We’re Going to London for the Coronation of King Charles III—Here’s What We Packed

Whether you’re traveling to London to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey or watching the proceedings (over high tea, of course) from your couch, it goes without saying that one of the most fun bits is to dress the royal part. My co-host of the Royally Obsessed podcast, Roberta Fiorito, and I are headed to the U.K. this week to report on the royal proceedings, and we’re clearly obsessing over what we’re bringing. Top of our list? A hatband, of course. But we also want to do our best to mirror British attire and reflect the pomp and circumstance of it all. Here, what we’re dreaming up for royal attire—plus, how to shop all the looks.

Rachel’s Picks

While in London, there are a lot of occasions to dress for—high tea (we’re going to Claridge’s), but also the coronation proceedings itself (we won’t be inside Westminster Abbey, but we will be covering for the podcast and doing our best to catch a glimpse of the royals up close). As for what to pack, I took my cue from the royals: A few new items here and there, but with an eye on sustainability. 

My secret weapon? Chrissie Dowler, a genius tailor based in Brooklyn, who literally stitched me into the above Reformation dress, which nods to Kate’s love of polka dots, to ensure it fits just right. (I also brought her several pieces already in my closet that needed adjustments after the pandemic—it’s nice to be able to revive them for royal use.) 

From there, my suitcase will be packed with a mix of royal—and British—essentials: An iconic trench for inclement London weather, Kate’s favored Ray Ban shades, Kate’s actual Self-Portrait dress (a splurge, but again, tailoring was key). Last, but not least, a hatband. 

Without one, would I even be let on the plane? 

Get the Look: 1. Jennifer Behr Magnolia Headband ($525) 2. Self-Portrait Spearmint Chiffon Midi Dress ($510) 3. Lingua Franca Sweater ($380) 4. M. Gemi The Lustro Heel ($328) 5. Reformation Myah Dress ($278) 6. Spanx OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short ($78) 7. Mother Hustler Ankle Fray Jeans ($238) 8. Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan ($445) 9. Ray Ban Wayfarer II Classic ($213); 10. J.Crew New Icon Trench ($348) 11. Polène Numéro Un Handbag ($470); 12. Veja V-10 Leather Sneakers ($195)

Roberta’s Picks

Like Rachel, my mantra in the packing frenzy was “WWKMP” (What Would Kate and Meghan Pack). 

After seeing the Princess of Wales recently don a similar trench dress from one of her go-to designers Karen Millen, I knew I had to bring my own along. That, plus the Kate-inspired Polène bag for high tea and dinner, Meghan’s beloved Cuyana tote for hauling a water bottle, an umbrella, Queen Camilla-approved flats and reusable shopping tote around Regent Street…you get the idea. 

Also in the vein of sustainability, I tried to supplement at least half of my outfit ideas with rentals instead of springing for fast fashion. And while Coronation Day is the crowning (*ahem*) jewel of the weekend, Sunday’s Coronation concert, featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and others, will be the time to let our hair down, pull some Meghan-inspired leather leggings on, and dance the night away.

Get the Look: 1. Jennifer Behr Tori Headband ($188) 2. Karen Millen Pleated Detail Midi Dress ($394 $315) 3. Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan ($248) 4. Cuyana Trench Coat ($328) 5. Pamela Love x RTR Blue Lace Victorian Dress ($65) 6. Polène Numéro Sept Mini Handbag ($470) 7. Liberty Royal Fanfare Silk Twill Scarf ($125) 8. Sole Bliss Sicily Flat ($279); 9. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings ($98); 10. Cuyana Classic Easy Tote ($248)