What to wear to the Formula One
The thrill, the excitement, the speed… after a year of us all sitting stationary doing, well, not much, Formula One has come at just the right time. We’re an Official Supplier for Williams Racing this year meaning we’re even more excited for the racing season ahead. Whether you’re lucky enough to have tickets to Silverstone or you’ll be watching from the comfort of your very own sofa grandstand, we’ve pulled together a guide for exactly what you need – so all you have to think about is the driving. Eyes on the track.
This is your excuse for a new dress purchase (doesn't the last time feel like a lifetime ago?). Our Laura woven tea dress is perfect for the occasion. The painterly bouquet floral print says summer in a nutshell and the button-down shape is relaxed and so easy to wear. It's got sleeves so will keep shoulders covered from the midday sun.
Wear with our closed toe heeled espadrilles - perfect for adding a touch of height - or our sleek, modern trainers. Keep a white denim jacket to hand and sling casually over your shoulders. Going for dinner after the day? Unbutton the dress at the hem to make the skirt swirly and swap your ticket lanyard for a timeless necklace.
A smart but relaxed jumper and a shirt is the way to go. Our 100% cotton v neck is light but will keep any wind at bay. Pair with our slim fit Oxford shirt - it'll look neat underneath.
Chinos are a must. We love our navy ones paired with slick leather trainers. You'll look smart but not too smart, modern but still classic, pulled-together but not like you tried too hard - the perfect balance.
Your day will most likely involve a lot of walking so be sure to break new shoes in a few days before. While a lot of Silverstone is covered, a pac-a-mac might come in handy or an umbrella like ours that isn't too big so will be allowed in the stands.
A whole day in the sun means you'll want to stay hydrated. Take a reusable bottle of water with you (no glass) - and of course, wear sunscreen, taking a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Avoid that moment when your phone dies by packing a portable charger, and if you want to tune into commentary, headphones and a radio will be thoroughly useful. And you might want binoculars too.
Our Fairford joggers are our most luxurious. Crafted from an interlock cotton blend, they have a smart look, finished off with silver-tone details. Pair with our Crew classic t-shirt that's supersoft and our Fairford bomber sweatshirt that has a sporty yet luxe feel.
Watching from a screen can be doubly as tense so you want to be comfy. We love our raglan knitted jumper with matching joggers, complete with racing stripes. With a touch of cashmere, this knit is max on cosiness. We put our crew neck slub t-shirt in pole position as perfect underneath.
You'll need some pit stop snacks. Take inspiration from the Grand Prix you're watching. For Monaco, for example, make barbajuan - a fritter stuffed with Swiss chard and ricotta cheese. France? Serve Provençal-style olive tapenade with crusty baguette, cornichons and charcuterie. Canada? Try poutine - crispy fries topped with gravy and cheese curds (or good-quality, torn mozzarella).
Get kids involved by making brownies topped with coloured Smarties to resemble traffic lights. Or serve donuts to resemble spare tires. Cut segments of apple, spear two cocktail sticks through each piece, securing each end with half a grape to make car-shaped fruit bites.
Serve drinks at a refueling station - perhaps cocktails and mocktails from the specific country. Try games with the kids such as miniature car racing around the garden. Paint a board with traffic light colours and play bean bag tossing or make a traffic cone-shaped piñata. All this will leave you to get on with the real work: cheering on the team and spraying the living room with Champagne at the podium moment. Naturally.
