Reporter Bev Creagh gets kitted out for a bit of a do

I’ll confess upfront I’m going as a working journalist, not one of the great and the good.

But the outfit is still cause for concern. Tried and trusted, with no possibility of a wardrobe malfunction – or a quick trip to Harvey Nicks for something wickedly expensive that might look slightly out of place in an Upper George Street sandwich bar?

Then most important of all – the statement chapeau.

Comfort wins the day clothes-wise. A swish black and white skirt bought in New York for a big birthday, teamed with a black silk jersey V neck number to hide the muffin top.

New-ish shoes with kitten heels that won’t sink too far into the lush garden party grass.

And because of this admirable restraint, I determine not to hold back on the hat.

Luckily for Lutonians, we have master milliner Philip Wright in our midst. And he already has right royal connections.

The mercurial maestro designed Princess Anne’s lavender silk half hat for The Wedding and the Duchess of Cambridge has also been spotted in his creations.

So imagine the excitement when I visit his studio to select something extra special for the big day.

He makes all his customers feel girly, gorgeous and utterly ravishing.

I come away thinking the best part of any treat is the anticipation – and finding the hat (and its maker) to match.

> Next week: Creating a hat from start to finish.