Well it’s that time of year again when the hats and fascinators get dusted off, and we think we are all rather terribly posh; and act like sipping champagne and eating smoked salmon is a daily occurrence!  I must admit I love this time of year, even if I’m not going to every summer social event in the Tattler calendar, I kind of still feel I am!

I think this stems back to my late teens, when I dated a terribly handsome young rower and used to go to Henley Royal Regatta every year and hang out in the Leander club; thinking I was it on a broom stick.  The same young rower then became a race horse trainer, so my life became a veritable social whirl for a while!

I started thinking, as I’m going to the Derby on Saturday that you might like a quick 40 Stories guide to what to wear if your still undecided,  or it might even inspire you to pick up some last minute tickets and treat yourself to a fab day out.

First up is the Ivestec Derby Festival 4th – 5th June

The Derby is one of the most famous flat races in the world, dating back to 1780.  The dress code for the Queens stand is top hats and hats or fascinators for the ladies.  This is my partner Tom’s favourite day out, he’s been going here for the last 20 years, so we always go whether it’s dressing up to the nines or just hanging out on the hill with the kids – I can highly recommend it as a fun fun day out.

DERBY DAMES
Second up on our social gad about is of course Royal Ascot – 15th -19th June

If you want to wear your biggest bestest hat then this is your day, hats are compulsory in the royal enclosure, dresses and skirts should be of a modest length; which to be honest unless your Elle Macpherson, it’s probably for the best!  and any straps should be over 1 inch wide, so leave the spaghetti at home!

ASCOT ANGELS
Next up is the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Wimbledon – June 21st – July 4th

I have to admit this is one of my favourites, not just because we live a stones throw away, but also because it reminds me of the birth of my 2 wonderful boys, Freddie and Sammy; who were born on the 26th and 27th June respectively.  (Not in the same year you understand as that would be just weird!)  I had to spend time in hospital with both of them, so this time was spent watching Wimbledon, breast feeding, drinking tea and getting to know my beautiful babies.  It’s probably rose tinted glasses or the amount of drugs I was taking, but I have such fond memories of this magical time that when I hear the dulcet tones of Sue Baker, I become very nostalgic and I’m not ashamed to say a little teary eyed!

WIMBLEDON WHITES
Finally on this select round up is Henley Royal Regatta – June 30th – July 4th

As I mentioned earlier this is somewhere I used to frequent in my youth, and what a jolly good time I used to have too!  I would still recommend it, if only for the strapping young men wondering around in very very tight lycra (oh dear I’ve turned into one of those old ladies ogling young muscular males!!)

Here you are required to wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee, and your not coming in if your sporting a split in your skirt (intentional or not,) culottes or trousers, so be warned.

HOORAY HENLEY
Hope you’ve enjoyed my little trip down memory lane, there are obviously lots of other events happening at this busy time, but these are my personal favourites.  Hopefully this has given you a little inspiration, feel free to comment if your struggling with your outfit and I will endeavour to help, and I love to see your photos so please post them on the 40 stories facebook page!