There are summer events, and then there is Henley Royal Regatta. From the unmistakable pop of champagne corks echoing along the riverbank to the cheers erupting as each race edged towards the finish line, the atmosphere was quintessentially British from start to finish.
Yet while the rowing may be the headline attraction, the fashion is every bit as much of a spectacle. Henley remains one of the few events where people genuinely embrace the dress code, swapping fleeting trends for timeless elegance that never feels overdone. Think beautifully tailored dresses, polished accessories and investment pieces that will still look just as chic five summers from now.
As I wandered along the Thames and into Cala last week, thing became clear: British fashion is having a real moment. I had the chance to catch up with Loose Women star Katie Piper, who perfectly embodied the day’s effortless elegance in a flowing floral dress from Anna Louise Boutique. Adding what she described as a “British nod” to her outfit, Katie completed the look with a chic Aspinal handbag before sharing her biggest summer style tip exclusively with the Daily Express.
“If you are wearing a heel, do not wear a spike heel, always wear a wedge,” she told me.
After spending the day people-watching beside the Thames, and with Katie’s advice ringing in my ears, these are the five standout trends I saw everywhere - and why they’re shaping up to be this summer’s biggest wardrobe heroes.
If there was one piece that dominated Henley, it was undoubtedly the linen dress. Crisp white shirt dresses, softly tailored midi styles and flowing belted silhouettes were everywhere I looked, proving that breathable fabrics don’t have to compromise on elegance.
Linen has become the unofficial fabric of the British summer because it manages to look relaxed while still feeling polished enough for smart occasions.
It worked beautifully alongside espadrilles, wedges and structured handbags, making it one of the easiest outfits to recreate. If you’re investing in just one dress this season, make it linen.
Henley wasn’t about loud prints or head-to-toe colour. Instead, wardrobes were filled with creamy neutrals, powder blues, soft butter yellows, blush pinks and sage greens, punctuated by confident bursts of colour through handbags, shoes and other accessories.
The overall look felt expensive without shouting for attention, proving understated dressing often has the biggest impact.
Rather than chasing trends, people seemed to be building outfits around timeless colour palettes they’ll wear for years. It’s a reminder that sometimes less really is more.
Crossbody bags certainly had their place, but the true stars of Henley’s style scene were elegant top-handle handbags.
Katie Piper’s sophisticated Aspinal bag was the perfect example, adding what she described as a “British nod” to her look, while structured leather styles appeared everywhere I turned.
Rich jewel tones and classic neutrals elevated even the simplest dresses, instantly making outfits feel more refined. It’s easy to see why stylish royals including Zara Tindall and Princess Catherine continue to favour the silhouette. A classic top-handle bag never dates, making it one of the smartest investment accessories you can buy.
If you’ve ever attempted a day on grass in stilettos, you’ll know exactly why wedges have become the shoe of choice. They were everywhere at Henley, paired with everything from tailored suits to romantic floral dresses, offering height without sacrificing comfort.
Katie Piper couldn’t have agreed more. Sharing her number one style tip with the Daily Express, she said: “If you are wearing a heel, do not wear a spike heel, always wear a wedge.”
After spending the day on my own wedges, I couldn’t argue. Practicality has officially become fashionable, proving you no longer have to choose between style and comfort.
Millinery remains a huge part of Henley’s charm, but one style stood head and shoulders above the rest: the classic boater hat.
Its clean lines and timeless silhouette perfectly complemented the relaxed sophistication of the day, adding instant polish without feeling overly formal.
Better still, it’s far from a one-trick wonder. Wear it to a garden party, take it on holiday, style it for race day or simply throw it on with a linen dress while exploring a seaside town.
Few accessories work as hard during the summer months as a beautifully made boater, and after seeing so many styled so effortlessly at Henley, I’m convinced it’s one investment worth making.
