Krissy Turner Shopping editor 10 August 2020 2:59pm BST An invitation to the opera is an exciting prospect. The opportunity to don our finery is always welcome, but like many other events

we’d planned to attend over the summer, the annual Glyndebourne Opera Festival was cancelled. In its 86-year history, it’s only been cancelled once before, during the second World War.  Due

to high demand, its free Open House virtual event was launched in response to indoor entertainment being prohibited. From May, viewers could watch performances on YouTube each Sunday, and

were encouraged to dress up at home, just as they would for the real life event. However, fans will be pleased to note that against all odds, Glyndebourne is back with a belated but

you’ll likely be pondering what to wear, as the festival’s traditional formal dress code is enough to send you into a spin, especially after months without dressing up in lockdown. Handily,

Glyndebourne doesn’t have any _actual _dress code restrictions, unlike Royal Ascot which has a somewhat stringent style guide which is updated each year. It means then that you’re more

likely to have something that already works, and is easily dressed up. The key is to not look so trussed up that you feel too ‘done’, but equally you don’t want to look out of place in

too-casual a look. However, slipping into something special is a must and will lift morale.  It’s worth bearing in mind that the UK is experiencing regular heatwave bouts: ideal if you’re on

a staycation or relaxing in your own garden, but tricky if you’re outdoors at the opera all day and arriving in the midst of the heat early afternoon. A picnic in the stunning Glyndebourne

gardens is a must, but your ensemble will need to be prepared for that, too. On first thought, it all appears to present quite the sartorial dilemma, but is actually easily managed.    Dress

fans should have no trouble at all: opt for flowing, breezy silhouettes over restrictive ones so that you're cool and comfortable. Bold floral styles, chiffon midis and silky maxis are

all stylish options, but if you do opt for silk or satin, choose a printed piece so as not to show up any sweat marks.  A smart jumpsuit (with a bit of stretch) is a chic alternative to a

dress if you're one of the few guests who will be sat on the grass or if there are strong winds predicted. If you're a fan of separates, a silky slip skirt or tailored wide leg

trousers are both lovely options when paired with a pretty blouse and mules.  On the other hand, you’d do well to be prepared in case the weather takes a turn, so pack a small, smart

umbrella that you won’t be embarrassed about fishing out.   Umbrella aside however, the opera offers a valuable opportunity to give your most fabulous accessories an outing. To maintain a

degree of etiquette, avoid large hats and instead opt for smaller iterations for shade. Sunglasses are a must, and I’d counsel you to opt for sleek cat-eye style or gold frames, the latter

of which act like jewellery. Speaking of jewellery, statement earrings are an excellent idea, though don’t go too large or heavy to ensure they’re comfortable enough for all day wear - Susan

Caplan and Butler & Wilson do brilliant clip-on versions which lessen any strain. FOUR CHIC OUTFITS TO WEAR TO GLYNDEBOURNE _Textured jumpsuit, £130, Uterque;  Dahlia block heels, £270,

Loeffler Randall; Top handle wallet, £59, Charles & Keith;  Pendant earrings, £12.99, Mango_ _Printed maxi dress, £365, Cult Gaia; Eugenia Kim straw-trimmed hat, £370, Net-a-Porter; 

Embellished flats, £495, Jennifer Chamandi; Kayu woven box clutch, £129, The Outnet_ _Atlanta midi dress, £320, Sleeper; Mules, £25.99, Zara; Beaded bag, £170, Suryo;  Crystal headband,

£5.40, Accessorize_ _Puff sleeve top, £150, Olivia Rubin; Ruffled skirt, £75, & Other Stories; Pearl heels, £175, Aeyde; Beaded bag,£495, Shrimps_ _FOR MORE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND ADVICE

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