What to wear to Wimbledon??
Apr 20th, 2008, 08:35 AM
#1
What to wear to Wimbledon??
Okay, I guess this question is a bit tongue in cheek given all the abuse the fashion conscious have been getting here on Fodor's lately, but my husband challenged me, "post it on Fodor's" and I said, "you don't know how crazy people there get about 'what to wear' posts!"
Anyway, looks like I'm going to be a 'hostess' for a Wimbledon private event for my husband's company. I'm not a huge sports fan, but I actually do like tennis and so I agreed to tag along with my husband who loves and lives for tennis. He's been sending me everywhere I want to go all year, so the least I can do for this sweet man who asks so little of me is to show up, be charming and look good. I asked if he could go alone, but he actually needs a wife to do this. So nice to be needed
But, OMG, what do I wear? Since it is a company event and mostly client attended, some men actually will come in suits and ties although the dress code says "business casual". I think suits are a bit much for a tennis event, although last year's host did wear one, but I want us both to strike the right balance.
I'm thinking a light-colored pants suit and nice scarf with smart shoes and some nice jewelry for me, and dress slacks and button down oxford shirt and maybe a knit sweater for my husband or perhaps a sports coat. My husband looks good in most things, but I'm not so great in dresses or skirts. I'm short and have a figure, so the pants are usually a more attractive look....I'd like a small heel on the shoes but not old-ladyish or too sandally... any ideas there?
We will attend a private lunch and dinner, as well as watch tennis. The event lasts all day. I'm thinking we can take the jackets off for tennis and have them on for greeting and dining.
If you hate these questions, no need to answer. If you love fashion, or have attended Wimbledon for a corporate event, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
thanks!
gruezi
Anyway, looks like I'm going to be a 'hostess' for a Wimbledon private event for my husband's company. I'm not a huge sports fan, but I actually do like tennis and so I agreed to tag along with my husband who loves and lives for tennis. He's been sending me everywhere I want to go all year, so the least I can do for this sweet man who asks so little of me is to show up, be charming and look good. I asked if he could go alone, but he actually needs a wife to do this. So nice to be needed
But, OMG, what do I wear? Since it is a company event and mostly client attended, some men actually will come in suits and ties although the dress code says "business casual". I think suits are a bit much for a tennis event, although last year's host did wear one, but I want us both to strike the right balance.
I'm thinking a light-colored pants suit and nice scarf with smart shoes and some nice jewelry for me, and dress slacks and button down oxford shirt and maybe a knit sweater for my husband or perhaps a sports coat. My husband looks good in most things, but I'm not so great in dresses or skirts. I'm short and have a figure, so the pants are usually a more attractive look....I'd like a small heel on the shoes but not old-ladyish or too sandally... any ideas there?
We will attend a private lunch and dinner, as well as watch tennis. The event lasts all day. I'm thinking we can take the jackets off for tennis and have them on for greeting and dining.
If you hate these questions, no need to answer. If you love fashion, or have attended Wimbledon for a corporate event, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
thanks!
gruezi
Apr 20th, 2008, 10:54 AM
#2
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For what they are worth, here are my thoughts:
I think that a trouser suit will be fine, if you can go for something light and simple that can be dressed up and down and isn't cut like a business suit. Judi Dench is short, she wears feminine trouser suits and she's regarded as one of the best dressed women in Britain. I know that she shops at Hampstead Bazaar, but don't go for anything that looks too "floaty".
http://www.hampsteadbazaar.com/
Another place for ideas, including a more dressy jacket for the evening, is Maharini Trading:
http://www.maharanitrading.com/
Last year, people commented on how smart Roger Federer looked at Wimbledon. He looked very traditional, in a pale summer suit over a T shirt. This look would be fine for daytime, but your husband might need to wear a shirt and tie for dinner, depending on how formal it is. It can get very hot on Wimbledon courts, so a sweater might not be a good idea.
I think that a trouser suit will be fine, if you can go for something light and simple that can be dressed up and down and isn't cut like a business suit. Judi Dench is short, she wears feminine trouser suits and she's regarded as one of the best dressed women in Britain. I know that she shops at Hampstead Bazaar, but don't go for anything that looks too "floaty".
http://www.hampsteadbazaar.com/
Another place for ideas, including a more dressy jacket for the evening, is Maharini Trading:
http://www.maharanitrading.com/
Last year, people commented on how smart Roger Federer looked at Wimbledon. He looked very traditional, in a pale summer suit over a T shirt. This look would be fine for daytime, but your husband might need to wear a shirt and tie for dinner, depending on how formal it is. It can get very hot on Wimbledon courts, so a sweater might not be a good idea.
Apr 21st, 2008, 02:47 AM
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If your husband is hosting this, and the invitation says "business casual" he MUST dress at the extreme casual end of whatever the spectrum is in his business. In most businesses, this means no jacket, though the precise definition will vary a lot between, say, a City legal firm (where "casual" can sometimes mean a blue shirt with the three piece suit) and a TV production company (where it means the dangly bits are covered).
