Garden parties and tennis events share a wonderful quality: outdoor elegance under blue skies. The hat you choose for these occasions should be pretty, practical, and ready for sunshine. Here is how to get it right.
"I love dressing clients for garden parties and tennis. The mood is lighter than racing, and it gives you permission to be playful with colour, florals, and summery shapes."
— Kathryn Lee
Garden Party Style
A garden party calls for femininity. Floral prints, soft colours, and lightweight fabrics set the tone. Your hat should continue that story.
- Best styles: Medium-brimmed straws, floral fascinators, boaters with ribbon trim, and soft headband pieces.
- Best colours: Blush, butter yellow, sage, sky blue, and natural straw.
- The vibe: Pretty, easy, and fresh. Not formal, not casual. Elegant in-between.
Tennis Event Style
Tennis events, from the Australian Open to club championships, have a sporty-chic dress code. The emphasis is on clean, preppy lines.
- Best styles: Fedoras, structured straw hats, visors with millinery detailing, and neat headbands.
- Best colours: White, navy, and classic neutrals. Tennis loves clean, crisp tones.
- Practical tip: You will be seated for long periods in the sun. A hat with genuine sun protection is both stylish and sensible.
Sun Sense
Garden parties and tennis events are often in full sun. A hat with a wider brim is not just fashionable, it is practical UV protection. Pair it with sunglasses and sunscreen, and you are covered in every sense.
