DRESSING FOR THE SPORT OF KINGS

Polo is often referred to as the sport of Kings, and has long provided some of the key dates in the calendar for what is known in England as “The Season”.

This year, I was lucky enough to be invited to the 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup tournament at Cowdray Park in Sussex by Mariya Dykalo, the Creative Director of Aspinal of London.

There are literally dozens of polo games up and down the country between May and September, ranging from the high goal fixtures which attract a whole host of celebrity spectators – through to the more local grass roots tournaments that are played in front of smaller crowds.

But regardless of the scale of the match, this is a sport where there is always as much attention on what the spectators are wearing in the marquees, as there is on the action between the two teams on the field.

So here are a few of Fernanda’s personal tips on what to wear for various occasions throughout the summer as you sip on a glass of champagne and watch a chukka or two!

Within the last two decades as the profile of the sport has soared in the UK, and with far wider media coverage, there has been something of a relaxing of dress codes. Ladies are seen wearing a range of outfits that are drawn from the most beautiful summer dresses, through to something more relaxed in a pair of well cut jeans.

Much depends though on the tournament of course, and where you happen to be watching from! At the fixtures that involve teams competing for the most prestigious trophies in the English polo season, the dress code tends to be a little more strictly defined and you might easily find yourself in the same marquee as a member of the royal family!

That said though, I would always advise you to dress with whatever you feel most confident in. For example the dress I am wearing below, is this floaty, knee-length number from Beautiful Soul. I always choose heels wherever I go, and today I have gone for this pair from Jimmy Choo. Always bear in mind though that polo matches are played on huge great fields, and you will be walking around on grass for much of the time – so choose your footwear carefully – and if you want to be more comfortable, then you can always opt for wedges.

As the weather was quite hot on the day, I decided to take a hat with me just in case the sun got too hot – and, yes it did!

And always, always, always – go for a pair of statement sunglasses – whatever the weather!

Both Mariya and I chose the new mini Lottie bag from Aspinal of London which is not yet out, but do keep your eyes peeled on the website, as it will be out in time for LFW. The bag comes in many different colours and is available at ASPINAL OF LONDON