CONVERTING HATERS INTO HATTERS
CONVERTING HATERS INTO HATTERS
The most important element of your Royal Ascot outfit is of course the Hat, but you can't wear just a Hat!. You do need wear a Dress, Jumpsuit, or Suit also folks, so this post is about the best dresses I've found for you. Don't worry I'm a Milliner so I've not ignored hats - they can be found in my post about those.
For more inspiration, style advice, and full outfits including the all important headwear, shoes and accessories then do be sure to read my Blog Spot on Royal Ascot Outfits.
You have two choices you can go with on the dress (Bold Florals or Single Colour Dress) Stripes or Polka Dot can also be very on point if dressed with suited hats. If you go for a heavy floral pattern, remember you will need find a hat to match, which in order to make perfect, could require you having custom made. keep the dress a single colour (probably a bright) and you can go all out on your Royal Ascot Hat so that the hat grabs all the attention, while the dress harmonizes it. Stick with colors that remind you of Spring. Keep the dress a single colour and you can go all out on your Royal Ascot Hat. The hat grabs all the attention, while the dress harmonizes it. Stick with colours that remind you of Summer, or Monochromatic Black and White, not all Black.
The most appropriate hem lengths by far are on the knee, or mid calf. 50's Style A Line, pinched at the waist are super popular for the Races, and flatter almost all body shapes. BARDOT NECKS AND HALTER NECKS are Not allowed. The Bardot neckline is popular for other events and races at the moment, BUT ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR Royal Ascot.
To help you find the perfect Royal Ascot dress, I've picked loads out for you below, offering a variety to suit a wide range of budgets. Whether you are looking for the Ultimate Designer Dress, or 'Just need a dress', below you should find the perfect Ascot dress for you.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've selected you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a Pimms) to thank me.
Below is a gallery of some luxury Royal Ascot dresses I've hunted out for you to splash out on.
View: Erdem Evie Dress (International). Erdem’s pastel-blue shirt dress is cut from crisp poplin with a ruffled trim and charming floral print, inspired by silhouettes seen in the Restoration Period.
View: The Vampire's Wife's 'The Falconetti' dress (International). A go-to for countless women, including Keira Knightley and The Princess of Wales. This latest iteration of the brand's signature style is cut from silk-crepe and printed with a pretty floral motif.
View: E.Stott Lime Green Dress, with detachable sleeves. Not sure of the weather forecast? This vibrant lime green dress from E.Stott, cut from wool crepe with an artful drape at the waist, has the option of with or without long sleeves.
View: Dolce & Gabbana (International). Dolce & Gabbana floral-print midi dress, with red poppy print, corset-style construction at the bodice, sweetheart neckline and thick shoulder straps.
View: Zimmermann Vitali Dress (International) and also at: Revolve (International).
View: Alice + Olivia Dress (International). Alice + Olivia "Coletta" floral-print dress adorned with a velvet neck bow.
View: Oscar de la Renta Botanical Dress (International). Cut from light-as-air silk, with a 'walking art' botanical print, this maxi has a loosely flowing button-front silhouette with a pussy-bow neckline, puffed sleeves, and a pin-tucked bodice.
View: Zimmermann Fall 22 Kaleidoscope Printed Dress (International). Also also at both: Harvey Nichols (UK). and also at: Matches (UK).Crafted from a blend of linen and soft silk, this billowing style is embellished with beaded trims and decorated with a whimsical print by Scottish artist Anita Inverarity.
View: Dolce & Gabban Camillia Wrap Dress (International) and also at: Net-A-Porter (International). This yellow chiffon dress is reflective of Dolce & Gabbana’s storied design codes, honed over years of design and influence from their native Sicily. It’s crafted to a slim profile with a flattering V-neckline that feeds into the wrapped bodice and coordinating tie, then falls to a whisper-weight skirt.
View: Erdem Floral Dress (International). The 'Laurelle' midi is made from lightweight crepe de chine printed with a seasonal 'Brealey Bouquet' motif that stands out against the 'Lemon' base. It has elegant tulip sleeves and a gathered neckline with floaty skirt.
View: Rowen Rose Pleated Dress (International). The dégradé effect on Rowen Rose's midi dress is reminiscent of a summer sunset. Made from recycled-georgette, it's finely pleated throughout to create beautiful movement.
View: Roksanda Zenobia Dress (International). Roksanda "Zenobia" dress, screen-printed with an abstract painterly motif, this bright and joyful dress is cut from lustrous silk-twill and has a draped, asymmetric hem.
View: Andrew Gn Silk Floral Dress (International). Andrew Gn's midi dress is printed with blooming florals set against a verdant silk satin backdrop, then cinched at the waist with a crystal-embellished belt.
View: Dolce & Gabbana Hydranger Dress (International). Recalling retro styles, Dolce & Gabbana's pink hydrangea-print dress is made from sculpted crepe with a flattering sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and figure-skimming pencil skirt.
View: Philosophy di Lorenzo Dress (International). Philosophy di Lorenzo 2020 collection explores '80s glamour, but in such a fun and pretty way. Defined by puffed sleeves, this midi dress is cut from delicate floral lace and flocked with polka-dots with a tonal satin slip underneath. Also available at: View: Net-a-Porter (UK).
Below is a gallery of some perfect Royal Ascot dresses, that offer good 'cost per wear' if you are wearing for a few parties, but certainly not as expensive as the aspirational -for most- ones above.
View: Ted Baker Marggoh Dress (UK) and also at: John Lewis (UK). Entirely flattering with its A-line shape, this floor-length dress from Ted Baker is carved with a crew neck and long sleeves, it blooms with joy through a refreshing floral print.
