Considering the strict dress codes, social rules, and elaborate etiquette, there have been many memorable fashion moments in the history of Royal Ascot. After all, it’s the place to see and be seen. Come along with us as we explore the fashion history of Ascot Week and the event’s most iconic looks over the decades. Ready, set, go!
1900s Ascot Fashion
The dress code for Royal Ascot hasn’t changed much over the centuries. However, fashion is ever-evolving. It’s interesting to see how women have adhered to Royal Ascot’s dress code over the years while embodying a certain decade’s quintessential style. If you couldn’t already tell from the corsets, silhouettes, and collars, this photo is from the early 1900s.
According to the V&A Museum, the S-bend corset was wildly popular in the 1900s, along with high collars, lace, and ribbon embellishments. These two fashionable women have evidence of those early 1900s fashion trends. The woman on the right wears a high collar, and the woman on the left has broad lace detailing across her blouse and collar. Together, they made quite a fashionable Ascot duo.
All That Fringe
Fringe wasn’t just a trend in the 1970s. Mrs. Ashton Harrison wore this fabulous fringe get-up to the 1910 Royal Ascot. We’re sure she was turning heads for all the right reasons with this amazing dress. The white overlay of her dress is bordered with super-long fringe along the sleeves and hemline, creating fun movement in an otherwise traditional gown.
In classic Royal Ascot fashion, Mrs. Harrison is sporting a larger-than-life wide-brim hat that we can only imagine weighs over five pounds. Her neck must have hurt at the end of the day. As if her hat didn’t provide enough protection from the sun, she’s also carrying a black parasol with heavy fringe to compliment her dress. Overall, this is the outfit of a woman who wants to make a statement.
The Roaring 20s Hit Royal Ascot
The 1920s was a revolutionary decade for women’s fashion. The hemlines and haircuts were shorter, and the looks were bolder. Even the stuffy dress code of Royal Ascot was not immune to the modern sensibilities of 20s flapper fashion. These three socialites and 1920s it-girls wore pretty cutting-edge dresses to the 1921 Royal Ascot event.
We have May Cambridge, Alvira Anderson, and Phyllis Sellick from left to right. All three women are wearing dresses with considerably higher hemlines than women of decades past. Royal Ascot veterans might have been scandalized by the amount of ankle shown, but these ladies actually aren’t breaking any rules. Royal Ascot dress code states that all dresses must be below the knee. We think they’re in the clear. Besides, these dresses are adorable and perfect for summer.
Sunshades Were All the Rage
Trends come and go, and apparently, mini parasols were all the rage in the early 20th century. Royal Ascot attendees would sport tiny decorated umbrellas like this one. This woman is totally rocking her outfit-coordinated parasol, which features plenty of fringe and a matador illustration. Now that we take a closer look, this lady’s entire outfit is themed.
Her dress, hat, and umbrella all draw inspiration from traditional Spanish matador outfits. How fun is that? Her hat is a stylized version of a montera, a traditional bullfighter hat from the Iberian peninsula. As a final touch, her dress features a cape that drapes over her shoulders dramatically. We love it when people get creative with their Royal Ascot looks.
The It-Girl of Royal Ascot: Vintage Edition
This photo is so iconic. We have no idea who this woman is, but all eyes are on her. This photo perfectly captures her outfit as well as her infectious energy. Judging by her dress and the fashion in the background, this photo was probably taken during the 20s or 30s. The mystery woman is wearing an ethereal dress that flows around her feet.
We love the scalloped cape and her straw cloche hat. That hat is truly the centerpiece of this whole outfit. It follows the traditional cloche shape but is way more exaggerated. Plus, it’s made of straw but looks totally high-end. This outfit is just plain cute. Whoever this woman was, she was giving major twee vibes before that was even a thing. Zooey Deschanel would be proud.
A Royal Ascot Celebrity Sighting
No matter the year or decade, Royal Ascot is a star-studded event. This rare photo shows a guest of honor who attended the 1928 Ascot races. Any guesses as to who she might be? No? Well, this is a photo of none other than the famous American aviator Amelia Earhart. Most of us think of bomber jackets and flying helmets when we think of Amelia Earhart, so it’s kind of strange to see her dressed in such a prim and proper dress.
Amelia attended Royal Ascot in 1928, just nine years before she disappeared during her infamous circumnavigational flight attempt. This photo captures a quiet moment before the races. Amelia is wearing a jacket with a dramatic fur-lined collar and a matching dress. The print dress has a classic 30s drop waist cut, which was very fashionable at the time. Her hat and shoes are pretty understated, which gives us a peek into Amelia’s personal sense of style.
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Women’s fashion always takes center stage during Royal Ascot, but the men put just as much effort into their looks. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this couple’s coordinated Royal Ascot look. This man is stepping out with his wife in his finest top hat and tails. He’s definitely feeling himself. Just look at the confidence in his stride and that cane.
His partner’s dress is just as snazzy, with its delicate lace overlay and matching sheer cape. We’re not going to lie. We could totally see this look on a red carpet somewhere today. It’s just so pretty and feminine. Her hat also has a dramatic swerve to the brim that we can’t get over. This couple had some serious frizz, as the kids say nowadays.
The Ascot Runway
Watching guests show up to the Ascot track is just as entertaining as the horse races themselves. This fashionable couple walked down a makeshift runway during the 1937 event to much fanfare. People who weren’t wealthy guests allowed into certain areas of Ascot Racecourse would often mill around and watch people walking in.
