Dressing for Ascot can be a nightmare. With so many amazing dresses available choosing the right one can be difficult enough, but there are so many things to consider too. First and foremost there are the strict dress code rules for Royal Ascot that must be adhered to.
Know the Dress-Code Rules First
Before you start shopping for a dress, it is essential to check the official Royal Ascot dress code for your chosen enclosure. This year, for the Royal Enclosure, dresses must have a hemline that falls below the knee. Shoulders must also be covered with straps of at least one inch in width. Midriff-baring styles are also not permitted.
Choose a Silhouette That Works Standing Up
For standing up for hours, a fitted or A-line style is best as it will look the neatest and will ensure that you look your best throughout the day. A dress with a wrap detail or a very full skirt could swing around in the wind and look terrible. Most dresses look great in the changing room but then take on a completely different character on the racecourse – try before you buy and choose a style that stays where it’s put.
Pick Fabric That Handles the Weather
Summer days at Ascot can be hot, windy, and rainy – all within the space of a few hours. Choose a fabric that will breathe well, and hope that it won’t wrinkle too much within a few hours of wearing it. Avoid dressy fabrics such as stiff taffeta and heavy linen, as they are likely to look tired after a few hours and feel hot and uncomfortable. Crepe, silk and structured jersey are good choices for an Ascot dress.
Think About Colour and Print
When choosing the colour and print of your dress for Royal Ascot, it is best to go for a simple print or a solid colour as these are going to look better in photos than very detailed prints. Pastel colours are always a great choice for Ascot as well as classic colours such as navy and emerald green. These colours look great in the bright light of day and can be paired with most hat colours to create a stylish outfit that does not clash.
Find the Right Fit
It’s easy to get caught up in a dress that you like whilst browsing around the shops on the high street, never thinking about how it would actually fit once you bring it home. A dress that is well fitted from the off will always win over a more elaborate design that requires pinning and pulling throughout the day.
If you are looking for Royal Ascot Outfits, see https://www.aimeejoycelondon.com/ready-to-wear/elegant-dresses-for-ascot.
The most important thing is to make sure your chosen dress is practical enough to let you enjoy your day at Ascot rather than having to spend it managing your dress.