The definition also gets more formal the closer you are to the two Finals days (I'm assuming you've all got Centre Court tickets), and less formal if it's hot. And, whatever jibes you may make about English weather, if it's hot outside, it's HELLISH on Centre and No 1 Courts.
It's irrelevant what he looks good in. His (and your) only role is to make your real guests (the people whose custom he's rewarding or soliciting) feel comfortable. So the first rule is "do nothing that might make a guest feel dowdy or scruffy". The second rule is "do nothing that might make a guest feel you're not taking this seriously".
So, unless you're in that bit of the fashion business that takes fashion seriously (and most clothing suppliers and retailers don't), fashion - or what you think looks good on you - is beside the point. It's about judging what makes your guests feel comfortable. Your husband's colleagues and their partners are actually the best source of advice on this, and you should consult them.
The definition also gets more formal the closer you are to the two Finals days (I'm assuming you've all got Centre Court tickets), and less formal if it's hot. And, whatever jibes you may make about English weather, if it's hot outside, it's HELLISH on Centre and No 1 Courts.
It's irrelevant what he looks good in. His (and your) only role is to make your real guests (the people whose custom he's rewarding or soliciting) feel comfortable. So the first rule is "do nothing that might make a guest feel dowdy or scruffy". The second rule is "do nothing that might make a guest feel you're not taking this seriously".
So, unless you're in that bit of the fashion business that takes fashion seriously (and most clothing suppliers and retailers don't), fashion - or what you think looks good on you - is beside the point. It's about judging what makes your guests feel comfortable. Your husband's colleagues and their partners are actually the best source of advice on this, and you should consult them.
Apr 21st, 2008, 06:35 AM
#8
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The weather is so changeable and completely unpredictable, but for what it's worth when we went to Wimbledon in 2006 it was clear and sunny and HOT HOT HOT! And just a couple of days before it was cool and rainy at Hampton Court.
I'm from Texas, but when it's hot in Europe it's darn HOT and there's not much escaping it. Just be prepared for any eventuality - rainy and dreary or like flanner says "HELLISH".
I'm from Texas, but when it's hot in Europe it's darn HOT and there's not much escaping it. Just be prepared for any eventuality - rainy and dreary or like flanner says "HELLISH".
Apr 21st, 2008, 06:43 AM
#9
"<i>If your husband is hosting this, and the invitation says "business casual" he MUST dress at the extreme casual end of whatever the spectrum is in his business.</i>"
I agree w/ flanner - if you and your husband (especially your DH) "over dress", those who are wearing business casual will feel very uncomfortable.
So - what passes for "business casual" in your husband's firm . . .
I agree w/ flanner - if you and your husband (especially your DH) "over dress", those who are wearing business casual will feel very uncomfortable.
So - what passes for "business casual" in your husband's firm . . .
Apr 21st, 2008, 08:36 AM
#10
thanks for your thoughts everyone...
Thanks for the advice on the umbrella - I know my husband's biggest concern is the day being called for rain...not because of lost business opportunity necessarily He's very tickled to see the tennis.
I wilt in the heat, but I will be a good wifey and smile if it gets hot - and bring my sunglasses and sunscreen as well.
g.
Thanks for the advice on the umbrella - I know my husband's biggest concern is the day being called for rain...not because of lost business opportunity necessarily
He's very tickled to see the tennis.I wilt in the heat, but I will be a good wifey and smile if it gets hot - and bring my sunglasses and sunscreen as well.
g.
Apr 21st, 2008, 09:52 AM
#12
Gsteed-
Great idea!
I was surprised to see a lot of men in the stands in suit and tie! So perhaps I am way off...
...although Gwyneth Paltrow looked very nice in jeans and a white peasant blouse....I think I'm too old for that ...sigh...
g.
Great idea!
I was surprised to see a lot of men in the stands in suit and tie! So perhaps I am way off...
...although Gwyneth Paltrow looked very nice in jeans and a white peasant blouse....I think I'm too old for that ...sigh...
g.
Apr 21st, 2008, 10:21 AM
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No, you're not way off.
There's very little dress code at Wimbledon, though scruff isn't welcome at Centre or Number 1 courts (though it's standard in the crowds at the outer courts): some people wear ties, some don't.
That's why it's vital for hosts to dress in a way that makes their guests feel comfortable. And only your husband's colleages can tell you what that means for his company, in the venues you're eating at, on the day you're visiting.
There's very little dress code at Wimbledon, though scruff isn't welcome at Centre or Number 1 courts (though it's standard in the crowds at the outer courts): some people wear ties, some don't.
That's why it's vital for hosts to dress in a way that makes their guests feel comfortable. And only your husband's colleages can tell you what that means for his company, in the venues you're eating at, on the day you're visiting.
