It was the fairer sex who stole the sartorial spotlight at this year’s reading of the Throne Speech.

The ladies in attendance on the lawn of Cabinet Office yesterday opted largely for a mix of colourful prints, including many florals.

And, despite the heat, black was also a popular choice.

Headgear, as always, was widely visible with a mix of both big brimmed and smaller hats, as well as frilly and feathery fascinators.

Shades of pink were a popular choice among the Progressive Labour Party’s female members.

Renée Ming, former senator and now St George’s MP, wore a bright pink two-piece outfit, while health minister Kim Wilson wore a bright pink dress topped off by a pink floppy hat complete with feather.

And first-time MP Tinee Furbert chose pink accessories to complement a blue dress.

Crystal Caesar was a standout, sporting a peach hat and bag to match the peach tones of her floral print dress.

Former MP Nandi Outerbridge was also notable in a black dress adorned with clear stones around the neckline.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Opposition leader, picked a primarily bright orange floral print dress and a matching orange fascinator. Susan Jackson opted for red accessories to accompany a light-coloured dress with a floral print.

A sea of foldable paper fans fluttered constantly under the white top of the tent in an effort to provide a reprieve from the heat generated by the late morning sun.

The men, sartorially speaking, stuck largely to staples, including dark two and three-button suits and ties.

Wayne Caines, Minister of National Security, was a noteworthy standout in a sharp two-button blue checked suit complemented by a blue tie, and former senator turned OBA MP Jeff Baron opted for a brown tie with polka dots to accompany his tan two-button suit.

The announcement that first-time MP Chris Famous was sporting a Berkeley tie drew applause from the crowd on the lawn.

Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education, struck true to his trademark bow tie look — this time with polka dots.

In the crowd, a smattering of PLP green T-shirts could be seen on bystanders.

A sign that read “Long may you reign PLP” was also visible.

The soundtrack to the event was largely muted, as the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band was not in attendance due to the timing of this year’s speech.

The Throne Speech itself was received in relative silence, with Governor John Rankin’s reading peppered with polite applause from the crowd.

His announcement, however, that arrears of child support payments on the island now amounted to nearly $48 million drew audible gasps from the audience.