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Seat, Set, Style: SailGP Decoded

Fashion, Uncategorised
6 mins read

SailGP weekend is approaching, and with it the question that occupies the days before any major sporting fixture: what to wear. The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix returns to Portsmouth this summer, and while there is no official dress code, there is something more useful, a set of distinct viewing zones, each with its own rhythm, and each asking something slightly different of an outfit. Where you are standing, or sitting, on race day matters more than any trend report. A grandstand seat close to the water calls for something that can withstand a breeze and a few hours on your feet; a lounge with table service calls for something else entirely. The governing idea is high-performance elegance — upscale enough for a day of racing, practical enough to survive the coastal wind that comes with it — and each zone interprets that balance slightly differently. The nautical references arriving on the spring/summer runways this year — Breton stripes at Ralph Lauren, sailor collars at Jacquemus, shell jewellery at Tory Burch — happen to suit the brief precisely. With input from fashion journalist Harriet Davie, here is how to dress for each one.

Waterfront Grandstand

The Waterfront Grandstand sits closest to the action. The catamarans race past within sight of the shoreline, the atmosphere stays lively throughout the afternoon, and the breeze coming off the Solent rarely disappears entirely. The outfit has to move with the day rather than against it. 

For women, wide-leg navy trousers from Alo Yoga create a relaxed silhouette without restricting movement. A moisture-wicking Vuori AllTheForm Tank keeps things comfortable during warmer spells, while the Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria braided rubber sandals make practical sense around the waterfront. Accessories follow the maritime theme with restraint: a Hush Triple Fish Necklace references the coast without becoming novelty, while a woven JW PEI Sharon Crossbody keeps hands free throughout the racing. Finish with Le Specs Outta Love polarised sunglasses and pack an & Other Stories Breton jumper for when the wind picks up later in the afternoon. 

Menswear follows similar principles. A navy-and-white COS Interlock Cotton Breton T-shirt layered beneath a short-sleeved Frame cotton shirt keeps the classic sailing palette intact without feeling literal. ASKET chino shorts remain comfortable throughout the day, secured with a woven UNIQLO belt, while Puma Speedcat trainers suit the amount of walking involved before and after the racing. Ray-Ban Drea sunglasses complete the outfit with a practical purpose rather than decorative intent.

Women

Men

Premium Waterfront Grandstand

Premium Waterfront Grandstand remains close to the racecourse, but the central position and hospitality offering naturally shift the mood. The clothing still needs to handle changing weather, although the overall impression becomes slightly more polished. 

For women, ARKET’s tailored linen Bermuda shorts provide the foundation. Worn with lululemon’s Wundermost cami and an oversized striped shirt from With Nothing Underneath, the look can be adjusted throughout the day by tying the shirt around the waist or draping it across the shoulders. A Massimo Dutti nappa leather belt introduces structure, while the Ralph Lauren Suede Mini Blaike Shoulder Bag adds texture. Jenni Kayne’s crochet raffia sun hat offers shade during the afternoon, with Dune London’s Hazella woven ballet flats carrying the look comfortably across grass, paving and hospitality spaces. Missoma Spiral Stud Earrings provide the final detail. 

For men, a striped knit polo from ARKET replaces the T-shirt. Mango’s linen-cotton relaxed trousers maintain a clean line while remaining breathable through the day. A Ralph Lauren cable-knit cotton jumper folded over the shoulders prepares for the evening breeze without interrupting the outfit. Accessories stay simple: Emporio Armani oval sunglasses and a Hugo Boss leather-strap watch feel appropriate without dominating the look.

Women

VELA Beach Club

The Beach Club changes the pace of the day. Spectators move between comfortable seating, terraces, food and drinks while keeping one eye on the racing. Clothing naturally follows that rhythm, becoming slightly more refined without sacrificing ease. 

For women, Reformation’s Mira two-piece provides a clean foundation in white, creating a silhouette that works equally well together or worn as separates later in the season. H&M’s kitten-heel sandals introduce just enough height for the setting, while Daisy Jewellery’s Wavy Hoop Earrings and Astrid & Miyu’s Sunset Red Beaded Necklace bring subtle movement. A woven Sensi Studio shoulder bag, finished with Ralph Lauren’s beaded leather shell charm, continues the coastal references, with Mango aviator sunglasses completing the look. 

Menswear remains understated. A Ralph Lauren performance twill shirt sits open over a vest, tucked into relaxed cotton trousers from ARKET and fastened with a woven leather belt from HUGO BOSS. A Ralph Lauren chino capoffers protection from the afternoon sun, while HUGO BOSS leather boat shoes feel entirely at home beside the marina. A sterling silver Mateo anchor necklace quietly references the setting without becoming the focus of the outfit.

VELA Beach Club

Women

Men

VELA Privé

VELA Privé is where the day moves into evening. Panoramic views, all-inclusive dining and live music create an atmosphere where tailoring, occasion dressing and considered accessories feel entirely appropriate. 

For women, Faithfull The Brand’s La Cala midi dress in chilli red reflects the colour story seen across the recent runways. STAUD Freja embellished sandals remain understated beneath the dress, while a Jacquemus Spiaggia raffia bag introduces natural texture. A striped Le Scarf No.1 silk scarf tied around the handle or worn at the neck references maritime styling without overwhelming the look. Orelia’s molten cuff, Theysso Whisper of the Wind earrings, Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in So Red and Bottega Veneta cat-eye sunglasses complete the outfit with quiet precision. 

For men, the dress code naturally settles around tailoring. The M&S Italian Miracle Linen double-breasted suitprovides structure while remaining suitable for a day outdoors. A HUGO BOSS linen shirt, worn open at the collar, replaces the need for a tie, while an ASOS paisley cotton bandana introduces pattern around the neck. Bottega Veneta Silenzio loafers continue the tonal palette, with Jimmy Fairly Mitch sunglasses and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual completing the look.

VELA Privé

Women

Men

Beyond Portsmouth

The strongest wardrobes built for SailGP are not confined to race day. A Breton jumper packed for the Waterfront Grandstand becomes a reliable layer for weekends by the coast. Linen tailoring worn in VELA Privé finds another outing at summer weddings, gallery openings or long lunches outdoors. Woven leather accessories, striped shirting and shell-inspired jewellery continue naturally through the season.

Those themes mirror the wider mood of fashion. Ralph Lauren returned to Breton stripes and relaxed coastal tailoring. Jacquemus revisited sailor references through scarves and crisp white separates. Tory Burch explored shell jewellery, while Bottega Veneta focused on woven leather, maritime blues and restrained texture. The collections share an understanding that dressing for the coast does not require costume, only context.

SailGP’s season continues through Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Dubai, each venue bringing a different coastline while asking the same question before the next time the sails go up.

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