What to Wear: Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a nature lover’s dream. Beautiful garden designs, a colourful atmosphere and tons of inspiration for your outdoor space - it’s no wonder the event attracts over 168,000 visitors each year.

Even if you’re not the green-fingered type, the show is an opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy the sunshine, and take in the spectacle with a cream tea or glass of champagne. Whether you’re a Chelsea Flower Show regular or it’s your first visit, you want to look your best. While there’s no official dress code, the show is renowned for its stylish outfits, and a smart-casual outfit will hit the right note.

The Printed Shirt

A collared shirt is a smart-casual go-to, and there’s no better time to rock a floral print. A subtle pattern adds character to your shirt, and an event like the Chelsea Flower Show is a great opportunity to choose a style or pattern you might not usually go for.

Ted Baker features a range of printed shirts featuring floral, dandelion and leaf prints in a luxurious Egyptian cotton for softness and breathability.

The Linen Shirt

The Chelsea Flower Show is held annually in May, so you can expect warmer temperatures as we head towards summer. A linen shirt is lightweight, breathable and will keep you cool on a hot day. It adds a bit more of a casual vibe compared to a traditional cotton shirt, but is smart enough to be worn on its own with chinos.

This is a British summertime after all, so unless we’re in the middle of a heatwave, a blazer or overshirt is essential. Navy blue, oatmeal and grey are stylish shades that pair nicely with a linen shirt in classic white or light blue. Keep it relaxed with a light knit and turn it into a style statement by tying the arms over your shoulders.

Blazer and Chinos

A blazer and chinos is the perfect smart-casual combination. Tailored enough to look smart, casual enough to feel comfortable throughout the day, this look can be easily styled with white trainers or tan loafers. Our favourite foolproof combinations include a navy blazer and tailored stone chinos or an oatmeal blazer with matching chinos or a similar shade like white or brown. The beauty of a blazer and chinos is that you can wear either a shirt, polo shirtpolo shirt or t-shirt underneath, depending on your style.

Shades of Green

Opt for an airy linen blend in earthy sage for a light and slightly more relaxed vibe or stick with the nature theme in a dark green textured suit. Keep it casual with your best white trainers, brown brogues or loafers. Style your green suit with a crisp white shirt for a smart look or keep it relaxed with a white t-shirt.

The Pastel Two-Piece

A two-piece suit is a smart option for a stylish day out. Celebrate the bright and rich colours of nature in bloom by ditching the traditional grey and navy suit in favour of a summery pastel shade. Make a statement in rose pink, peach or a seafoam green for a fun but sophisticated update on your usual suit.

Floral Accents

Once you’ve got your outfit sorted, it’s time to accessorise. A floral tie or pocket square in a contrasting shade to your suit jacket or blazer is a subtle but effective way to pull your outfit together for a touch of extra pizazz.

Footwear

Chelsea Flower Show is an all-day event, with visitors spending 5-7 hours enjoying the exhibits and grabbing a spot of lunch. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, so it’s important to find shoes that match the smart-casual code but are comfy enough to be worn for a long period of time. white leather trainers, suede loafers or brown brogues are our go-to styles.

Getting dressed up for Chelsea Flower Show? Shop Smart-Casual

Or book a fitting in-store to get your measurements and style tips from our experts.