You can see the crowd check out this snazzy couple as they walk down the dirt path into the Ascot Racecourse. It seems like a pretty normal vintage photo until you notice that guy on the right. What in the world? That guy is dressed like a jester and is wearing a tiny hat on his head. Is he making a political statement or just having fun? This was during the Great Depression, so we wouldn’t be surprised if he was taking a subtle jab at the rich and famous attendees.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Armstrong-Jones Arrive
The who’s who of the British upper crust has always attended Royal Ascot week. From the Queen and King to political figures, this event is one of the most prominent places to make an appearance. Barrister Ronald Armstrong-Jones attended Royal Ascot with his second wife, Carol Akhurst, in 1945. The couple looks like the perfect 1940s couple with their fancy outfits.
Carol wore a gorgeous knee-length dress with tulle, ruffles, and delicate layering. Royal Ascot dresses were more minimalist during World War II due to rations and the need to appear less opulent during wartime. Carol’s dress reflects the era’s more parred-down aesthetic, but it’s still a beautiful and well-made dress. She finished off her look with a cloche hat and a bold statement necklace.
A Fashion Girlie: 1940s Edition
This photo shows someone named Elizabeth Shelley dressed to the nines for the 1948 Royal Ascot. We don’t know exactly who Elizabeth Shelley was, but we have a feeling she was the fashion girlie of her era. Her look is so unique that you know this woman was into dressing up and experimenting with fashion. Her dress calls back to the early fashion of the 1900s and 1910s with its snatched waistline and smocked neckline.
Her hat is retro for the time, too. We love a throwback fashion moment. Also, look at those shoes. The heel is so cool and unique. We want our own pair, Elizabeth! To complete her retro outfit, it looks like Elizabeth also brought along a parasol, which was all the rage at the turn of the century.
A Fruitful Royal Ascot Look
Even though we would never see someone wearing this look today, we have to admit that it’s pretty iconic. This photo shows Mrs. Raine Legge, the future Countess Spencer, attending Royal Ascot in 1949. Her hat and handbag are adorned with fake grapes and cherries, which isn’t typical for an Ascot look. The photo is in black and white, but we can only imagine how colorful and fun this outfit was in person.
If the surname “Spencer” sounds familiar, it’s because it belonged to none other than Diana, Princess of Wales. When this photo was taken, Raine had no idea that she would one day become the stepmother to one of the most famous members of the Royal Family.
A Checkered Hat for Mrs. Black
This vintage Ascot photo is so fun and iconic. It’s of a certain someone named Mrs. Peter Black, who was a fashion icon in British society. This look is a fun twist to the more muted and somber fashion trends of the 1940s. Mrs. Black is wearing a typical 1940s WWII-era dress and gloves, but her Ascot hat makes her stand out.
The black and white checkered hat is larger than life and oh-so-chic. The brim of the hat frames her face and hair perfectly and is definitely the centerpiece of this outfit. She finished off her classy look with pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and somber black gloves.
50s Flare
Nowadays, everyone talks about celebrity sightings at the annual Met Gala in New York. However, this 50s-era Ascot photo proves that celebrity sightings at fancy events are nothing new. British sensation Sabrina attended Royal Ascot in this frothy 50s gown. Sabrina was a gorgeous model and actress whose look was very obviously influenced by Marilyn Monroe.
Sabrina attended Royal Ascot in this fit and flare, off-the-shoulder dress that looks like a spring day. There are flower appliqués along the A-line skirt, and the dramatic neckline certainly doesn’t leave much to the imagination, at least by 1950s standards. Sabrina’s hat is just as dramatic as her dress, with a wide, sheer brim that gives garden party vibes. The famous model wore cute, subtle accessories, including simple white heels and a wicker handbag.
The Crew Just Arrived
There are different dress code rules for different enclosures at Royal Ascot. One requirement that holds true no matter where you sit is that a “hat, headpiece, or fascinator must be worn at all times,” according to the official Royal Ascot dress code. That said, you can guess what era of Ascot fashion you are looking at solely based on the hats women wear in vintage photos.
This group of women attended Royal Ascot in the 60s. Those hats are totally of the era. Gone are the wide brims and delicate floral arrangements. Instead, these women opted for dramatic turban-like hats, fun fabrics, and larger-than-life flower crowns. The 60s were all about freedom of expression, so this crew is living up to those expectations.
Everything’s Coming Up Bunty Kinsman
Let’s be honest. Royal Ascot isn’t always about what dress you’re wearing. A lot of the time, it’s all about the hat. Wearing the right or wrong hat with your dress can make or break your outfit and your social reputation. Socialite Bunty Kinsman understood the assignment when she attended Royal Ascot in 1961.
Take a gander at that hat. It’s a work of art that looks like giant flowers are sprouting out of her head. The construction and design of this hat is so unique. We have to hand it to Bunty, she knew the Ascot look she wanted, and she fully committed. She wore a simple shift dress and black gloves to counterbalance the bold energy of her hat.
On Cloud Nine
Una-Mary Parker was a British socialite and journalist known for her couture clothes and immaculate sense of style. She knew when to take risks but always managed to follow Royal protocol and etiquette. Una-Mary was the cousin to Camilla, the now Queen of England, after all. When Una-Mary attended the 1963 Royal Ascot, she ventured out of her comfort zone with this frothy hat that looked like a cloud.
Just take a moment to soak in all that tulle. There’s so much of it that you can barely make out the actual structure of the hat underneath. Whether you personally love it or hate it, it’s definitely “a look.” Una-Mary paired this showstopping hat with a simple knit dress, a pearl necklace, and a white fur coat.
Race of the Roses
We all know about the famous “War of the Roses” in the 15th century, but what about the “Race of the Roses” in the 1960s? Sorry, that was a bad joke. But we couldn’t help it. Just look at this rose-tastic hat socialite Una-Mary Parker wore to Royal Ascot in 1964. Una-Mary and her husband, royal photographer Archie Parker, were known for wearing unique couture outfits to public events.
