Royal Revival: What To Wear

Thanks to the Royal Hotel for sponsoring this feature. Ed

vintage dressAs you may have realised by the current ‘Takeover’ on VentnorBlog (which will be running all this week), we’re helping to promote the upcoming Royal Revival event.

Taking place this coming weekend (14-15th October), the Royal Hotel, in association with Michelin, will be celebrating 100 years of the Michelin Guide.

Both Friday and Saturday evening’s events are open to non-residents of the hotel (although we hear there’s a waiting list for the Saturday evening now – down to great promotion? :) ).

Friday night promises a fun-packed evening with cocktails, nostalgia from the Bovril Sisters, close-up magic, music and fabulous food. To book for call the hotel on 01983 852186 or email [email protected]

What to wear
If you’re planning to go along to the event, we thought you might appreciate some guidance on vintage wear.

The Royal are suggesting dusting dust down your favourite vintage garb from the 1920s to 1950s. If you’ve ever been to Goodwood Revival, you’ll understand how much more you feel part of the festivities if you dress up for the event.

Edwardian thrills and frills
The Saturday night sees an Edwardian Gala night celebrating the centenary of Michelin Guide which was first published in 1911.

Eedwardian fashion by erjkprunczykFor men, it’s a black tie event, dinner jackets, bow-ties, even top hats and tails if you fancy it, but don’t forget the white silk scarf.

For women, unless you’re lucky enough to be able to squeeze into an authentic Edwardian evening dress, a full-length skirt, tight fitted jacket and lots of frills will make your atire fit right in.

Forties fabric bonanza
Friday night sees the Bovril Sisters take to the stage, so you might want to opt for something from the 1940s.

For men, it was very much the time of the Zoot Suit and flashing lots and lots of fabric. A long jacket, baggy trousers with a high waist, braces and Fedora hats were the style. The more adventurous characters chose bright colours to make a splash.

For women, Modernist designs were favoured for evening wear, showing off the fabulous figures. A fur stole draped over the shoulder was a must, with Victory rolls or sleek waves in the hair.

FlapperAnything goes
If you can’t find any of the above, try a 1920s flapper outfit – mid-calve shift dress with lots of long beads and a ribbon headband sporting ostrich feathers.

Or how about 1950s big skirts with cinched waists and natural shoulders.

If you can’t pull together any of the above before the weekend, don’t worry, anything goes.

The idea is to have fun and feel good, whatever you’re wearing.

Buy your vintage locally
Suzes Room in Ventnor in will be open on Friday and Saturday this week, if you want to see any of the collection on other days you can do so ‘by appointment’ by calling Debbie on 01983 856979.

Images: Vivian Chen under CC BY 2.0 | Edwardian: erjkprunczyk under CC BY 2.0 | Flapper: Lauren Nelson under CC BY 2.0