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: McQueen Dress (International). Floral dress made from crepe, with a gathered neckline framed by puffed sleeves and hankerchief hem that swishes as you move.
View: Dolce & Gabbana (International). Cut from silk-blend satin and offset with chiffon, adorned with painterly roses throughout, and finished with the breezy blouson sleeves.
View: Maticevski Dress with exaggerated wing-like shoulders. Cut from crepe with a plunging neckline, and detailed with corset-inspired seams and light gathers along the hips.
View: Zimmermann Dress (International). Zimmermann's 'Rebellion' midi dress with beautiful birds and florals print, cut from linen and cinched at the waist.
View: Oscar De La Renta (International). Timeless in shape — unexpected in design, this midi is made from a rattan guipure weave interlaced with floral embroidery.
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: Alice + Olivia Dress (International). Alice + Olivia "Coletta" floral-print dress adorned with a velvet neck bow.
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:Oscar De La Renta Dress (International). Guipure lace midid dress, with laced shoulder straps, square neck, and hankerchief hem.
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.
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: Coast Lace Trim Floral Dress (UK). Super pretty in pinks and greens, with floaty midi dress length and long sleeves.
View: Verandah Dress (UK). Featuring a pleated waist with a crystal-beaded fitting, this silky scarf dress frames the body beautifully by giving a cinched, yet flowy look.
View: MISA (International) . Front tie detailing, chocolate brown floral dress in satin fabric.
View: Amanda Uprichard Dress (International). Full length purple and pinks floral dress with drop shoulder.
View: Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Dress (USA). With pretty but bold floral print.
View: Karen Millen (UK) or also at: Karen Millen (USA). Karen Millen Metallic Guipure Lace Mirrored Pleat Midi Dress
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 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: Coast Floral Dress (UK) Captivating twill midi dress with a notch neckline and bold floral 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: Coast Floral Lace Trim Dress (UK) The eye-catching design features a blend of contrasting panels and delicate lace trim, creating a truly unique and elegant piece. Fun and Zesty for the Races in Lime and Pink that pair perfectly for a Summer event.
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.
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: Coast Wisteria Print Dress (UK). Feminine floral print design, with trendy puff sleeve detail, a flattering fit and flare shape and midi length.
View: Coast Cutwork Lace Dress (UK). This stunning shirt dress from Coast combines timeless sophistication with contemporary charm..
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: Wallis Floral Long Dress (UK). Shirt style belted midi dress, with floral design and puff sleeve details.
View: Coast (UK). Jumpsuit with delicate floral pattern adorning the bodice against wide-leg trousers, offering a contemporary alternative to traditional occasion wear.)
View: Coast Satin Floral Dress (UK). This stunning Coast midi dress showcases artful floral placement printing on luxurious satin fabric, creating a truly show-stopping piece for your special occasions.
View: Coast Pastel Dress (UK). Lace overlay dress with floral pattern throughout and dramatic blouson sleeves with fitted cuffs.
View: Coast Peplum Dress (UK). Embrace sophistication with this stunning chiffon peplum dress with intricate lace trim adorning the neckline and waist.
View: Karen Millen Pansies Print Dress (USA) or from Karen Millen (UK).
View: Goddiva Mint Bird Print Dress (UK). Bird print wrap style dress with tie waist, midi length amd kimono sleeves.
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