What the frock? Here’s what we commoners would wear to the Marklefest

The hottest ticket this weekend isn’t for Ed Sheeran, it’s for that other pop culture event, The Marklefest. 2,640 normal people, aka commoners like you, and me have been handpicked to attend parallel festivities on the grounds of Windsor Castle while the wedding takes place. We imagine it’ll be like going to Henman Hill at Wimbledon, in other words, tons of fun with competitive picnicking (guests can bring their own), all kinds of finery and serious glass clinking. 

These special guests, young and old, have been selected from all over the UK but include a preponderance of local schoolchildren and luminaries from the local community as well as royal staff members and volunteers at charities near and dear to the couple’s hearts. Inviting them isn’t just a great tactical PR move, we predict this is where the real party will be. And that the dress code will be anything but common in this ‘royal’ enclosure.

Given that the sun should be splitting Windsor’s stones, here’s our staff pick of what we’d wear if we were there. 

Marie Kelly, Fashion Director

For Meghan and Harry’s wedding, I’d go uncharacteristically “pretty” in this divine ruffled, crystal-embellished midi dress by Dodo Bar Or. Because I have a short haircut, I find I can get away with wearing a pretty dress without looking too girlish. I’d keep the accessories modern and sleek for a contemporary overall look.

Ruffled, crystal-embellished, floral-print chiffon midi dress, Dodo Bar Or, €585 at net-a-porter.com

Grace McGettigan, Staff Writer and Resident Royal Watcher

“I love everything about this dress by Irish designer Niamh O’Neill. V-necks are the most flattering neckline on me and the textured fabric feels luxurious enough to wear to a royal outing. Throw in the summery pink shade and midi length and you’ve got the perfect Windsor wedding attire.”

Kim tie strap dress in Pink, Niamh O’Neill, €495 at Arnotts

Erin Lindsay, Staff Writer

“I’ve been eyeing up this pink floral suit for months so if I got the last-minute invite, I’d be ready to go. A girly suit always feels like the perfect merging of feminine and power-dressing, which is very much what I like in a wedding outfit. I’d probably pair it with some barely-there sandals and a silk shirt to keep things on the prim side, although I am feeling the model’s sunglasses and pose. I’m going for the whole ‘too cool to be at the Royal wedding’ thing.”

ASOS DESIGN tailored floral jacquard blazer & mini skirt suit, €120.28 at ASOS

Geraldine Carton, Staff Writer

“If I got the royal invite, after a few deep breaths into a brown paper bag, I’d immediately order this gorgeous Topshop number. The sleeves and collar keep things respectful, while the bodice and see-through material add a flirtatious twist. Paired with a wide-brimmed black hat and peep-toe heels, I’d be ready to make my royal entrance.”

Western Trim Midi Dress, €130 at Topshop

Niamh O’Donoghue, Digital Leader

While I love dresses and being feminine, I’m most comfortable in a classic two-piece suit. I am totally in love with this baby pink tuxedo-style suit from British tailor Joshua Kane. His suits are mostly made-to-measure but I’m more than willing to splash out for Meaghan…

‘The Juliet’ pink puppytooth double-breasted suit, €2174.70 at joshuakanestore.com

Main image via Sabina Ciesielska on Unsplash