This hat was definitely a one-of-a-kind piece because we’ve never seen anything like it. The entire hat was covered in delicate red silk rose petals. Una-Mary wore this hat with a solid black silk coat and giant pearl jewelry. Una-Mary Parker was known for her showstopping Royal Ascot looks, and this photo is a perfect example of her daring fashion sense.
Move Aside, Coming Through
This Royal Ascot look is so over-the-top and ostentatious that we can’t help but kind of love it. This woman wore the biggest and fanciest hat we’ve ever seen. That thing is probably wider than her arm span, right? We’re not sure if she wore it as a joke, but it’s so large that it’s comical. We don’t envy the people who had to sit behind her at the races.
What we love about this outfit is that the woman appears slightly older. Cutting-edge and bold fashion isn’t just for the young socialites. We love that this woman decided to go all out and have a good time with her Ascot outfit. Can you imagine the late, great Queen Elizabeth wearing something this bold? If only!
Bowling for Compliments
Unfortunately, some bold fashion choices end up looking dated after the years go by. We’re going to have to label this Royal Ascot look as a “miss” rather than a “hit.” This 1966 look featured a crochet jacket with a wide collar and a circular hat. That hat looks like a wicker picnic basket was flipped upside down onto this woman’s head.
The hat was trying to follow the 1960s mod fashion trend, but it looked too old-fashioned. This jacket, combined with the straw material of the hat, doesn’t look cutting-edge or mod at all. She tried, but the outfit didn’t hit the mark for us. We know crochet is having a moment in fashion right now, but not like this.
Dr. Seuss Arrives at Royal Ascot
Many women go with an elegant, chic look when they attend Royal Ascot. Not this gal. This is a photo of none other than Gertrude Shilling, one of the most memorable staple attendees of Royal Ascot in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Gertrude was a beloved British actress who was never afraid to push the envelope of the Royal Ascot dress code. In other words, she was iconic.
This mile-high top hat is a whimsical interpretation of the classic magician’s hat. There is even a pair of white bunny ears peeking out at the top. Gertrude wore this amazing work of art with a menswear-inspired suit instead of a dress, which we love, considering it was 1969. By her side is her son David Shilling, the famous milliner who designed all of Gertrude’s Royal Ascot looks over the years.
Diorama or Hat?
This amazing hat made a statement when it landed at the 1970 Royal Ascot. Worn by Carole Roddick, this hat featured a whole diorama scene on top. The designer of this hat managed to attach a miniature aircraft along with figurines of wild animals like rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. Oh, and the plane is striped like a zebra.
We’re not sure what the thinking was behind this hat, but we guarantee it caused a stir when Carole arrived at the enclosure. The 1970s saw a loosening of expectations and rules at Royal Ascot, so wild hats like this were becoming more common. The hairstyles were becoming more laidback, too. Carole wore her hair down in a classic 70s middle part, which paired nicely with that giant bow that held her hat in place.
Getting Creative in the Confines
Royal Ascot has a notoriously strict dress code. For example, ladies attending the racing event in the Royal Enclosure have to wear a hat with a base of at least four inches in diameter. Despite these strict rules, men and women alike always find ways to express their creativity and personal style. This early 1970s look is a creative homage to the dog days of summer.
This woman wore a unique straw hat that had a kind of cute, slightly creepy ice cream man figurine affixed to the top. The brim is adorned with a white and red border that is reminiscent of boardwalks and summer carnivals. Who doesn’t love a cold ice cream cone on a hot summer day? Since Royal Ascot Week takes place in June every year, this hat seems appropriate.
The Belle of the Ball
Actress Nina Baden-Semper attended Royal Ascot in 1972. She absolutely stole the show with this ultra-70s look. Judging from the expression on her face, she had an absolute ball (pun intended). Her floor-length dress looked like any ordinary pleated gown from the 70s, but Nina put her own unique twist.
The dress was covered in bright floral pom poms that swung around her skirt whenever she spun around. How fun is that? The same flowers were attached to her floppy sunhat, creating a super cute “flower child” vibe. This entire look is carefree, creative, and groovy. Nina undoubtedly infused some life into Royal Ascot that year. This look remains one of the event’s most iconic looks to date.
The Queen in Green
Queen Elizabeth II was known for wearing brightly colored suits and dresses throughout her tenure as Queen. The reason behind her colorful wardrobe was so that people would be able to spot her in a large crowd. She attended Royal Ascot in 1973 and stuck to that classic, bright color palette. Here she is in a cheerful pastel green dress and coat.
This outfit is quintessential Queen Elizabeth fashion. It’s bright but not garish. Queen Elizabeth was always able to pull off these bold colors because, well, she was the Queen. Every single one of her accessories is white, creating a happy color palette reminiscent of Easter. Her hat matches to a T, too. The green fabric is an exact match to her coat and those white daisies match her pearl necklace.
Lady Di’s Debut
Princess Diana is remembered for her compassion, kind heart, and immaculate sense of style. Just a month before her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, Diana made her Royal Ascot debut with the Royal Family. Princess Diana knew just as well as everyone else that she had to dress to impress. That’s exactly what she did.
This white and red striped outfit was just one of her many looks during race week. This outfit was designed by Bellville Sassoon and her red hat was created by John Boyd. Even though this outfit kind of looks like a barbershop quartet costume, Princess Diana pulled it off. She completed her debut look with a choker necklace, sheer white tights, and short white gloves. We also love the patent red heels and matching handbag.
