped out of a royal portrait. It’s all about attitude. Also, keep your heels reasonable—nobody wants to be the guest who sinks into the lawn like a garden gnome.
What About the Bags and Shoes?
Accessories are your best friends here, but keep them practical. A small handbag is ideal because you’ll be shaking hands with dignitaries and holding a cucumber sandwich. You don’t want to fumble with a giant tote bag while balancing a teacup.
Kate Middleton and Prince William host Buckingham Palace garden party
As for shoes, think comfortable but chic. Block heels or elegant flats are perfect. Remember, the grass at Buckingham Palace is beautifully manicured, but it’s still grass. Stilettos are for nightclubs, not for chasing after a royal wave.