View: Self Portrait Belted Bouclé Dress (International). Self-Portrait's green midi dress features a bouclé tweed bodice with beaded buttons, then falls to a pleated chiffon skirt outlined with floral lace.
View: Ted Baker White Dress (UK). A timeless classic that never goes out of style. Perfect for Royal Ascot, where white dresses look fabulous worn with almost any colour hat for a breathtakingly beautiful look.
View: Karen Millen (UK) or also at: Karen Millen (USA). Karen Millen Metallic Guipure Lace Mirrored Pleat Midi Dress
View: Ted Baker Embroidered Midi Dress (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK). Florals are forever in season. With its intricate lace inserts and floral embroidery, this dress is a sure favourite you'll wear again and again.
View: Karen Millen Ombre Pleated Dress (UK) and also at: Karen Millen (USA). This Guipure lace midi dress has everything - pleats, lace. ombre, florals and of course amazing blue hues. Showcasing simplistic elegance and refined polish complete with edgy cut-outs.
View: SWF Plunge Neck Draped Dress (International) . Long dress, with Kimono style sleeves, cinched waistline, and plunge neckline.
View: LK Bennett Leandra Floral Dress (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK).
View: LK Bennett (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK). Easy to wear in an A-line silhouette, this knee-length dress by L.K.Bennett is available in either Mint or Pink. A chic, smart dress with collar and puff sleeves.
View: Hobbs Jennifer Dress (UK) or also at Bloomingdales (USA). Hobbs Jennifer Dress with floral and bufferfly print.
View: Helen McAlinden (UK). Flaring out at the hem for added movement, this midi dress by Helen McAlinden boasts a floral flourish for added appeal. Framed with a scalloped v-neckline, a self-tie satin belt and three-quarter length sleeves, in a soft cotton blend lace.
View: Hobbs Pleated Dress (UK). Bringing together statement colour-blocking and intricate pleats, the Claudia dress gives a masterclass in head-turning occasion style.
View: Karen Millen Cutwork Dress (UK). Detailed with opulent cutwork, this midi dress exudes artisanal appeal. Puff sleeves add a touch of drama, while a bow-detail belt and high neck exude classic appeal.
View: Self Portrait Pale Blue Dress (UK). Shaded in sky-blue with a nostalgic sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves, Self-Portrait's taffeta midi dress casts a romantic spell.
View: Hobbs Green Floral Midi Dress (International). Showcasing a beautiful floral print in one of the seasons most popular colours - emerald green, the Carly dress is perfect for Royal Ascot.
View: Karen Millen Pleated Dress (International).Palm print floral pleated dress, with maxi length, and diamante trim. Perfect for Spring Summer events.
View: Karen Millen Blush Pink Belted Dress (UK). or also at: Karen Millen (USA). Structured Crepe Notch Neck Wrap Belted Forever Midi Dress
View: Phase Eight Powder Blue Jumpsuit (UK). This pastel blue jumpsuit features woven silver thread detail, an embellished waistband and falls to a pleated wide leg.
View: Ted Baker Emmieeh Midi Dress (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK)Flaring out at the hem for a feminine silhouette, this midi dress by Ted Baker adds impact with its eye-catching abstract pattern. With a traditional round neckline and long sleeves, this is a care-free easy to wear dress.
View: Hobbs Lilibelle Polka Dot Dress 2022 (UK). or for USA at : Bloomingdales. Silk Cream and Black Polka Dot Dress, with contrast point collar, waist and cuffs.
View: Ted Baker Eliyzza Dress (UK) or from: Ted Baker (USA). Button Up Midi Dress With Tie Cuffs
Below is a gallery of some pretty, and stylish Ascot dresses available on a High Street Budget, and won't leave you feeling like you can't now afford to buy the Pimms.
View: Karen Millen Floral Maxi Dress (UK). or also from: Karen Millen (USA).
View:Phase Eight Navy Lace Detail Jumpsuit (UK) A timeless occasion style you'll reach for again and again. Designed with a floral lace motif on the bodice, this jumpsuit falls to a navy wide leg silhouette.
View: & Other Stories Pleated Dress (UK) Made from Recycled Polyester. Printed sleeveless midi dress with a plissé pleated finish. Featuring a laser cut, frilled neckline.
View: Liquorish Floral Wrap Dress (UK). Midi Dress in Floral and Animal Contrast Print with Waist Wrap Detail, long sleeves and wrap front.
View: Pretty Little Thing Polka Dots Dress (UK). Polka dots are always a good idea for the races. Featuring a white polka dot material with a ruched front and frill hem, this dress meets all the Royal Asvot strict dress code rules.
View: Karen Millen Pansies Print Dress (USA) or from Karen Millen (UK).
View: Wallis Floral Long Dress (UK). Cute colour combo for a fun outfit, in a luxurious feel satin, at High Street price.
View: Coast (UK). Designed to leave a smile on your face, this pretty midi features an all-over floral print in a classic shape for Racing fashion. (Check dress code for the Low Back - May not be wearable in all Royal Ascot Enclosures.)
View: O.P.T Tiered Dress (UK).
View: Coast Ombre Midi Dress (UK).
View: Coast Blue Floral Dress (UK). Fit and Flare dress, with a dip hem, and brilliant blue floral pattern.
View: Little Mistress Floral Dress (UK). Gently skimming the figure, this maxi dress by Little Mistress is printed with fresh florals throughout.
View: Goddiva Mint Bird Print Dress (UK). Bird print wrap style dress with tie waist, midi length amd kimono sleeves.
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