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MATCH OF THE DAY
From Ascot to the Oval, we’ve got the kit you need.
1. THE RACES
For our money, Royal Ascot is the horse-racing meet at which to be seen. Traditionally held in mid to late June, it’s an event synonymous with elegance, eye-watering bets and, of course, the Queen. It goes without saying that formalwear holds sway, but colour and individual style are most definitely encouraged. Stick to classic suits in a mid- to light-grey shade as opposed to darker tones like navy – you want the sun’s rays to bounce off the fabric rather than be absorbed. A light-blue shirt from Burberry and dark-navy knitted tie are a classic tonal pairing. Pick a patterned pocket square by Eton and ground the look with a pair of Oxfords from Paul Smith. Add matching black-leather accessories.
2. THE TENNIS
The French have Roland-Garros, the Americans Flushing Meadows… but when it comes to tennis tournaments, Wimbledon is the one. For those who are less Murray Mound and more Royal Box it’s a chance to flex sartorial muscles with ace combinations of tailoring separates and accessories – think prim and proper but not as overly formal as a suit. We turn to Hackett for the foundation pieces, its partially lined checked blazer and tropical wool trousers are mindful of the heat. Under the jacket, a white shirt from Paul Smith is the frame for a club-stripe tie by Burberry. Brown leather is less conservative than black – just make sure to match the tone of Church's Derbies to your belt.
3. THE POLO
The gentleman’s sport, polo is a fixture of the elite social calendar, with the season running from May to September. Now, it may be the game that gave us the polo shirt, but unless you’re taking part it’s important not to get spectator style mixed up with an equestrian-themed ensemble. To save your blushes, keep it semi-formal with a pastel-hued linen-blend blazer by Hackett, camel cotton chinos by Hugo Boss and a white button-down shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren (who else?). A pair of Paul Smith suede loafers without socks is permissible on balmy days and a hint of light blue in the pocket square will complement bright shades.
4. THE CRICKET
There are few things in life as quintessentially British as cricket – a trip to Lord’s or Old Trafford is an all-day affair. While old-schoolers may swear by gold-button navy blazers, we prefer to give a smart-casual look the run out. A cable-knit jumper with a deep v-shaped neckline emulates the look of traditional cricket whites without going full-kit wally and will effortlessly layer over a piqué cotton polo shirt from Alexander McQueen. Slim-leg blue denim by Nudie Jeans and a pair of loafer-style driving shoes from Tod's are comfortable – but classy – options. As you’ll be exposed to the unpredictable British weather, we also suggest wearing a hat, sunglasses and carrying an umbrella in case rain calls off play.
