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This month, one of the world’s leading opera festivals is taking place in Lewes, East Sussex. First staged in 1934, the Glyndebourne Festival is the perfect venue to make your proper opera debut. Set near the beautiful country house among sweeping lawns, the festival is, essentially, a month-long picnic during which an opera occasionally breaks out. A chance to eat, drink and be melodramatic, it’s an unashamedly middle- class gig (the only social events to serve more Pimm’s are Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta.)

At Thomas Pink, we can’t make you an opera expert overnight but we can make sure you look the part. Because, if nothing else, a visit to the opera provides a great opportunity to glam up. Let’s start with the basics: a crisp white evening shirt. We’d recommend something like our White Tailored Fit Evening Double Cuff Bib Front Cotton Poplin shirt. Featuring luxurious details and a classic poplin material, it’s woven for a crisp finish that is soft against the skin. The textured front bib-section features mother-of-pearl buttons, which can be removed for stud closure. Another classy option is our White Tailored Fit Evening Double Cuff Pleat Front Poplin shirt, which also features a classic pleated section subtly updated by Thomas Pink for a contemporary finish.

Opera doesn’t do smart-casual so you’ll need a bow tie, too. And a cummerbund, cufflinks and evening scarf, come to think of it. Thomas Pink’s Silk Satin bow ties are perfect for formal occasions. Made in England from 100% silk (also available in velvet) they come in an array of traditional colours and are hand-sewn and self-tying for the smoothest of finishing touches. As for additional evening wear accessories, a black silk cummerbund really ties the look together, and helps maintain a neat silhouette. Made in England (in the same weave as our bow ties), Thomas Pink’s silk cummerbund has an elasticated back for a flattering finish. And if you’re in the mood for just a dash of decadence, our Italian made House Polka Dot Printed Silk Scarf in black and pink is ideal. Finish the look with our silver finish enamel cufflinks, which come in an array of colours to suit your individual mood and taste.

Modern-day Glyndebourne insists that there are ‘no rules’ when it comes to the dress code and to ‘dress up in a way that suits you.’ Of course, we are proponents of going smart or going home. But the lack of restrictions does mean that you can have a little fun with your look by choosing a more avant-garde blazer, such as our Green & Navy Tailored Fit Wool Black Watch Check Evening Jacket. This striking piece is perfect for those who favour pattern over block colours and is made from quality Black Watch check fabric woven by renowned Yorkshire textile mill Abraham Moon. Pair with our Black Tailored Fit Plain Wool Flat Front Trousers to avoid looking too festive. For traditionalists, our Black Tailored Fit Pure Wool Evening Jacket is made from premium pure wool that’s naturally dyed and woven in Yorkshire. A versatile investment piece that will last well beyond the final note of the proverbial fat lady.

The Glyndebourne Festival runs from 16 May to 25 August; glyndebourne.com