The Royal Ascot Runway
The models hit Royal Ascot in 1982. Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall attended the races together and wore black-and-white outfits that were a perfect blend of British chic and 80s fashion. It makes sense that these two would wear coordinating outfits. Marie and Jerry were best friends in the 70s and 80s. They were seen so often together that the press dubbed them the “terrible twins.”
We love the little touches of gold in both of their outfits. Jerry Hall (on the left) wore gold-and-white binoculars as her accessory, which is extremely classy and totally appropriate for a horse race. Marie Helvin wore a white pearl necklace with a gold hardware accent and matching earrings. These two look like they’re having a blast, all while oozing class.
The Queen’s Royal Ascot Presence
The Royal Family is synonymous with horse racing. Many royals and reigning monarchs have owned prize-winning horses that participate in the high-profile competitions of Royal Ascot week, and Queen Elizabeth was no different. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth was a dedicated attendee of Royal Ascot. Here she is in 1982, looking every bit the royal in a baby blue outfit and floral hat. This outfit is understated and classy, just like the Queen herself.
We like to imagine that out of all the public event obligations she had throughout the years, Royal Ascot was probably one of her favorites. Horses were a big part of Queen Elizabeth’s life. In fact, she attended Royal Ascot every single year of her reign except for June 2022, just a few months before her passing.
“Eye” See You
Mrs. Gertrude Shilling knew exactly what she was doing when she wore this outfit to Royal Ascot’s “Ladies Day.” Gertrude’s son, David Shilling, designed her Royal Ascot outfit every year, and this event was no different. Gertrude showed up to the illustrious affair wearing a tent-like hat with giant eyes on the front. Presumably, Gertrude could see everyone through the hat’s “eyeballs,” but no one could see her.
Another pair of eyes appear on the collar of Gertrude’s dress, staring back blankly at the viewer. One could argue that Gertrude and David designed this look to comment on how Royal Ascot is a huge spectacle full of people who constantly watch your every move and every outfit. It’s a fun, extreme look that Gertrude Shilling became known for during her years attending Ascot events.
Hat’s Off to These Ladies
“Ladies Day” at Royal Ascot started off as a day during the week-long event when women could get discounted tickets to the races. Nowadays, “Ladies Day” is an event in and of itself. It’s the day of Royal Ascot, where socialites, designers, and celebrities alike dress to impress. This group of fashionistas really pulled out all the stops for the 1987 “Ladies Day.”
Each of these women went with a pretty traditional Royal Ascot look, with formal hats and conservative garden dresses. Their hats are pretty cool pieces of art, though. We love the embroidered tulle that has been stretched out to create a circular, geometric shape for two of the women’s hats. You really don’t need a busy dress when your hat is the center of attention.
Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Diana
Princess Diana was and always will be a fashion icon. Even though the royal dress code is pretty strict, she still found ways to express herself and stand out from the crowd. Royal Ascot week was always a treat for Princess Diana fans. She would roll out some incredibly chic and professional-looking outfits for the races every year.
This white dress suit and striped scarf by designer Catherine Walker looks so elegant and effortless on Princess Diana. She looks ready to go on vacation at her favorite resort, not attend a centuries-long royal racing event. She topped off her look with a black-and-white striped sunhat by Philip Somerville and a funky white clutch handbag.
In Full Bloom
Gertrude Shilling may have been the most notorious avant-garde fashionista at Royal Ascot, but that doesn’t mean other people never branched out of the usual traditional hats and stuffy garden dresses. Julia Sellwood wore this fun hat to “Ladies Day” one year. It was a total hoot.
Her hat is a stylized version of a giant bouquet of roses. Heck, we’re pretty sure those are actual real roses tucked into the folds of her hat. Hopefully, someone cut off the thorns before sticking them in there. This hat is silly, artistic, and downright surreal. It turns out Julia could buy herself flowers way before Miley Cyrus came on the scene.
The Lady in White
We have no idea who this woman is, but she captures the essence of Royal Ascot fashion. This candid photo was taken in the early 90s. However, her classic outfit, gloves, and hat give off an elegance that has been a staple of Royal Ascot for centuries. She’s reading the event program with one glove off, a perfectly manicured nail ready to turn the page.
Her hat is next-level. It’s an incredible work of millinery. The layers of tulle and who knows what else look so light and fluffy. This hat looks more like a luxurious wedding cake than a fashion hat for a horse racing event. The soft tulle flowers are free of dust and smudges, and the sheer tulle brim is pressed to perfection. There’s not a speck of dust or imperfection in sight with this woman’s look.
Less Is More
This Royal Ascot look is understated but powerful. All this outfit had to do to make a big impression was feature a larger-than-life butterfly. This beautifully crafted black-and-white butterfly is delicately perched atop a woven black hat. Whoever designed this hat did a wonderful job because what could easily have become a cheesy look was something incredibly classy.
The angle of the hat is just right. Plus, we can’t see the woman’s face in this photo. Somehow, that makes this Ascot outfit even more elegant and mysterious. The butterfly hat was worn with a simple, classic dress that featured 60s-inspired mother-of-pearl buttons. Sometimes, less really is more.
A “Limited Too” + Royal Ascot Collab?
Hey, all you Gen Z kids out there who love wearing early 2000s fashion. We dare you to wear an outfit like this. If you’re a true fan of the era, you’ll get it. Tracey Rose went all-out for her Ascot outfit, fuzzy pink butterflies and all. It looks like a tween girl’s dream dress as far as formalwear is concerned.
Royal Ascot has a famous “modest length” rule when it comes to dress hemlines, so we’re not sure how she got away with rocking this mini dress to the event. It looks like she’s wearing sheer pink tights, but this is still a pretty risky look for Royal Ascot. We give this girl major credit for embracing her inner Barbie and wearing this all-pink ensemble, regardless of dress code rules.
