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: Valentino Lace Dress (UK). Point d'esprit dress in a sunny shade of yellow that’s oh-so-sweet for Royal Ascot 2021. A classic racing style and length decorated with swirling floral embroidery and finished with a scalloped hem.
View: The Vampires Wife Pink Ruffle Dress (International). The Vampire's Wife realises a poetic vision of femininity with this The Firefly dress in pink hammered silk-blend satin. It's shaped with padded shoulders and trimmed with ruffles, then accented by a trio of buttons at each cuff.
View: Zimmermann Striped Dress (International). Striped silk crepe de chine dress with gently puffed sleeves, a belted waist and an elegant pleated midi skirt.
View: Solace London Plisse Dress (International). Solace London's gowns are designed to make an impact. This 'Tilde' dress is precision-cut from plissé-chiffon in a gorgeous green hue and has exaggerated shoulders, gathered blouson sleeves and a sculptural handkerchief hem.
View: Zimmermann Brighton Dress (International). Made from panels of ivory cotton-blend lace, Zimmermanns Brighton dress is traced with pretty scalloped trims and subtly nips in at the waist before falling to a midi hem. The tonal slip adds the just the right amount of coverage without taking away from the intricate details.
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: Needle and Thread (International). The Wallflower Long Sleeve Midi Dress in Papaya Blush. Created with textured styling of delicately gathered strips of tulle and borders of intricately scattered pastel flowers.
View: Ted Baker Marah Dress (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK). Cut in a form-flattering bodycon silhouette, the bouquet print brings this pretty dress into full bloom.
View: Ted Baker LuuLuu Pleated Dress (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK). Designed with a pleated skirt, this midi dress from Ted Baker boasts a floral flourish for added appeal to the pleats.
View: Rotate Birger Christensen Dawn Dress (International). Denmark designer ROTATE Birger Christensen's collections are all about playfulness, strength and drama. This dress is designed with extra puffy sleeves. The satin is emblazoned with a bold painterly print that nods to Copenhagen's trailblazing art scene.
View: Gina Bacconi Islette Dress (UK). This wrap style dress by Gina Bacconi with bright florals makes for a fun day out. Featuring a ruched waist, finished with a sultry deep v-neck, the stretch scuba fabric feels comfortable to slip on and creates a sleek finish.
View: Olivia Rubin Polka Dot Dress (International). One trend puff sleeve, polka dot dress in lilac / black polka dots, with ruching at waist.
View: For Love & Lemons Dress (International). Below the knee length floral dress, with 3/4 sleeves, ruched shape, and on trend 80's inspired puff sleeves.
View: Reiss Coral Alex Dress (International). The Reiss Alex dress in coral is a contemporary style that’s cut to a form-fitting silhouette with twist-neck a waist features at the front.
View: Goat Ice Blue Kane Dress (USA). From one of Kate Middletons favourite labels - Goat. The Kane dress has been cut to a fitted bodice leading into a midi-length, flared skirt, with bishop's sleeves which gather into deep, buttoned cuff just above the elbow.
View: Self Portrait Polka Dot Dress (International). Self-Portrait’s dusky-blue dress has ruched sleeves and a semi-sheer neckline panel that leads to a flattering pleated bodice, decorated with sparkling white crystals to highlight the natural waistline.
View: Hobbs Floral Dress (UK).
View: Ted Baker Floral Dress (UK) or for from Ted Baker (USA).
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: Phase Eight Floral Dress (UK). Designed with a touch of stretch for your best fit, this flattering scuba dress is sleeveless and features a faux wrap bodice, on the knee hem length with contemporary front split.
View: Damsel in a Dress at Phase Eight (UK) and also avaialble: at Debenhams (UK). Let's make this decision easy for you: this is the ultimate formal summer dress. Designed with a palm leaf lace overlay, it features semi-sheer sleeves, a notch neckline and two patch pockets. Get ready to wear this dress to every wedding or race meet you attend.
View: Roman Originals Floral Dress (UK). Fitted midi dress in a beautiful floral print. Made from a comfortable stretch fabric, with a mock wrap style that cinches in the waist and flatters the bust.
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: Roman Originals Floral Dress (UK). This soft scuba dress is super pretty for a day at the races, adorned in a large floral print in gorgeous soft shades.
View: Coast Lace Midi Dress (UK). This beautiful lace midi dress features a midi silhouette, puff sleeves and an A-line skirt.
View: Coast Yellow Frill Dress (UK). Covering the trend for Illuminating Yellow in 2021, but also the trend for statement sleeves. A sure hit for the Races this year.
View: Roman Blue Floral Cold Shoulder Dress (UK). If you love bardot style dresses, but can't wear them for Royal Ascot (their rules) then the cold shoulder dresses from Roman are a great alternative. They are like a bardot dress, but with straps, meaning they do indeed meet the rules.
View: Coast Pleated Floral Dress (UK). Floral Pleated Midi Dress, perfect for the races, including Royal Ascot, and would get a 2nd wearing at a Summer wedding.
View: Monsoon Maxi Dress (UK). This Mint green floral dress is perfect for Royal Ascot. The maxi-length gown is designed in chiffon crepe with a charming, colourful print of garden florals. It features a classic crew neckline, matching waist belt and a tiered skirt with pretty frills.
View: Roman Originals Dress (UK). Fitted dress with flattering ruching at the waist. This vibrant floral dress boasts a sweetheart neckline and a flute hemline. Great for Royal Ascot sitting at the knee and meets all other dress requirements.
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