The country set's insider tips on what to wear to Badminton this weekend
This week, more than 160,000 visitors will descend upon Badminton to witness one of the pinnacle events of the British country calendar, the Mitsubushi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. The celebration of three-day eventing brings with it some very particular concerns in the what-to-wear stakes, with most seasoned attendees agreeing that practicality is paramount.
Nevertheless, there are- of course- certain ways to go about nailing a look which will help you tackle the demands of a Badminton day out, which often involves walking around the 5 miles of cross country course, in style.
Layering is key
“With changeable British weather, it’s all about layering," says Lady Melissa Percy, founder and designer of Mistamina, a new British country fashion label, which launched last year. "A relaxed shirt paired with a classic chunky knit is perfect for Badminton," she continues, adding that you should consider updating country classics with fun elements like "a camouflage bomber jacket for an updated outdoor country feel".
Wax jacket, ￡229, Barbour
Take tips from the trot-up
For the uninitiated, the trot-up takes places at the beginning and end of Badminton and is a chance for riders to show off their glimmeringly healthy horses- and their own best looks. "The riders dress up extremely smartly for the trot-up," explains Julian Seaman, Badminton's press director and a seasoned fashion expert. "It's developed into a complete show-off fashion parade, some riders even wear Chanel suits".
"It's a time when riders can dress to impress, the horses are turned out immaculately and for riders it's a chance to get out of your horsey jumpers and dress to impress," adds Mary King, the eventing champion who has competed at Badminton for years, who admits that her own efforts to dress up for trot-up ended in embarrassment one year when one of her heels snapped.
For 2016's trot-up, Zara Tindall wore a houndstooth cape by Holland Cooper, which dresses several British equestrians. "Women attending Badminton have certainly become more fashion conscious in recent years," says Jade Holland Cooper, the label's founder. "I believe the trot-up has been a huge influence in this. The trot up provides the perfect opportunity to showcase fashion the riders love, and the audience takes inspiration from this, and incorporates elements into their own look."
Country style: Tips to take from the countryside's best-dressed
Good boots will take your far
With one of the highlights of the event being a stomp around the cross-country course, a practical but elegant pair of boots becomes a must. "It's important to have smart but comfortable footwear," emphasises Mary King. "You definitely can't wear high heels."
Mahogany Imperial boots, ￡375, Fairfax and Favor
"If in doubt, wear waterproofs that will work in the mud" suggest Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and Felix Favor Parker, the founders of Fairfax and Favor. "Our Imperial Explorers will be a go-to for many Badminton goers, not only will they keep your feet warm and dry but are comfortable enough for a full day of your feet (including a course walk!) whilst ensuring your style doesn’t suffer."
Make like The Duchess of Cambridge who visited a Gloucester farm wearing Zara skinny jeans tucked into Penelope Chilvers' tassel boots.
A tweed cap makes the perfect accessory
"For a long time, Badminton was strictly tweedy," says Julian Seaman. "It was very country hunting kind of look, I came up with the term Badminton Academicals to describe it." So what does a Badminton Academic traditionally wear? For the men, it's brightly coloured cord trousers, a tweed jacket and a 'mushroom top' tweed cap- "the tweed must never match though."
Holland Cooper suggests that a tweed cap is a finishing touch to borrow from the boys. "To finish your outfit I would recommend a tweed baker boy cap, a style which looks great on women," she says. "They have been a huge look for men over the past couple of years, a trend set by David Beckham and I think we will see so many women adopting this look as they’re so flattering. They are also perfect in a downpour which is more than likely at Badminton!"
Baker boy cap, ￡79, Holland Cooper
When in doubt, channel the royals
The royal family has a long history of attendance at Badminton so naturally their looks for the event throw up plenty of styling inspiration.
"A pleated skirt with a quilted waistcoat and a silk headscarf is the de rigeur look for ladies," adds Seaman, "but it's got to look a bit shabby. To look right and proper country it's got to not look too new." Look to The Queen's sophisticated vintage Badminton ensemble comprised of a silk scarf, cream mac and fitted riding boots- binoculars optional.
Whether it's the elegant navy dressage jacket which she wore in the 70s or her offbeat casual styling in the 80s, Princess Anne offers up brilliant styling inspiration for today too. Meanwhile, Princess Michael of Kent's elegant silk shirt and tailored navy trousers look from 1990 is a timeless spin on smart country style.