Fashion in Full Bloom
Isabell Kristensen is a couture fashion designer known for her elegant, feminine designs that plenty of British celebrities love wearing on the red carpet. But Isabell wants to be in the spotlight sometimes, too. She wore this stunning avant-garde outfit to Royal Ascot one year, flower hat and all. We’re obsessed.
We have no idea how that hat is staying on Isabell’s head, but it’s a stunning floral arrangement that makes her look like a human-size water lily emerging from the water. Isabell paired her incredible hat with a cheerful buttercream yellow skirt suit. The handbag matches the exact same yellow as her outfit, which is no easy feat. We swear all of these color-coordinated Ascot women have some kind of secret regarding how they color-match so well.
A Chic Day at the Races
This lady was looking chic during the “Ladies Day” Royal Ascot event. She wore a button-up dress that was reminiscent of Chanel but still age-appropriate. The true centerpiece of the outfit was her headdress. She wore a beautifully draped white hat that was reminiscent of the popular turban hats from the 1960s.
Our best guess is that this photo was taken in the 80s or 90s, so she’s definitely doing a fashion throwback with this hat choice. As if the flowing white fabric wasn’t enough, the bunch of feathers sticking out of one side are well over three feet long. It’s unique, original, and most likely stood out from the crowd during the big race.
Going Wild at the Races
Tracy Rose has been a staple of Royal Ascot fashion for decades at this point. She’s a famous milliner who has made a name for herself by designing specially-made hats just for Royal Ascot. She doesn’t sit back and let her clients have all the fun, though. Tracy has dressed up for more than a few Ascot events in her day.
She went wild with this Ascot outfit– literally. Tracy wore an entire animal print getup, complete with tiger stripe acrylic nails and a tall, tasseled hat. While this look may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s definitely one-of-a-kind. Tracy has never been afraid to express herself through fashion, and this outfit is just one example of how much fun she’s had as a hat designer over the years.
Squad Goals
This photo from a 90s-era Royal Ascot event is total squad goals. Models Celine Davis, Sky, Arwin Hunt, and Sarah Bainbridge attended a day at Royal Ascot together, and they look like they’re having a blast. We love how each of these looks completely stands out from the others. Each lady is holding her own with a unique look.
Let’s talk about the show-stealer first. That fuzzy pink hat on the far right is very reminiscent of Pamela Anderson’s fuzzy bucket hat from the 1999 MTV VMAs. We’re not sure who wore it first, but we love the connection between MTV and such a fancy event as Royal Ascot. The other ladies in this photo are wearing amazing hats as well, from pastel butterflies to floppy straw inventions.
Soft Pastel Power
Wild, ostentatious, and over-the-top Royal Ascot looks are pretty common. But what about the more understated outfits that are just as great? Viscountess Serena Linley wore an elegant pastel look during "Ladies Day" one year. It looks like it belongs on a runway or in an art gallery instead of on the sidelines of a horserace.
Everything about this look is absolutely beautiful. The delicate hat fit the Viscountess’ head in a form-fitting way, but it didn’t look odd because of the filigree lace all over it. The brim of the hat was just as delicate, branching out into her eyeline and creating an air of mystery. The soft purple of the hat went really well with the pastel pink of her dress, which was expertly constructed. All these small details tell us that this outfit was, hands down, worth thousands of pounds.
Our Spidey Senses Are Tingling
Depending on your personal style, you’ll either think this Royal Ascot look is super cool or totally ridiculous. We’re in the “super cool” camp because we can’t help but love a dramatic moment. Royal Ascot is the perfect British social event for people to step out in something they normally wouldn’t or couldn’t wear. This lady wore a wildly extravagant feather hat that was vaguely reminiscent of a spider.
We’re here for it. The design of this hat was so delicate yet so powerful. Each individual feather was curled in to create a cage-like frame around the woman’s face. Despite its huge diameter, the hat was actually pretty small. The base was only that tiny circle precariously balanced on top of her head. We’re not sure how this look defied the laws of physics, but we’re not going to question it.
A New Millenium Look
Ah, the year 1999. It was a year full of hope, optimism, and excitement for the new millennium ahead. The trends of Y2K even seeped into that year’s Royal Ascot fashion. This lady’s outfit is classic but with a modern twist. When else besides 1999 would you expect to see a British royal socialite wearing neon yellow? This all-black outfit really let the futuristic hat shine above all else.
That thing is amazingly cool. Somehow, the hat formed a fancy curved shape that was shiny, robotic, and geometric all at once. It looks like something out of a cool sci-fi movie, and we’re here for it. To top it all off, this fashion-forward woman wore matching neon accessories. The future is now, and this lady got the message loud and clear.
An Illuminating “Ladies Day”
Journalists Kate Mulvey and Gavanndra Hodge decided to wear a tongue-in-cheek outfit to Royal Ascot. The two coordinated their looks, obviously. How do we know? Well, they’re both wearing lampshades on their heads. We don’t think that’s an average hat choice for Royal Ascot. These two ladies chose this hilarious accessory to accompany their formal “Ladies Day” attire.
These lampshades look like they were ripped from the homes of their grandmothers. They’re pink and frilly and complete with a tasseled edge. The brocade fabric is definitely giving “old British money,” which fits right in at any Ascot event. The “Ladies Day” at Royal Ascot is a time to let loose (by stuffy British royal standards), so why not wear a lampshade?
It’s All a Little Fuzzy…
We can feel this picture. That’s a weird thing to say, but it’s true. Every inch of Victoria Telfair’s Royal Ascot outfit is covered in a different texture. From fuzzy fur to soft feathers, she really wore it all. We can only imagine how soft and luxurious that huge fur hat would feel under our fingertips. And the giant feather boa? It would totally feel like lying down on a feather pillow.
