The 4th July was a glorious summer day at Henley Royal Regatta. In the Las Vegas enclosure dazzling American hospitality and sequinned showgirls blended with the striped blazers and straw boaters of the old country.

Mole and Ratty might not have known what to make of it, but Mr Toad would most certainly have approved!

My Alice & Co dress and Susie Hopkins hat chimed perfectly with the colour scheme for the day and were probably a lot more comfortable than the showgirls’ towering headdresses.

There were more red outfits being worn on the towpath and a lot of hats from full-on garden party to casual sunwear. This gentleman seems to be carrying a spare!

Some were very engaged with the rowing…

…while others found it all too much!

Some dressed up and others didn’t. I’m quite taken with this chap’s splendid suit and I’m now thinking of creating some blazer-inspired chic for the autumn. Anyone for a dashing striped coat?

Like all the events of the British ‘Social Season’ Henley has lots of archaic rules and regulations and it’s been going since 1839. This summer was its 175th birthday!

It’s a marvellous open-to-all event – anyone can picnic on the river bank free and gratis, plus there’s plenty of corporate hospitality and the VIPs-only Stewards’ Enclosure close to the finish. The rowing races take place all day over a course stretching for one mile and 550 yards and are an exciting spectacle. There’s also a shopping village selling panama hats, pashminas and rowing machines – if you want to get in training for next year.

For lots of interesting history and background to Henley, and all the other events that make up ‘The Season’, plus tips on the complicated dress codes, read Sophie Campbell’s comprehensive guide. (And Chapter 5 is all about me!).

If you need something glamorous to wear to your next stylish social event, from frocks to hats to an evening dress, please get in touch here. And if you fancy a trip to Las Vegas see visitlasvegas.co.uk

 All images © 2014 imagepalace.co.uk

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