One of the most glam events in the year's social calendar is Royal Ascot. Attended by the Queen, the five day horse racing event hosts a special 'Ladies Day' where its a battle of dresses, hats and heels! This type of fashion contest has become a yearly tradition that sees a host of women dressed up to the nines in a sea of colourful formalwear. Strict guidelines dominate what is acceptable in terms of attire so remember to dress to impress on the day!
The event is split into three sections depending on which ticket you choose to purchase. The strict Royal Enclosure is for members only with everyone else settled in either the Silver Ring or Grandstand. If you're lucky enough to be in the Royal Enclosure this year, its worth taking note of this year's guidelines:
- No Strapless Dresses
- No Midriff
- Dresses and skirts of a modest length
- Straps must be wider than one inch
- Hats must be worn, no fascinators
- No halterneck/off the shoulder
Gates open at 3pm, so don't be getting ready at the last minute!; carefully choose your attire accordingly and in good time. A printed dress is a great choice to stand out in amongst the crowd. French Connection and Ted Baker offer seasonal floral prints presented on an A line style dress for a more flattering look, whereas Religion's Addict Dress uses loose, draped features to create a stylish uniqueness that other dresses don't possess. This is typical of a Religion creation; using 'out of the ordinary' styles and prints.
(L-R Clockwise)
Aliana Lace Detail Button Back Dress by Ted Baker, Lucky Leaves Sleeveless Shirt Dress by French Connection, Addict Dress by Religion, Deavon Oil Painting Print Dress by Ted Baker
Create a more defined and clean cut look with the help of a blazer. Enabling a standard dress to become more formal and respectable, a blazer immediately smartens up an outfit. This is also a great way of experimenting and creating layers within a look. The Ted Baker Alisya Jacket would look most striking paired with an LBD or if your outfit already has a colour or print, take a neutral coloured jacket to use as a blank canvas, enabling the dress to be the standout piece. The 50's Style Blazer by Maison Scotch is a great example and are the go to brand for blazers and jackets for casual and formal occasions. For more formal blazers to create your perfect layered outfit, read the Blazer Edit here.
Alisya Curved Hem Jacket by Ted Baker, 50's Inspired Blazer by Maison Scotch
We all need something to hold all our essentials for the day in; we're talking lipstick and powder for touchups, our phone and some money for the betting! The Michael Kors Berkley and Ted Baker Remah are both an ideal size for such an occasion and can be doubled up to be used as a clutch or to wear on the shoulder using the straps provided. Prints and patterns have been huge this summer, so embrace this trend with some of Ted Baker's famous florals, or alternatively you could treat yourself to a designer bag courtesy of designer of the moment Michael Kors.
Berkley Clutch Bag by Michael Kors, Remah Sugar Sweet Floral Mini Body X Bag by Ted Baker
It's important to look smart for the occasion, therefore a great idea is to match the bag and footwear together to create a coordinated ensemble. Whether you have opted for a colour blocking attire, complete with simple black accessories or a trusty LBD with a printed bag and shoes such as the Ted Baker Luceey Shoe and Remah Bag, matching accessories is vital for keeping things smart.
Glister Peep Tow Shoe, Luceey Shoe both by Ted Baker
For the finishing touches, add pretty, dainty jewellery in gold or silver to ensure you dazzle on the day. The new Vivienne Westwood collection offer striking designer pieces that, even though small and intricate, stand out a mile. Its going to be great weather as well so grab a pair of designer sunnies to complete that glam look!
Grace Bas Relief Earrings by Vivienne Westwood, 5179 Sunglasses by Chanel
