What To Wear To Chelsea Flower Show 2026
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3 weeks ago
London goes full bloom this May with the arrival of Chelsea Flower Show
The UK capital is finally shrugging off its winter coat – and with the new season comes the return of Chelsea Flower Show. Over 150,000 people attend the prestigious five-day event each year, eager to see its array of shows, horticultural exhibitions and gardens. If you’ve managed to bag yourself tickets this year, congrats – now all that’s left to do is dress for the day itself. Here, we bring you our ultimate guide to Chelsea Flower Show style, with ideas on what to wear, outfit ideas and top tips from a stylist.
Chelsea Flower Show: A Style Guide
Spring has sprung over in Chelsea, where preparations for the RHS’s annual flower show are in full swing. Soon to become the greenest corner of London, we can’t wait to see how garden designers this year are filling their flower beds.
But beyond the blooms, there’s another reason to get excited for Chelsea Flower Show: the fashion. ‘It’s always great to see the explosion of colour that Chelsea Flower Show always seems to elicit,’ says stylist and freelance fashion editor Ursula Lake. ‘It feels like a sartorial breath of fresh air and the start of the spring/summer season.’
Ursula adds that each day of the show brings a fresh wave of style inspiration. ‘Members’ Day is always a bit more formal, with more dress and jacket combinations or trouser suits,’ she observes. ‘The other days are more diverse, running a whole gamut of smart casual options – from suits to dresses to jeans. I have noticed a lot of floral dresses and denim jacket combinations in recent years, but I hope this year visitors will be more imaginative and bold!’
The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton visits RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. © Oliver Dixon/RHS
Is There A Dress Code?
The dress code for Chelsea Flower Show is smart casual, although event organiser the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) also suggests that visitors usually dress up more on members’ days. The dress code isn’t particularly strict, but this is still a high-profile event where people like to dress up smartly.
Since the show takes place outdoors (and the weather in London is unpredictable at best), it’s also worth layering up and taking something waterproof to keep you dry – see our edits of the best umbrellas and rain-proof jackets for some inspiration. You’ll also likely be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfy shoes.
You can get into the spirit of the show by dressing up in floral prints and patterns, or by opting for a spring-inspired colour palette of pastels, creams and shades of green.
A Stylist’s Top Tips: What To Wear To Chelsea Flower Show
Below, stylist Ursula Lake shares her top style tips for Chelsea Flower Show 2026:
Dress For The Weather
Spring doesn’t always spell sunshine – especially in the UK. ‘Think about wearing or bringing layers,’ advises Ursula, ‘as May can be very unpredictable weather-wise.’ In particularly drizzly years, visitors to Chelsea Flower Show have ditched the linens and tea dresses for knitted jumpers and umbrellas, so be prepared for all types of weather.
Travel Light
Alongside its floral displays, Chelsea Flower Show boasts an array of activities, shops and eateries – meaning you don’t need to pack too much for a day out. (And with the rest of Chelsea just steps away, there’s even more reason not to overfill your bag.) ‘If you can, take a small handbag with the essentials in it,’ suggests Ursula. ‘Your shoulders will thank you, and a good small bag can really finish off an outfit.’
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Don’t forget your feet; you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking to see all of the displays, so make sure your shoes can keep up. ‘Comfortable shoes are key,’ reinforces Ursula. ‘There is too much to see to have uncomfortable shoes, so choose wisely.’
Don’t Get Swept Up In Florals
And lastly, a hot take from Ursula: ‘This is going to be controversial, but I think the real flowers in the show are the stars, so don’t try to compete by wearing florals.’ Instead, she suggests opting for ‘a spot, stripe or block colour, so that you aren’t clashing with the main event.’
The Edit: Chelsea Flower Show 2026
When Is Chelsea Flower Show 2026?
The 2026 edition of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will take place from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May.
The first two days of the show (Tuesday and Wednesday) are reserved for RHS members only, and then the show is open to the public from Thursday onwards. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the show. rhs.org.uk
