The Traffic People Alternative Social Season 2020

Spring is so close we can practically smell the flowers blooming and that heralds the start of the British Summer Social Season 2020. Whether its tennis, horse racing, open air music festivals or art that takes your fancy, we have the key dates for your diary that make up the most prestigious social calendar in the UK. However, at Traffic People we like to have an alternative take on the social season, so we have slotted in some of favourite events to shake up the season a touch.

The social summer season can be a minefield for social and attire etiquette and the ever-important decision of what to wear to avoid a dress code faux pau.  However, this season we’re here to tell you that there’s more than one way to impress on the social circuit without resorting to the typical attire.

We know that your fashion requirements can vary massively from event to event, whether you're looking for an immaculately tailored staple for Wimbledon, a bright print to stand out on Ladies Day at Ascot or the perfect boho dress to get you through festival season. So not only will we cover all the bases, with our what to wear guide for summer 2020 but we will share pieces that can translate into your everyday wardrobe. It's all about finding those pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe and stand the test of time. 

29^th of March 2020 – The Boat Race

The season kicks off with the clash of the titans that is, the Cambridge vs Oxford boat race. Whilst there is no official dress code, we suggest that you brace yourself for a variety of weather whilst spectating on this spectacle. Think layers with a dash of colour, such a pussy bow blouse to embrace the new season trends, something that can be layered with your winter blazer in the weather decides to be unspring like.

2nd-4^th April 2020 - The Grand National

While we're still on the cusp of spring, the festival of colour and unusual head pieces, that is the Grand National falls upon us. This is your chance to play with print or vivid colour palettes as there is no official dress code, but we know you want to dress to impress. We suggest opting for the ever-versatile jumpsuit, which ensure you won’t freeze if the April showers hit Aintree.

19^th-23^rd of May 2020 - The Chelsea Flower Show

This is the one event that screams at you, Florals. However, we are ones never to be obvious in our choice of attire, instead taking our outfit inspiration from the vibrant pastel colour palette that spring presents. It is around this time of year when you can dare to bear your legs without the need for tights, so opt for a midi dress that can styled with ballet pumps for all that garden exploring.

16^th- 20^th June 2020 – Royal Ascot

With Royal Ascot you hit the strictest dress code of them all, occasion wear is a must otherwise you are not getting past the gate. To avoid a dress code faux pas, we suggest you go for a maxi length with a touch of sleeve. So, if you had your eye on a float frock, this is the event to go for it and you can feel smug that this outfit can be recycled for any wedding invites that land on your doormat last minute.

16^th – 19^th July 2020 -Latitude Festival

A summer would not be completed wit out a music festival planned into the calendar. This is where you realise that trying to emulate Kate Moss in a gold minidress really isn’t practical festival attire anymore for you. It’s not that you don’t want to look fabulous—of course you do—but perhaps a bit more realism is needed. This is, where the boho midi dress is your friend because it will look fabulous with wellies as well as wedges in your day to day wardrobe.

8^th-16^th August 2020 – Cowes Festival Week

August blows in the Cowes Sailing Festival on the Isle of Wight, whilst there is no formal dress code, we suggest you dress for a breeze so no wrap dresses or skirts here. Opt for soft tailored trousers and an off the shoulder top or a relaxed midi dress for daytime elegance without the wind-swept look.

12^th of September – The Last Night of the Proms

The summer season is never truly over until the final rendition of Land of Hope and Glory is played at the Last Night of the Proms. If dressing yourself in Union Jack regalia is not your thing, you need an outfit that is fitting for the Royal Albert Hall like our Aurora Midi Dress with pleats to add to the drama of the occasion.