Is this the most fashionable Royal Ascot look we’ve ever seen? Not really. But is it the softest? Probably. Despite her whole outfit being filled with a bunch of fun textures, we can’t help but wonder how hot she felt by the end of the day. Royal Ascot takes place in June, after all.
Three-of-a-Kind
We love a coordinated formalwear look as much as the next gal. These three must have spent countless hours planning their Royal Ascot looks. All their efforts paid off because they showed up completely coordinated and utterly breathtaking.
Each woman is wearing a different color of the same outfit, essentially. One woman wore purple, another wore burgundy, and the other wore emerald green. Their dresses are made with the same material, but each dress has been tailored to fit their own unique style. Their hats are all exactly the same but made with different colored silk flowers that are sky-high. Overall, this is a pretty cool coordinated Ascot look.
Poof, There It Is
This Royal Ascot hat is whimsical and high fashion, all at the same time. Someone sported this tall poofy look to the opening day event in 2001. The hat itself seems pretty standard. It’s a tall, circular black hat that matches the woman's black dress. But, of course, there’s a special twist on the top.
The hat designer added a wild, luxurious pom pom on top. Since Royal Ascot is such a fancy event, we’re assuming there is real fur or something up there. Even though this lady looks classy, we can’t help but think that this hat looks straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. If you look closely, you can see that there are neon green highlights on the tips of some of the black hairs. It’s like her hat got its own highlights.
Trinny Woodall Wows
Most people focus on the hat when it comes to building their Royal Ascot outfit. TV presenter and businesswoman Trinny Woodall went a different route with this look. Her 2001 “Ladies Day” outfit focused on making her necklace the center of attention instead of her hat. Her whole outfit is pretty standard fare as far as Ascot looks go. Until you check out her choker.
We love how the hard metal of Trinny’s elaborate choker clashes with the softness of her outfit. Her hat and dress are made with white chiffon and other sheer fabrics. The huge chain necklace looks out of place, but it somehow works. That statement necklace is undoubtedly the star of the show.
A Serious Queen
Queen Elizabeth II took horse racing very seriously. Throughout her life, she owned several racehorses that participated in Royal Ascot events. In fact, the Queen owned a whopping 22 horses who won Royal Ascot races throughout the years. Her horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup in 2013.
That win made Queen Elizabeth the first reigning monarch to own a horse who won that title. With all that said, Queen Elizabeth obviously had a passion for the sport. This photo caught the Queen during an introspective moment before the races. She wore a black-and-blue plaid coat with leather riding boots and a blue hat. The whole outfit was perfectly coordinated, as it always was whenever the Queen made a public appearance. All in all, we’d call this a winning Ascot look.
Our Heads Are Spinning
This woman wanted to make a unique statement with her Ascot look, so she chose this adventurous and lively hat to accompany her classic white brocade dress. Her hat has a small base, and from there, a bunch of swirls spins around her head like a piece of living art caught in motion. While the look is pretty modern and risky by Royal Ascot standards, there’s no denying it’s unique.
We’ve never seen a hat with so many swirls and ribbons frozen in midair. We can’t help but wonder what this hat is made of. Is it just a bunch of starched ribbons or some secret hat-making sorcery that only highly-trained milliners know about? The mystery of how it’s constructed is what makes this hat so intriguing.
A Classic Garden Party Look
This cheerful summer outfit is a perfect look that fits right in at Royal Ascot, no matter the year. Actress Amanda Holden wore this cute and simple outfit to the opening day of Ascot in 2012. It’s a knee-length cocktail dress with a giant bow at the waistline and a bright floral print along the skirt.
The dress itself is perfect for summer because it’s full of color, life, and light colors to beat the heat. This look was even more perfect for Royal Ascot with that unique hat and matching beige accessories. From her handbag to her patent pumps, everything matches amazingly well. Plus, we love her bold pink manicure because it is the exact same color as the flowers in her hat. Genius.
A Summer-Ready Color Palette
Early summer in the UK can bring tricky weather. It can be hot and muggy one day, while the next is overcast and rainy. Dressing for Royal Ascot is always a toss-up because of the unpredictable early summer weather. Dutch model Lara Stone lucked out with her light beige look during the fourth day of Royal Ascot in 2012.
She wore a pleated beige dress that reminds us a lot of a classic Roman toga. It’s cinched at the waist and flows around the bodice and hips, creating a unique silhouette. Lara wore a matching beige hat that was made with asymmetrical curled fabric. We love it when Royal Ascot hats end up looking like a piece of wearable sculpture.
Twee Meets Mod
There’s no denying that the 2010s were the height of twee fashion. Twee fashion features cute, dainty, and feminine clothing like Peter Pan collars, cute accessories, and a retro aesthetic that looks kind of like mod fashion. This 2013 look that Lady Helen Taylor wore to Royal Ascot checks all the twee fashion boxes (minus the Peter Pan collar, obviously.)
This dress is so cute and so mod. The color blocking of the dress is a classic mod feature, as well as the bright colors. Lady Taylor nailed her accessories, too. She wore a bright turquoise hat that was shaped like a leaf but in a cute way. That hat, plus the retro-inspired sunglasses, make this outfit a hit as far as we’re concerned.
An Upcycled Showstopper
Making a scene with your outfit is a great way to get attention and publicity at Royal Ascot. A woman named Larisa Katz showed up to the third day of Royal Ascot in 2013 wearing this incredible hat and gown that appeared to be made from repurposed and upcycled materials. Take a close look at her hat. Are those gold medallions the tops of tin cans? Maybe!
