Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Bloody hell. Queens garden party help!

126 replies

awesomekilick · 03/02/2022 14:45

My DM has an invite to a queens garden party late May and wants me as her plus one.

What is expected? A frock?? I'm a jeans n sweater mid 50s woman, there is zero of the "S and B" about me. So I turn to you in panic for help.

I have fat calves and ankles. Good shoulders. 5 foot 7 and size 16 (14 on a good day). Hate heels of any description. I must feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible as I'll be inwardly stressed, dealing with my elderly DM and my inner revulsion towards this kind of "do". My DM has no one else to take really. Please help!

OP posts:
Emmelina · 03/02/2022 15:51

I have never been, but friends have. Think Ascot. And don’t wear pointy heels - if there’s been any rain at all the lawns will be soft!

gogohm · 03/02/2022 15:52

It's worth checking out charity shops for hats btw, we get lots donated, usually worn once

averylongtimeago · 03/02/2022 15:58

My mil went with her DF many years ago. (1975 ish)
There was a dress code, and yes she did wear a hat.
She wore a very smart coffee and cream dress a coat with a matching hat (coffee coloured with cream flower), coffee shoes and bag.
High heels sink into the grass apparently.

Also don't do what her dad did and drink his tea out of the saucer!

bringonsummer2022 · 03/02/2022 16:03

I've been to quite a few royal garden parties (as staff lol, I'm not posh enough to be invited).
It's entirely on lawn so definitely you need flat shoes or wedges. Most of the ladies wear the sort of thing you would wear to a summer daytime wedding.

bringonsummer2022 · 03/02/2022 16:06

The food is SO Nice and really fancy. I remember helping the chef put jam on the scones then cream. Then a manager came round and said it was wrong, so we had to very carefully precisely slice off the thin layer of jam not leaving a trace to be seen under the new layer of cream, which, at Buckingham Palace anyway, must go on first.
Have a bag you can sling over your shoulder easily so your hands are free to eat 😂

AmethystMoonShine · 03/02/2022 16:07

I went to one about 5 or so years ago and it was a hot day. I just came on to say whatever you do, don't wear heels - you'll sink in the grass! I wore wedges, or flat sandals would be fine too.
I wore a shift dress and jacket and a hat - I was glad of the hat to keep the hot sun off of my head!
As others have said, lots of standing - there are some chairs but certainly not enough for everyone. Also keep your bag to a minimum as you'll be holding it the whole time (unless you snaffle a chair)
I'd recommend a wander around the garden, it's rather lovely. I also very much enjoyed the canapés and tea!

Pumasonsatsumas · 03/02/2022 16:08

I feel like bombshell would be your friend here. They make v flattering dresses, my aunt wore one to my sister's wedding and got loads of compliments, to my sister's ire 😂

AtillatheHun · 03/02/2022 16:16

I’ve been to one and wore a silk midi length print dress with short sleeves, and a rented fun Philip Treacy hat. Lots of people in combs / fascinators rather than hats.
Shoes - you will need to walk a lot so comfort and something that won’t spike into the grass!

AtillatheHun · 03/02/2022 16:17

If you are a Hans girl, rent the dress as why soend ££££ on something you will wear once. Or at least buy 2nd hand - Vestiaire or similar

2022HereWeCome · 03/02/2022 16:22

From the Royal website

For a Garden Party, gentlemen wear morning dress or lounge suits, while women wear day dress, usually with hats or fascinators. National dress and uniform are also often worn.

I know lots of people who have gone to the Edinburgh one over the years - musts are flat shoes or wedges, a handbag with a strap that won't ruin your outfit, a wrap/cardigan/ blazer or similar (to use to cover up if necessary - can be hot or rainy or anywhere in between) Lots of colour generally. I would wear a hat /fascinator. Not too much flesh on display.

HyacynthBucket · 03/02/2022 16:26

The SilkFred dress is perfect. Luckily long ones are in fashion if you don't want to show ankles. Have a lovely time, and your DM too.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 03/02/2022 16:47

You'll get a dress code with the invite which will give you guidance. Wear a nice dress (sleeveless ok, strapless is not). Fascinator will be ok instead of a hat.

I went with a friend who worked for HMQ. One woman turned up in leggings (not remotely smart ones) and my friend was gobsmacked that she'd been allowed in.

mrssmiling · 03/02/2022 16:48

How lovely for you and your mum!
There are a lot of videos on YouTube…just search ‘Royal Garden Party’.
Might be useful to look at a couple, just to see what people wear.
A few links…
comptonhouseoffashion.co.uk/royal-garden-party-dresses/
www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/print-dresses

londonmummy1966 · 03/02/2022 17:09

If you're not a very flowery person then one of these might work

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/print-dresses/products/marianne-wrap-dress-in-shaded-botanical-pieced-brocade

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/print-dresses/products/marianne-dress-in-lagoon-crepe-and-cloudpine-print-silk-georgette-1

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/winter-print-dresses/products/mae-dress-in-teal-mountain-pine-crepe-1

Plus flats or wedges as PPs have said.

Unless you are likely to wear it again I would hire a hat - then you can have something fabulous.

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 03/02/2022 17:13

I love the leopard dress. It is beautiful.

Sittinginthesand · 03/02/2022 19:16

Totters - definitely not the max Mara one! Far to casual.

I don’t think animal print is quite right either.

BlueBloodedBlue · 03/02/2022 19:19

Slightly off point, but why is every model in the SilkFred photos obsessed by her phone!

Original poster
awesomekilick · 03/02/2022 19:36

My plan is - as I have several months - try on different styles and shapes in charity shops, have a John Lewis specialist advice session, and hire a hat. Will update when I have anything to share ( I discover I do like Max Mara frocks but none is quite right for her Maj. ). Thanks for all the practical and emotional propping up!

OP posts:
OP posts:
Kingstonmumof1 · 03/02/2022 19:54

I was coming on to say shoes that can handle standing on grass for hours but I see that's covered! Very Ascot royal enclosure type outfits, I think I may have worn the same outfit to both the summer I went! Floral dress, scarf around shoulder, low heels and hat if I remember correctly. I also remember being the youngest by 20/30 years (being early 20s at the time). Have a lovely time. Be prepared that if you want to say hello to the Queen you will have to queue for quite a while.

TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet · 03/02/2022 19:55

Knowing people who’ve been to the garden parties the dress code is very mother of the bride and definitely a hat.

Have a look at pictures of the outfits worn by the younger female royals to these events, for inspiration. That last JL one you’ve posted is ideal with smart closed toe shoes and a hat.

Kelvingrove · 03/02/2022 19:59

Well done OP. You seem to be much happier about the party than at the start of the thread!

Enjoy choosing something special. Have fun.

ChittyBangs · 03/02/2022 20:01

I love the dress you've seen in John Lewis!

Original poster
awesomekilick · 03/02/2022 20:06

With this hat?!?

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread