Huge Congratulations to all the newly announced recipents of the New Year’s Honours bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen. It is quite a moment when THE letter drops through your letterbox around six weeks ago. The secret has to be kept for what seems like an eternity not telling even your closest friends until the official announcement is made in the Gazette. It is wonderful that so many unknown heros are rewarded for their selfless efforts alongside the familiar and famous names. Regognition from the Queen is indeed a very proud and humbling experience and the anticipation of the actual ceremony ahead brings a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

After the initial surprise and disbelief the first question is “what am I going to wear”. Usually the ceremony is held within 6 months of the public announcement but with Covid nowadays it can take a lot longer and there is a backlog from last year so it’s hard to know what season the event will take place.

It will be held inside and in the morning with photos taken outside after the ceremony. It is one of the most special occasions of your life so definitely one which requires dressing up.

However, you don’t want to look like you are going to a wedding or an evening out so dressing appropriately requires some thought. The pictures are going to grace your mantelpiece and be passed down through the generations so you definitely want to look your very best in a style and colour that is flattering to your shape and appropriate for the occasion.

Unless you are known for being outlandish this is a time where I would recommend elegance and restraint . Less is more and a simple statement will stand the test of time and not date in a few year’s time when the fashion has changed. Classic with a twist and elegance don’t need to be boring – think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly style icons who never date.

Since being awarded an OBE myself we have dressed many clients who are attending the Palace whether to receive an award or to accompany a partner. It is an exciting time and one when you want to feel very confident and wearing the right outfit will give that confidence from the start to the end of this most special day.

If you are faced with the enviable dilemma of what to wear to for your investiture please do contact us . We have first hand experience and have dressed many clients over the past years who have all been very happy with our advice.

Outfits below suitable for wearing to an investiture