Her dress is also a piece of wearable art. The champagne-colored gown is crowned with intricate black webbing and pieces resembling seashells across the bodice. From what we can tell, Larisa Katz designed and created this look herself. She’s a couture designer and artist from the Netherlands who creates wearable art for herself and high-profile clients.
A Patchwork of Fashion
If you’ve ever heard that granny chic can’t look good, think again. This patchwork dress worn by presenter Martha Ward is absolutely adorable. It’s an all-white ensemble featuring a patchwork of yellow, blue, green, and pink squares. If you look closely, the skirt and bodice give the appearance of using old quilting fabric.
The patchwork is delicate and small, making this dress look chic rather than frumpy. Plus, the fit of the dress is perfectly tailored to Martha’s figure. The bright pink, floral fascinator also adds some extra pizzazz to this cute and unique outfit. Overall, it’s a pretty flattering look for Royal Ascot.
A Day at the Races
You have to be formally invited to attend Royal Ascot in one of its exclusive enclosures. If you do get an invite, you obviously want to look your best while rubbing elbows with the upper crust of UK society. Stylist Caroline Sieber was one of the biggest it-girls of the 2010s, styling the likes of Emma Watson.
She was basically an influencer before social media influencers really became “a thing.” So, it was only natural that one of England’s hottest it-girls would get an exclusive Royal Ascot invite in 2015. Caroline wore an understated but oh-so-cute ensemble to her day at the races. She wore a two-piece skirt suit reminiscent of the Chanel classic. She added a masculine touch with a strong white collared shirt but kept it girly with a twee wicker hat.
Feeling Blue, Princess Beatrice?
There’s no denying that Princess Beatrice is a fashion queen, especially during the 2010s. As part of the Royal Family, Princess Beatrice still has to follow many of the strict fashion and etiquette rules, but there’s a little more wiggle room because she’s a non-working member. We can tell Princess Beatrice was able to have a little more fun and express her personal style with this 2015 Royal Ascot outfit.
She wore a blue and turquoise skirt and top that were conservative in cut but playful in design. The long skirt featured giant turquoise and black polka dots that matched other elements of her outfit, such as her clutch and blouse. Princess Beatrice wore a simple black hat to tie everything together. In this case, she wanted to showcase her clothing rather than her accessories.
Tradition and Etiquette at Its Finest
Fancy hats are basically a requirement if you attend Royal Ascot. The week-long horse racing event is attended by the extended Royal Family, so fancy hats, immaculate etiquette, and a strictly enforced dress code are to be expected. Princess Anne wore a classic Royal Ascot look when she attended in 2015.
She was all elegance and poise in a conservative cream-colored dress and printed silk scarf. Her brown hat is quintessentially British with its suave brim and feathered flourish. We love how it picked up the brown in her elegant scarf. The color palette may be muted, but it’s totally appropriate as an outfit for a member of the Royal Family.
Elizabeth Hurley Keeps It Classy
We can all agree that Elizabeth Hurley could wear a potato sack and still look stunning. Thankfully, she has a way better sense of style than that. She showed up to Royal Ascot in 2016 in this gorgeous white ensemble that fit the bustling early summer feel of the event.
She wore a form-fitting classic sheath dress that was perfectly tailored to her body. To follow the dress code, she wore a cropped white jacket with a distinctly 60s mod feel. Of course, no Ascot look is complete without a hat. Elizabeth Hurley coupled her white dress with a matching white hat. The giant rose and feather detail emerging from the side really elevated the whole look.
Beige Does Not Equal Boring
The thing we love about modern-day Royal Ascot fashion is how attendees often bring a twist to traditional racing event attire. Actress Olivia Grant attended the 2016 horse racing event in this classic dress and coat, but there was something distinctly different about it. As you take in her outfit from top to bottom, you’ll notice that the bottom of her coat is covered in feathers.
Olivia stuck to a conservative cut and fit but wanted to spice things up to make it look more modern. The beige coat has layers of white feathers along the bottom half and darker sequin detailing to create more texture and visual interest. This surprising detail is a fun but classy twist on the usual Royal Ascot look.
Out of This World
A small bag or clutch is pretty much a requirement to attend Royal Ascot. You won’t see a giant tote bag or backpack in sight in any of those enclosures, that’s for sure. Women have been finding creative ways to bring their essentials into the races with them for decades. One workaround is to accessorize your outfit with a cute statement bag or clutch.
This woman wore a bright yellow dress, black jacket, and simple hat to Royal Ascot in 2016. It’s a pretty cute, pretty standard outfit that follows all the dress code rules and regulations. However, she simply had to infuse some of her personality into this safe look. Her tiny black bag has a cartoon design of outer space on it. How fun is that?
A Cheerful Color Choice
Royal Ascot is like a fancy garden party for the who’s who of England. Light, cheerful color palettes are common for men and women alike when they dress for the week-long exclusive event. This color palette of white, coral, and gold is fresh, light, and perfect for early summer in the UK.
We love Olivia Colman’s coral-pink dress because it looks classy, comfortable, and 100% appropriate for Royal Ascot. She fought off the chill with an open-front coat that had the cutest ruffled bell sleeves. In classic Ascot fashion, she sported a cartwheel hat with an elaborate floral flourish emerging from one side.
A Playful Garden Look
We love the look actress Nathalie Emmanuel wore to the 2017 Royal Ascot. Her dress is so colorful, ethereal, and feminine. The floral design is classic without looking too stuffy, thanks to the colors and mirror-image pattern throughout the whole dress. The baby blue, red, and pink palette of the dress is also very unique.
Nathalie wore her natural hair brushed back to show her fresh-faced makeup and classic pearl earrings. The best part of her whole look was the tiny white top hat balanced on her head. The hat is so small that it probably qualifies as a fascinator, technically. It’s a clever and quaint play on the usually ostentatious derby hats commonly found in other enclosures.
