Rowing fans opt for chic floral gowns and dapper blazers
A host of very glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess as they attended the second day of the Henley Royal Regatta.
The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the River Thames in Oxfordshire.
Spectators were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, in pastel shades and statement headpieces – while the men largely opted for a suit and tie.
However, some went for a more casual look, pairing their floral dresses with comfortable trainers and opting to forgo the traditional hat.
In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839.
A host of very glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess as they attended the second day of the Henley Royal Regatta
The long-standing sartorial rules – which asked for over-the-knee skirts and no trousers, and a blazer or smart jacket – crumbled under pressure from campaigners who branded the former dress code ‘symbolic of an era when women couldn’t compete and were just there to look pretty.’
There was a sea of brightly-coloured blazers making their way to the Henley Royal Regatta on Wednesday, with one family dressing their young children in matching stripes.
It was a similar scene to that spotted on Tuesday, which ended in a rather boozy display – with some spectators finishing their night in the water.
The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races.
The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking.
Teams compete in over 300 races of an international standard on the Thames, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event.
It was first staged in 1839 and has been held annually every year since, except during the two World Wars and 2020 due to Covid-19.
This year, the six-day regatta will for the first time allow international entrants to the junior men’s eights, as well as teams from British private and state schools.
The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking
Regatta goers were dressed to the nines for the rowing event with many turning up in floral dresses
Bright colours were popular for the event with many opting for shades of pink to make they got noticed in the crowd
There were some stunning outfits on display with many going all out, like this woman in a fuchsia pink and royal blue dress with matching shoes
The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the River Thames in Oxfordshire
Spectators were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, in pastel shades and statement headpieces – while the men largely opted for a suit and tie
A statement hat is traditional for women to wear at Regatta but not enforced
However, some went for a more casual look, pairing their floral dresses with comfortable trainers and opting to forgo the traditional hat
Statement headpiece? Yes please! This bold look captured the attention of the on-site photographer
People were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, opting for bright shades of of pink and statement headpieces
Sir Steve Redgrave, chairman of the Henley Royal Regatta, said one major British private school feared opening up the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to international teams would mean students competing against ‘superclubs’.
Sir Steve said he attended a meeting of 55 schools where one private school, which he didn’t name, wanted the cup to remain closed to international competitors.
But he added it was going to happen ‘sooner or later’ and it was the ‘right thing to do’.
In a podcast this month, Sir Steve was asked whether schools, including Eton College, St Paul’s School and St Edward’s School, should be concerned about the rise of ‘big US clubs coming over to race – they are very fast’.
Simply stunning! This Barbie pink suit, sunshine orange dress, china print gown and daring Hawaiian flower number popped in a sea of everyday floral outfits
Spectators took a break from all the rowing and drinking to enjoy delicious food at the event
There was a mix of casual and formal with many women opting to wear trousers. Previously they could only wear a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee to gain access to the Steward’s Enclosure at the annual event but that changed in 2021
Gingham was another popular look for the event, adding a smart blazer to keep in with the event’s traditional feeling
Looking all white! It wasn’t just the ladies that went all out for the looks at the event, many gents pulled out their most spectacular blazers for Regatta
In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839
There was a sea of brightly-coloured blazers making their way to the Henley Royal Regatta on Wednesday, with one family dressing their young children in matching stripes
It was a similar scene to that spotted on Tuesday, which ended in a rather boozy display – with some spectators finishing their night in the water
The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races
Another Barbie fan – hot pink is the shade to be seen in at the Henley Royal Regatta, which often attracts more than 30,000 people each year
He said: ‘One of those top schools didn’t want it. But it was going to happen sooner or later. We can’t stop this, in fact it’s the right thing to do.’
Sir Steve explained that rowing cities in the United States were ‘huge’ and clubs were state-wide and not school-oriented like in Britain.
He said this meant their rowing clubs were a ‘little bit bigger’ because they draw upon rowers from more schools.
The chairman added: ‘What we don’t want is any country to be able to put a crew together, which is almost a national eight [team].
‘It’s not an event for national eights – it’s for the top juniors from their rowing establishments.’
Traditionally men are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets, or blazers with trousers, together with a tie or a cravat.
Henley Royal Regatta racing provides a huge boost to the local economy and anyone is welcome to enjoy it in whatever outfit they like but blazers are traditional
Spectators can watch Henley Royal Regatta action for free and don’t need a ticket to enjoy the rowing and is a great opportunity to get dressed up
The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking – cheers!
Whilst not a requirement, it is customary for ladies to wear hats to the Regatta – just like this fabulous pale pink fascinator
You can’t go wrong with nautical stripes at a regatta – this twinning couple are dressed to impress
Henley Regatta has been described in the past as the ‘equivalent of the Royal Enclosure at Ascot’ – this fabulous couple’s outfits complemented each other perfectly
The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking
A fabulous day out to enjoy the rowing and much more sees people go all out when it comes to their outfits
While the actual event is free, the Steward’s Enclosure is only open to those who organise the regatta, members – who can reportedly wait years to be given membership – and their guests
Many women opt for wedge heels to a little height but stay comfy – this perfect pair, fastened around the ankle will make sure the wearer stays upright on the uneven grass