There is no official dress code for the Chelsea Flower Show, but getting your outfit right is important nonetheless.
It should be a glorious day out, but a dress that’s too tight, not enough layers, shoes that rub… A poorly conceived outfit could rapidly sap the pleasure from it.
Florist Willow Crossley is a Chelsea regular, but prefers not to be too literal in the way she dresses. “I subconsciously go the other way and avoid floral dresses at all costs for Chelsea Flower Show.”
That’s not to say she won’t do colour or print. “I love a striped pair of trousers by La Veste, a light denim by Mother, or a Kipper suit by my sister-in-law Sarah Corbett-Winder, which is the perfect blend of stylish and comfortable.”
Cotton Mint Humbug suit, £510, Kipper
Floral designer Hazel Gardiner is working with She Grows Veg on an exhibit garden this year. “I like to reference the natural world through colour and texture – deep greens, rusts, browns – rather than pastels,” she says. “Broderie anglaise is a favourite, paired with double-pleated white palazzo trousers.”
Call it the gardener-chic approach (Gardiner-chic, even) – what you’d wear to plant tulips, but elevated. Barrel-leg trousers, blowsy linen shirts and clogs.
Not that there’s anything wrong with literal dressing. It’s a much-loved royal style strategy for a reason. For many visitors, it’s a chance to celebrate all things floral. After all, the whole of the Chelsea neighbourhood is an explosion of flowers; it feels appropriate.
Floral prints are the obvious way to acknowledge this, but avoid generic, ditsy versions in favour of more artistic, abstract iterations. A floral jacquard, like the Wiggy Kit blouse below, is a subtle way to embrace the theme, and the daisy collar of this Essentiel Antwerp polo top is a delightful nod to the idea.
In terms of practicality, choose shoes that you can do 10,000 steps in, and account for all weather conditions. “Wear a trainer as you walk miles,” says Crossley. “I would always recommend lots of light layers, as it inevitably rains and is beautifully sunny all in the same day, so definitely pack a lightweight jacket.”
This doesn’t mean that you need to carry half your wardrobe around with you, adds Gardiner: “A cardigan knotted at the neck over a vest or shirt is a simple way to bring an extra layer without bulk and feels considered rather than fussy.
“I always carry a compact Baggu reusable tote – and a hat is non-negotiable. A cap is practical and easy to stash, but a wide-brimmed woven hat with a tie strikes that balance between function and a classic British summer look.”
The non-floral route
For those who prefer their flowers in gardens rather than on outfits, consider a gardener-chic aesthetic. This means chore jackets and barrel trousers, utilitarian skirts and clogs, all in tasteful shades of khaki and beige.
This doesn’t have to be boring. Stripes are a great alternative to florals if your outfit feels a bit blah without a print. Wiggy Kit’s verdant watercolour-like jacket and dress are very elegant and still feel Chelsea-appropriate.
The floral route
Sure, some people think florals at Chelsea are a bit literal, but that’s the whole point. Why let ephemeral trends rob you of the joy in dressing up for this day out?
Satin midi dress, £199, Jigsaw
Of course there are good floral prints and bad floral prints, so choose one that is genuinely beautiful. Floral embroidery is another avenue that looks charming.
Or you can nod to the theme with jewellery – a welcome excuse to shop the new Completedworks’ collaboration with John Lewis.
And don’t forget these essentials
Regulars know just how important it is to bring the right accessories for your day at Chelsea. The weather is always unpredictable, so it’s wise to prepare for all eventualities: a sun hat if it’s going to be hot; a raincoat should it be wet; a spare bag or tote for any purchases or brochures you may pick up.
Most critically, you’ll need shoes that you can trust won’t leave you with blisters. Don’t choose this moment to road-test a new pair – it’d be a recipe for disaster.
Outerwear
Practically Perfect jacket, £299, Penelope Chilvers
Bromelia showerproof trench coat, £449, Barbour x Farm Rio