HATS, BAGS AND JEWELLERY

Hats
  • It would be unusual these days to dictate whether women should or should not wear a hat. Women who like wearing hats will wish to do so at daytime City church services (not after 6pm) and on other formal occasions in the City. Don’t make it too big
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  • HM The Queen’s Garden Party is the only occasion during the year when, for ladies, dress code requires that a hat must be worn.
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  • Many Women Consorts do wear hats to the United Guilds’ morning Service at St Paul’s, held two weeks after Good Friday, but it is not essential. The general view is for a large hat when under the dome of St Pauls.

  • For some years it has been the custom for ladies to wear hats at day functions (usually church services) attended by the Lady Mayoress.  The Clerk’s Assistant will check with Mansion House if necessary.

  • If you are invited to lunch or tea in the Mansion House by the Lady Mayoress for one of her informal gatherings of Masters’ ladies, you do not need to wear a hat, but if you choose one don’t make it too big.

  • At the Installation Day church service (if there is one) on the day you become the Master’s Consort, you need to decide, in discussion with the incoming Wardens’ ladies, whether to wear hats or not. It is your day.

  • When men wear morning suits, hats are usual but not always required.

  • Fascinators are OK as hats

Bags
  • Use a small evening (clutch) bag for dinner- elegance is the name of the game

  • Avoid a large handbag whether carried or over the shoulder (bring it with you and leave it in the secure cloakroom)

Consort Brooch/Badge and Decorations
  • Ladies livery brooches, may be worn as wished at livery events.

  • Wear your brooch/badge when you accompany the Master and he/she is wearing theirs.

  • Sometimes you are specifically requested to wear your brooch/badge at an event such as Buckingham Palace or Ironbridge

  • Take your badge off after the event – don’t wear it in the street.

  • Wearing your brooch/badge is a good ice-breaker at an event as you ask what company a person is from

  • Invitations state whether decorations are to be worn (‘Decorations’ are for example MBE, OBE etc and miniature medals and insignia.). It would be usual to wear them with evening dress, and often at livery black tie dinners.

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