The Season Styled with Polly Sayer
This year at Fenwick, we're celebrating The Season in all its forms – not just the traditional fixtures of Ascot and Henley, but every occasion where style matters. Because we know that sometimes the real show isn't on the field or court – it's in the stands, at the picnic, on the lawn.
From weddings to Wimbledon, from garden parties to park days, each event has its own unwritten dress code. In collaboration with Polly Sayer, we've created a style guide to help you take centre stage across all of summer's main events.
Best Dressed Guest
The perfect wedding guest outfit strikes that tricky balance – standing out without stealing focus. And, a structured dress in a sunny shade does exactly that. The trick? Keep the shape simple when the colour does the talking.
Want to nail wedding guest dressing like Polly? Look for dresses with built-in details – a scalloped hem, bows, or twist detail creates shape without needing extra accessories. Plus, a full skirt isn't just pretty – it's practical too. Extra volume keeps airflow moving for sitting through warm summer ceremonies, while the structured cut is perfect for hitting dance floors later.
Shoes matter more than you think. A white heel with a sculptural shape keeps the look modern rather than fussy. They'll work with practically everything else in your summer wardrobe too.
Editor's tip: Natural fabrics are your friend for summer weddings. They look expensive and keep you cool when temperatures heat up.
Spectator Sports
Wimbledon, the races, regattas – our summer calendar is filled with events where spectating comes with its own fashion rulebook. A winning strategy here is finding the sweet spot between tradition and personal style.
For a fresh take on tennis whites, a strapless shirt dress ticks all the boxes for an outdoor event like Wimbledon. The oversized bow detail adds just enough drama without crossing into try-hard territory.
Don't overlook the power of having something to throw on when the sun dips behind clouds. A denim jacket works surprisingly well with even the dressiest look – the contrast is exactly what makes the combination feel modern.
Smart accessories pull double duty here. Polly's crossbody bag shows how practical can still be stylish–you need your hands free for Pimm's, programs, and pointing out celebrities in the royal box.
A Summer Stroll
The everyday moments can be the hardest to dress for. These casual occasions show whether your wardrobe really works for your actual life.
Polly's checked showerproof jacket shows how one good layer can transform basics. Its relaxed fit and subtle pattern effortlessly elevate simple jeans and a tee look, while being practical for surprise summer showers. This mix of looking good and being prepared is what smart dressing is all about.
Getting casual style right is about how your pieces work together. Wider jeans create a good balance with a fitted top, while rolled hems show just enough ankle to feel more summer-ready. These small touches add intentionality to wardrobe basics, proving you don't need to reinvent the wheel to look put together.
Everyday accessories deserve just as much thought as special occasion ones. Sunglasses that really frame your face, a bag that works from morning to evening, shoes that look as good as they are comfortable – these everyday choices make all the difference when it comes to throwing together a look and heading out for a day of strolling in the sun.
The cleverest approach to summer dressing blurs the lines between different occasions. Look for pieces that can work for coffee dates, park meet-ups, and last-minute invites without needing a complete change of clothes. That's what The Season is really about – having a wardrobe that's ready for anything, planned or not.
