Coronation Style Inspiration
What I’m packing for London and how to prep for your own gathering.
As I get ready to cover the coronation, I can’t resist a bit of shopping for this historic occasion. Below you’ll find three assortments, including my London packing list and two more mood boards for those marking this moment at home. So many options here, from PJs and headbands to bunting and teapots.
💭 But first: I know there are conflicting feelings about the coronation among the SMT community and it’s very important to me to hold space for that. I’ve asked several writers I admire to contribute their thoughts. Stay tuned for those essays beginning next week.
🎤 I also want to *hear* from YOU. Have comments or questions about King Charles III’s crowning? Please record a voice memo and send it to me at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com. Make sure to begin with your name and where you live. I’ll be compiling some of these for an upcoming podcast. (Not sure how to record a voice memo? Here’s a guide for iPhones and another for Android.)
🎧 Speaking of the So Many Thoughts Coronation Podcast: Thank you for the incredible feedback on the first episode. Click below to listen to a preview and check out the full episode here. Another drops this week!
👑 And finally, scroll down for an update on the SMT Coronation Gatherings. Paid subscribers will find a list of locations where people have volunteered to host a viewing party that morning or a discussion afterwards. Don’t see your city? Maybe you want to host? One more chance to raise your hand below!
Coronation Style Inspiration
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My Dream Packing List
Click to shop: 1 Tan Sunglasses | 2 White Lace Nap Dress | 3 Pink Fascinator | 4 Jewelry Roll | 5 Boucle Blazer | 6 Meghan’s Pumps (*included in the Shopbop Sale!) | 7 Pearl Hoops | 8 Floral Dress | 9 Kate's Sunglasses | 10 Blue Suitcase | 11 Striped Tee | 12 Passport Case | 13 Sneakers | 14 Jeans | 15 Headband | 16 Handbag | 17 Bow Flats | 18 Blue Tulle Trench Dress
There has been a lot of debate over what the dress code will be for King Charles’s coronation service. Long gowns and glittering tiaras like Queen Elizabeth II’s crowning in 1953? Or day dresses and festive hats for a more modern feel? TBD! My hunch is that either way the color palette will be quite soft and spring-like. My own packing list includes HRH blue (because, of course!) but also the floral vibe represented in the official invitation.
I’ve had this fanciful blue trench coat in my cart for weeks but am now tempted to splurge on this pink floral dress. I’ve just ordered new luggage (both the carry-on and a larger version) as well as this jewelry organizer. I’ll definitely be packing my go-to mid-rise jeans and Kate’s sunglasses. Also, Meghan’s bow heels are included in the Shopbop sale…I’m just saying.
Cozy Coronation Watch Party
Click to shop: 1 Striped Pajamas | 2 Teapot | 3 Slippers | 4 Champagne Flutes | 5 London Pajamas | 6 Gold Pearl Tiara | 7 Union Jack Mug | 8 Pearl Headband | 9 Royal Blend Tea | 10 Plastic Tiaras | 11 Three Cheers Mug | 12 Kids Floral Pajamas | 13 Teddy Bear | 14 Navy Fascinator | 15 Robe | 16 Walkers Shortbread | 17 Coronation Cross Stitch | 18 Teapot (Note: M&S ships internationally! Make sure to adjust your browser accordingly.)
The coronation service is set to start at 11am in London, with the procession ahead of time beginning even earlier than that. You know what that means! Americans who want to watch live will once again be rising before dawn in the name of royal watching. Back in 2018, I wore pajamas and a fascinator for Meghan and Harry’s wedding — this assortment is giving that same energy. I’ve ordered these blue-and-white PJs for my own trip. Fancy a hot beverage? There’s this adorable teapot or a Union Jack coffee mug. And for your bubbly, these champagne flutes feel like an extra special touch. PS: Please tell me someone will be cross-stitching while watching!
Decorations Fit for a King
Click to shop: 1 Plastic Crown | 2 Coronation Bingo | 3 Cupcake Toppers | 4 Carriage Table Centerpiece/Treat Stand | 5 King Charles Bunting | 6 Double Decker Bus Centerpiece/Treat Stand | 7 UK Flag Plates | 8 Champagne Coupes | 9 Coronation Postcard Collection | 10 Coronation Biscuits/Cookies | 11 Flag Bunting | 12 Coronation Flag | 13 Telephone Booth Cutout (Note: M&S ships internationally! Make sure to adjust your browser accordingly.)
For those of you looking to decorate their surroundings, here is a festive collection of options for you. The KCIII bunting is sure to garner a laugh! Also, Jennie from the SMT community is behind this absolutely gorgeous assortment of biscuits — ships globally. Keep your guests entertained with coronation bingo and if you get this cardboard cut-out of a British phone booth, you must tag me in the pics! Looking to send your well-wishes to other royal watchers? I adore this stationery set from Lucie Claire Dunbar (her drawing of QEII with Paddington went viral last year).
Update: Coronation Gatherings
Here is a list of locations where SMTers have signed up to host gatherings or discussions (either on May 6 or in the days following). We also have one digital host facilitating a Zoom on May 10. Many of these are continuations of the SMT Spare Book Clubs, which I love!
The groups in progress are as follows: