Once you have your tickets booked, start planning your outfit right there and then! The shops start stocking their racks with Summer Fashions from February, and online retailers have summer wear all year round, so start planning now. PLEASE, as a Milliner I ask you, “Don’t leave until end May to hectically throw something together and get made and delivered in time. The most important element of your Royal Ascot outfit is the Hat, and there is a high probability that your perfect Hat will need be handmade to order, with a few weeks very MINIMUM to be made." So, please make sure you plan ahead in time for production and delivery. The other great thing about doing this is that you allow the Milliner to make customizations for you, specific for your outfit. Almost all Milliners (not department stores) will work with you to make such customizations.
Your Royal Ascot outfit can be fun and full of character, less matchy matchy than a Mother of the Bride or wedding guest outfit would be. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your colour accents, and build a punchy outfit you wouldn’t normally wear for a formal event.
Here are my style tips on how to pull together your perfect Royal Ascot Races outfits. Lot's of people that attend Royal Ascot and terrified their outfits won't meet the strict dress code. If you are worried about any of these outfits then don't be - I will NEVER recommend a Hat, Headpiece or dress in any of my Royal Ascot outfit posts that are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure or any of the other enclosures.
This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've hunted out on the Internet for 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 latte) to thank me.
Yes, I’m a Milliner, so you may think I’m bias! But honestly it’s so much easier to find a dress to go with an already chosen Hat, than to go out and find a hat for a chosen dress. There are zillions and zillions of dresses to choose from across Stores and the Internet but significantly less hats – The perfect Royal Ascot outfit is all about the Hat, so find the Hat of your dreams first, without being in the limitations of the dress, and you will be able to find a dress afterwards for sure – I promise.
It’s so much easier to find a dress to go with an already chosen dream Hat, than to go out and find a dream hat for an already chosen dress.
FactThe Headpiece: Anna Andrienko. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Clinique. Click for Lippy (UK).
Clutch Bag: Amazon. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: OPI. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK).
The Dress is: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (International).
Hatinator Hat: Dress-2-Impress. Click for Headpiece (International).
Earrings: Angel Nina. Click for Earrings (UK).
Eyeshadow: Manhattan. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Lipstick (UK).
Bag: Swanky Swans. Click For Bag (International).
Nail Polish: Rimmel. Click for Nail Polish (UK).
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK).
The Coral headpiece illustrated is: Aimee Fuller. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (International).
Earrings: Tishavi. Click for Earrings.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (International).
Eyeshadow: MUA. Click for Eyeshadow.
Bag: Craze. Click for Clutch Bag.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Aquazzura. Click for Shoes (International).
One trend that has been taking over the catwalks for a few years are heavily sculptured dresses. We're not talking a few puff sleeves, a few origami folds or 80's shoulders, we are talking dresses that are futuristic, almost unwearable. For many occasions of course they are unwearable, because you can't show off at a wedding and upstage the bride, and you sure won't go to the office in one, but Royal Ascot is exactly the time to wear one, grab some attention, and show off.
Designers to look for include Roksandar, Alexander McQueen, and Acler.
The headpiece is: Anna Andrienko.Click for Headpiece (International)
Dress: Acler. Click for Dress (International).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Urban Decay. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Bag: DLYP. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Polish: Nails Inc. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Sam Edelman. Click for Shoes (International).
You can nearly never fail to look great at the races in a Black and White Monochromatic outfit. This race day fashion classic colour palette always looks chic. Think My Fair Lady, or Vivien Ward (otherwise known as "Pretty Woman"). If you love all white dresses, then Royal Ascot is your chance to wear amazing white dresses that are a No-No for summer wedding guests.
Black and White works great on all skin tones, and body shapes, so there are always lots of outfits you can choose in this colour combo.
Choose the colour that sits closest to your hair, based on the colour of your hair. If you are blond, then a black base will contrast better. If you are dark haired then the opposite. If you are a red-head then either will contrast great.
The Nataliya Tutus headpiece illustrated with this outfit is available for hire from the www.dress-2-impress.com online hat hire.Click Here
Dress: Ted Baker. Click for Dress (UK).
Eye Shadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eye Shadow (UK).
Earrings: AllenCOCO. Click for Earrings (UK).
Bracelet : Etsy. Click for Bracelet.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish (UK).
Bag: fi9. Click for Bag (UK).
Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Click for Shoes (UK).
Hat : Miss Blyth Millinery. Click for Hat (UK).
Dress: Karen Millen. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Viki Lynn. Click for Earrings (International).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Clinique. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Bag: Amazon. Click for Bag (International).
Shoes: Dune. Click for Shoes (UK).
Nail Polish: Maybelline. Click for Nail Polish (UK).
One of my favourite colourways, that has been seen a lot (most famously by Balmain, and copied by many) is black, white and gold. The can't possibly fail monochrome black and white is given the modern twist with the Metallic gold.
This outfit below looks far, far, far more expensive than it is, and is uber chic for a day at Royal Ascot. All the items are so perfect together and off the shelf - you don't need get the Hat custom made to match when you choose monochrome, or spend days hunting a perfect match.
The Black White Gold Slice Hat with this outfit is available to hire from the www.dress-2-impress.com Hat Hire range. Click Here.
The Dress is: Damsel in A Dress Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Lucky Brand Click for Earrings (UK)
Eyeshadow is: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick is: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeliner Pen is: Art Deco. Click for Eyeliner.
Bag: Wallyn's. Click for Bag (UK)
Nail Varnish: Nails Inc. Click for Nail Polish (UK).
Shoes: Dune. Click to Shoes.
Perfume: Marc Jacobs "Daisy". Click for Perfume.
One of the easiest ways to show off your amazing Royal Ascot hat or other fun accessories, is to have them "Pop" from your outfit. Bright colours like Orange, Fuchsia or Yellow are happy colours, and allow you to show off your playful side. Being bright colours you don’t need much to give your outfit zest.
For a standout Racing Fashion look add these fun colours in the accessories. Nothing says ‘sunshine state of mind’ better than a bright Royal Ascot Hat or pair of shoes, against an otherwise tame dress.
Like its close relative green, yellow compliments just about any other colour in the rainbow, so is the perfect colour pop. It can be used as an accent to navy, green, deep purple, burgundy, cobalt blue, teals, turquoise and, of course, white, silver, grey and browns..
FactThe Philip Treacy Hat is for hire from the www.dress-2-impress.com Click Here for Philip Treacy Hat.
The Dress is: Goat. Click to see Dress.
The Earrings: dF de Franca. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadows: Dior Click for Eyeshadows.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Lipstick.
Bag is: Girly Handbags. Click for Clutch Bag.
The Nail Varnish is: Essie. Click for Essie Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK) and also available at John Lewis (UK).
The headpiece illustrated with this outfit is from www.dress-2-impress.com. Click Here for Headpiece.
Earrings: Fjyouria. Click for Earrings.
Dress: Ted Baker. Click for Dress (International).
Eyeshadow: Huda Beauty. Click for Eyeshadow.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Bag: Accessoryo. Click for Bag.
Nail Polish: O.P.I. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Click for Shoes (International).
Yellow Hat is from www.dress-2-impress.com Click Here for Hat.
The Dress is: Hobbs Click to see Dress. (UK)
Bag: Loni Click for Bag.
Eyeshadow: Dior Click for Eyeshadow.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Lipstick.
Nail Varnish: Rimmel Click for Nail Varnish.
Perfume: Marc Jacobs Click for Perfume.
Shoes: Head Over Heels Click for Shoes.
The Floral Hat: Etsy. Click for Hat (Intrnational)
Dress: The Fold London. Click for Dress (UK) .
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings.
Lipstick: Dior. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: Leah Ward. Click for Clutch Bag.
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International).
Nail Varnish: OPI. Click for Nail Polish.
The Dress is: Karen Millen Click to see Dress (UK).
Hatinator: Arturo Rios.Click for Hatinator (International).
Earrings: SNZM Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Lipstick (International).
Bag: Boutique De FGG Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Nails Inc Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: L.K. Bennett Click for Shoes (UK). and also available at: John Lewis (UK).
Don't what ever you do think you can ONLY WEAR MATCHY MATCHY outfits. Some of the best outfits I've seen for the races, are creative outfits that use unexpected colour combinations.
If you are putting your outfit together online, and unable to know for sure that colours are exact matches, then contrasting instead of matching is the best way ahead. This way you don't need stress about if the dress and hat will be an exact match when you receive them. Another great advantage of getting creative with colour combinations is that you greatly reduce the risk of finding someone else wearing the same outfit. There are high street retailers that will have a range of low priced headpieces, and fascinators on their shelves to match this seasons dresses, but if you go with those easy options, you will find sooooooo many people wearing the same outfit. This is fine of course if you are buying your outfit, just "fit for purpose", but if you want to win in the style stakes, then you'll need show more thought has been put into your outfit, and consequently drastically reduce the chances of meeting someone in your same outfit.
Unexpected but great colour combinations include Cobalt Blue with Orange, Royal Blue and Lime Green, Cerise Pink and Light Olive Green, Teal and Burnt Orange, Fuschia and Purple, Candy/Petal Pink and Dark Olive.
The Olive headpiece illustrated with the outfit is www.dress-2-impress.com. Click Here
Dress: Ted Baker. Click for Dress.
Lip Pigment: Nars (under my thumb). Click for Lip Pigment.
Eye Paint: L'Oreal. Click for Eye Paint.
Eye Shadow: Topshop. Click for Eyeshadow.
Bag: Amazon. Click for Bag.
Nail Polish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Malone Souliers. Click for Shoes.
The Fuschia Floral headpiece illustrated with the outfit is www.dress-2-impress.com Hat Hire. Click Here
Jumpsuit: Zhivago. Click for Jumpsuit.
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings.
Lipstick: Clinique. Click for Lipstick.
Eyeshadow: Clinique. Click for Eyeshadow.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
Bag: Girly Handbags. Click for Bag.
Shoes: Karen Millen. Click for Shoes (UK) and from Karen Millen (USA).
The Headpiece is from Dress-2-Impress Hat Hire Click for Headpiece.
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings (UK).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
The Eyeshadow: Clarins. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
The Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick.
Bag: Girly Handbags. Click for Bag (UK).
Shoes: John Lewis. Click for Shoes.
Vail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
I love the mixing hues of one colour, for a day at the races.
The pastels trend is going nowhere fast, but going all pastels is something most of us haven't attempted since we were 10 years old. Pastels work brilliant paired with their deeper counterparts. The outfits below brings in mixed hues of one colour. Choose your favourite colour - be it Green, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Orange, Pink... and select different shades for a winning Royal Ascot Ladies Day outfit. Leave matchy-matchy outfits for Mother of the Bride. Adding contrast to your outfit not only gives it depth, but also means you don't have to spend months finding the hat that's an absolute perfect colour match to your dress.
The headpiece illustrated with this outfit is: Etsy. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK)
Earrings: Leafael Store. Click for Earrings.
Bag: Boutique De FGG. Click for Bag.
Eyeshadow: Estee Lauder. Click for Eye Shadow (UK)
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick
Shoes: Mango. Click for Shoes.
Nail Polish: Sally Hansen. Click for Nail Polish.
Headpiece is: Gorgeous Hat Company. Click for Headpiece (International).
Dress is: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (USA).
Earrings: Novica. Click for Earrings (International).
Eyeshadow: Pat McGrath. Click for Eyeshadow (USA).
Lippy: Rare Beauty. Click for Lippy (USA).
Bag: Nina. Click to see Bag (USA).
Nail Polish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish (USA).
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International). or from. Bloomingdales (USA).
The headpiece illustrated with this outfit is: Kristine Rosa. Click for Headpiece (International).
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings.
Dress is: Phase Eight. Click for Dress.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick.
Bag: Charming Tailor. Click for Bag.
Nail Polish: Color Club. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Sam Edelman. Click for Shoes (UK).
When you have found the Nude Dress that contrasts with your skin tone for the season, then you can wear an outfit with the Hat, Bag, Dress and Shoes all in the Nudes, without looking Nude.
As with any one colour arrangement though if wearing a hat, follow the same rule. If the dress has a lot going on - lot's of print, cutwork, floral or lace detail, then keep the hat or headpiece simple and chic. If the dress has simple lines and colour, then you can let the hat sing with lot's of size, floral or feather details.
When keeping both the Dress and Hat the same colour, you need choose who the lead singer is. Dress Busy = Simple Hat. Hat Busy = Simple Dress.
Hatista TipThe Headpiece / Hat is by: Georgina Blyth. Click Here for Headpiece (International).
Dress: Black Halo. Click for Dress (International) .
Earrings: Ted Baker. Click for Earrings (UK) or for the Earrings (USA).
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick.
Bag: Amazon. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood. Click for Shoes (International).
You can’t go wrong with a sophisticated Floral Dress for a day at the races, matched with a complimenting hat, or headpiece that is of course an essential for your Royal Ascot outfits.
An 'A' Line or full circle skirt in a Bold Floral print is the perfect shape skirt for a day at the races. Look for prints that feature many shades, giving you a choice when looking for your accessories and hat to match.
Dress: Coast. Click for Dress (UK).
Floral Hatinator: House of London Hats. Click for Hatinator (International).
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (USA) or for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: Girly Handbags. Click for Bag (UK).
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK) and also available at: John Lewis (UK).
Nail Varnish: Color Club. Click for Nail Polish.
The headpiece illustrated with this outfit is from www.dress-2-impress.com Hat Hire. Click Here for Hat Hire (UK).
Dress: Karen Millen. Click for Dress (International).
Earrings: Crystalline Azuria. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadows (International).
Lippy: Clinique. Click for Lippy (UK).
Clutch Bag: Leah Ward. Click for Bag.
Nail Polish: O.P.I. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Office. Click for Shoes (International).
The headpiece illustrated with this outfit is Dress-2-Impress.com Click for Headpiece.
The Dress is: Yours Clothing in Sizes 14-32. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Swarovski. Click for Earrings (UK).
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (International).
Bag: Loni. Click For Bag.
Nail Varnish: Leighton Denny. Click for Nail Varnish
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK) and also available at John Lewis (UK).
The Dress is: Zimmermann Click to see Dress (International) and also at: ShopBop (International) and from: Saks 5th Avenue (USA).
Hatinator: Arturo Rios. Click for Hatinator (International).
Earrings: Henry KA Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Click for Lipstick (International).
Bag: Boutique De FGG Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Leighton Denny Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Alexander McQueen Click for Shoes (International).
Hatinator: Aimee Fuller.Click for Hatinator (International).
Dress: Camilla. Click for Dress (International).
Earrings: Silvershake. Click for Earrings (International).
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (International).
Bag: Benedetta Bruzziches. Click for Bag (USA).
Nail Varnish: Morgan Taylor. Click for Nail Polish (USA).
Shoes: Raye. Click for Shoes (International).
The Headpiece / Hat illustrated with this outfit above is for HIRE from: Dress-2-Impress.com Hat Hire. Click Here for Headpiece (UK).
The Dress is: Karen Millen. Click to see Dress (UK). or also available at. Karen Millen (USA).
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (International).
Lipstick: Maybelline. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Bag: Diana Ulanova. Click for Bag (International).
Nail Varnish: Color Club. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Bottega Veneta. Click for Shoes (USA).
The headpiece is available from www.dress-2-impress.com Hat Hire: Click Here for Headpiece Hire (UK).
Dress: Karen Millen. Click for Dress (International).
Earrings: Leafael. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eye Shadow.
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (International).
Bag: Mulberry. Click for Bag (UK).
Nail Varnish: Color Club. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: Tom Ford. Click for Shoes (International).
The Hat is for Hire at: Dress-2-Impress.com. Click for Teal Hat.
Dress: Phase Eight. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Santuzza. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Laura Mercier. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
The Bag: Swanky Swans. Click for Bag.
Nail Polish: Rimmel. Click for Nail Polish.
Shoes: John Lewis. Click for Shoes (UK).
Dress: Theia. Click for Dress (International).
Floral Hatinator: House of London Hats. Click for Hatinator (International).
Earrings: Gem Stone King. Click for Earrings (UK).
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Eyeshadow: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow (USA) or for Eyeshadow (UK).
Bag: JNB. Click for Bag (International).
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Click for Shoes (International).
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Polish.
The Headpiece is: Etsy. Click to see Headpiece (International)
Dress: Coast. Click for Dress.
Earrings: Chic Bijoux. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow: No.17. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Mac. Click for Lipstick (UK).
The Bag: Leah Ward. Click to see Clutch Bag.
Nail Varnish: O.P.I. Click for Nail Varnish.
Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Click for Shoes.
This won't be the first year you will see Coral at Royal Ascot, as it's a colour that's been in peoples wardrobes for about 10 years, and was last years Pantone color of the year 2019 in "Living Coral". Coral and White floral outfits are perfect for Royal Ascot. Coral is a pretty colour, but also bright. Wearing with lot's of white stops you looking like a bright flame walking around, while the high contrast on the clean white lets the pretty coral elements shine their best.
Wearing to much white for a Wedding guest outfit can sometimes feel inappropriate, but for the races, White is very on point and pairs with coral fantastically.
For lot's more ideas on wearing Coral, you could also read the How to Wear Coral blog post.
Headpiece / Hat: Dress-2-Impress.com. Click for Headpiece / Hat.
Jumpsuit: No Longer Available. Click for Jumpsuit.
Earrings: John Lewis. Click for Earrings.
Eyeshadow Palette: Dior. Click for Eyeshadow.
Lipstick: Mac. Click for Lipstick.
Bag: Gina Bacconi. Click for Bag.
Shoes: Christian Louboutin. Click for Shoes.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click for Nail Varnish.
I love the fashion-forward combination of a futuristic metallic with on trend pastels (Mint, Baby Pink, Baby Blue or Lemon), for friends and family attending weddings, or a day at Royal Ascot Ladies Day.
The metallic trend is going nowhere fast, but no one wants to go over board with their metallics anymore than they do their pastels. Pastels and Metallics being so on trend currently, worn half and half is a marriage made in heaven.
The Headpiece with this outfit is: Dress-2-Impess.com. Click Here for Headpiece (International).
Earrings: Swarovski Store. Click for Earrings.
Dress: Self Portrait. Click for Dress (International) also available at: Matches (UK) or available for: the (USA)
Eyeshadow: Tom Ford. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Cle De Peau. Click for Lippy (UK).
The Bag is: Milisente. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: Rimmel. Click to see Nail Varnish.
Shoes: LK Bennett. Click for Shoes (UK).
The Silver Dawn Guibert headpiece illustrated with the outfit above is available to hire from the www.dress-2-impress.com Hat Hire. Click Here.
Dress: Dorothy Perkins. Click for Dress (UK).
Earrings: Kate Spade. Click to for Earrings (UK).
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay. Click for Eyeshadow (UK).
Lipstick: Guerlain. Click for Lipstick (UK).
Clutch Bag: Leah Ward. Click for Bag.
Nail Varnish: Essie. Click to Nail Polish.
Shoes: Dune. Click for Shoes (UK).
Below is a Gallery of other Dresses, and Accessories I've found but not included in the above outfits. All perfect for a day at the races.
View: Roland Mouret Draped Crepe Dress (International). Roland Mouret’s bright pink crepe dress is cut on the bias and spotlights an asymmetric ruched front, then falls into an artful fluted hem.
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