RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Weather & Dressing

There’s nothing quite like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s favourite flower show that showcases the finest in garden design. A firm favourite with gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, the event takes place between Tuesday 23rd May and Saturday 27th May 2017.

Of course, an event that showcases fabulous flowers needs the right weather — rain simply won’t cut it. While we’re all praying that the sun will shine, what has the weather been like in previous years?

RHS Chelsea Flower Show weather

With the exception of the two World Wars, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been held every year since 1913. Visitors have witnessed almost every weather condition — here are the years that stick in our minds:

In 1932, severe rain hit the show, causing the complete destruction of a summer house, while other years received so much rain the event was nicknamed ‘The Chelsea Shower Flow’. However, it’s not just the weather at the event that we need to worry about — yes, we’d prefer sunshine but we can easily take shelter from the downpours with an umbrella.

The real concern lies in stunted plant growth ahead of the show as a result of adverse weather conditions. This has been a reality in previous years — for example, in 2012, gardeners experienced a cold winter, a hot and dry March followed by a wet April prior to the show. These difficult conditions meant that exhibitors had to rely on other means, such as heated greenhouses. A crew was even assembled to pump surface water out of the exhibition space.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show dress code

Time will tell what the weather will be like for visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show; however, as the event’s past shows us, anything is possible! If you are lucky enough to attend, you’ll need to dress appropriately.

While there isn’t a strict dress code for the event, there are some unwritten guidelines that you should follow. As one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world, it’s nice to look the part.

Go for a smart-casual look — for gents, casual chinos and a shirt are more than suitable, while ladies can follow suit with a tailored dress. In terms of footwear, keep it practical — you’ll do a lot of walking as you explore all the show has to offer. Avoid taking cumbersome backpacks with you, as you don’t want to damage the displays in one swift movement!

If you’re heading to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, order your umbrellas in advance—take a look at the range of ladies and men’s umbrellas at Fulton Umbrellas.

Trend Report: Mini-Me Clothing

Thought you were stylish? Think again! A new wave of fashionistas has emerged in recent years: the mini me! Following in the footsteps of their fashion-forward parents, these little ones are paving the way and putting us grown-ups to shame.

When it comes to child style icons, Prince George and Princess Charlotte obviously make the cut with their traditional yet super-cute dress. And, while it’s rare to see Kate and William dressing like their little ones, there are some A-list mums and dads who aren’t afraid to wear the same clothes as their children.

Two high-profile mini-me’s spring to mind: daughter of Beyoncé and Jay Z, Blue Ivy, and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s little one, North. They’re regularly spotted across their parents’ social media donning the same designer clothing as their parents — notable posts include Beyoncé and Blue’s matching Gucci denim jackets and Kim and North’s super-elegant silver sequinned dresses.

The likes of Blue and North have become style icons within their own right, influencing the style of many children — and adults. It is trend figureheads like Blue and North that can largely be attributed to the rise of mini-me fashion on UK high streets.

In 2011, department store Selfridges witnessed an 80 percent growth in children’s versions of adult clothes, including Hunter wellingtons and children’s quilted Barbour jackets. According to Google Trends data, search interest in ‘mini me clothing’ and ‘mother and daughter matching outfits’ has grown significantly between 2012 and now. In fact, there are 810 searches per month on average across these two phrases in the UK — showing the trend’s increasing popularity over the years.

Many high street stores now offer capsule collections of their grown-up clothing range for children. Not only does this mean their little ones can stay ahead of the latest trends, it has given rise to the mini-me fashion trend in the UK, with many parents and children dressing the same.

At Fulton Umbrellas, our collection of children’s umbrellas has plenty of choice for your little mini me. Take your pick from the clear birdcage umbrellas in our ladies range and find a matching one in our range of kids Funbrellas. Even when the weather’s wet, our umbrellas will help you keep your matching look perfect — order yours today!