Channeling a Greek Goddess
Okay, Eleanor Tomlinson's look from the 2017 Royal Ascot is giving major Greek goddess vibes. Doesn’t she look like a modern version of the Hellenistic sculpture “The Winged Nike” that lives in the Louvre Museum? Take a second to Google it if you need to.
Her ruffled sleeves and high neckline are reminiscent of the statue’s wings, and her white hat has a pointy flourish that looks almost sculptural. We’re not sure if this was the intended message behind the outfit, but we can totally see the connection. After all, Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. Pretty appropriate for a horse race.
Dame Helen Mirren
We all know that actress Helen Mirren is iconic, but we were all served a reminder when she attended Royal Ascot in 2018. She was, of course, invited to the Royal Enclosure to rub elbows with the Royal Family and other high-society attendees. She’s a titled Dame, after all.
Helen adhered to the Royal Enclosure’s strict dress code in a black-and-pink Dolce & Gabbana garden dress and light pink hat. She styled the dress with a cinched black belt at the waist, creating a flattering silhouette. Helen had the honor of awarding the winner of the Hardwicke Stakes Cup that year. We think she definitely dressed the part to a T.
Seeing Spots at Royal Ascot
Doina Ciobanu served retro Hollywood glamor with this 2018 Royal Ascot look. The model and influencer wore a fun polka dot dress that stood out from the crowd with its bright aqua color. The dress has an 80s vibe with its ruched bodice and shoulder pads, but Doina incorporated pearls and a red lip for a glamorous 50s edge.
For her headwear, Doina sported a wide black hat with intricate detailing on top. Her hat, gloves, and shoes matched the black polka dots on her dress, nicely counterbalancing the bright aqua. For shoes, she kept it slightly casual and summer-friendly with a pair of espadrille heels. Overall, we love how this look combines different decades and styles so seamlessly.
A Twist on a Turban
There are some truly amazing hats out there. Royal Ascot just may be the best place to see them. Attendees are always debuting innovative, original, and just plain zany hats at this week-long prestigious event. Designer Amanda Wakeley embodied her famous “clean glam” aesthetic with this 2018 outfit.
Amanda wore a little black dress with gorgeous floral detailing along the side. We especially love this look because it has pockets. You can’t go wrong with a dress with pockets. She also wore an intricate turban-style hat with elaborate strands of fabric intertwining in the air above her head. It was a fun twist on the classic turban style of hat often seen at Royal Ascot.
Harry & Meghan Hit Royal Ascot
All eyes were on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they attended Royal Ascot in 2018. The famous couple had just tied the knot in their extravagant May ceremony, and this would be the very first time Meghan attended Royal Ascot. Plus, this prestigious event was one of the first outings Meghan would attend as the Duchess of Sussex.
Obviously, this was a big deal. Meghan knew she had to put her best foot forward, and that she did. She attended the event wearing Givenchy, the same designer who made her wedding gown. Her cream-colored dress had delicate and subtle floral embroidery along the waistline, which she cinched with a black-and-gold belt. She topped off her look with a Philip Treacy hat.
Simply Blue-tiful
We love this 2019 look that Autumn Phillips wore to Royal Ascot. At the time of this event, Autumn was married to Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II. Autumn’s proximity to the Royal Family undoubtedly landed her in the Royal Enclosure for the Ascot event. So, she had to dress accordingly and follow all the event’s strict dress code rules.
Autumn wore a jumpsuit in a gorgeous eggshell blue color. Her hat matched the color exactly, which makes us think it was custom-made. Jumpsuits were officially allowed by the Royal Ascot dress code in 2017. It seems that Autumn was excited about this updated dress code because she rocked this look only a couple of years later. We don’t blame her. Jumpsuits are wildly comfortable.
A Modern Jane Austen
Hana Cross is best known for having dated Brooklyn Beckham, but we think she stands on her own regarding personal style. Hana wore this sweet floral dress to Royal Ascot, which fit her beautifully. The tea-length dress featured floral fabric that had a vintage feel to it, which was further played up with the wide pilgrim collar and black bow in the front.
The puff sleeves and collar created a twee vibe that was the perfect combo of modern, retro, and the Georgian Era à la Jane Austen. The dress escapes being too stodgy with its tight fit, low-cut neckline, and perfect tailoring. Of course, no Royal Ascot look is complete without a hat. Hana wore a black fascinator with a short mesh veil.
A Modern Take on Ascot
Royal Ascot has existed since 1711. It doesn’t take a fashion historian to notice that how we dress for formal occasions has changed significantly since then. Royal Ascot has held up high standards for its dress code since the very beginning, but it’s had to make some exceptions over the years. As the times changed, Royal Ascot began allowing women to wear pantsuits, jumpsuits, and other “modern” attire.
This outfit fully embraces those modern dress code accommodations. This bright and colorful outfit features a two-piece pantsuit that would have never been allowed only a few decades before. We’re sure glad this was allowed because it’s a pretty cool outfit. The jacket and wide-leg pants feature a bright pink and green tropical pattern, which is complemented by the bright pink fascinator.
Pretty in Pink
There are some truly timeless wardrobe choices that will never, ever go out of style. We think the shirt dress is one of those timeless pieces. Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, wore this amazingly chic dress to the 2022 Royal Ascot. Zara is an accomplished equestrian and Olympian herself, so it’s no surprise that she attended Royal Ascot with her husband.
Her tea-length dress was the subtlest shade of pink, with hot pink buttons going all the way down the front. The shirt-dress style was accentuated with a cinched waist and a strong collar. The best parts of this outfit are definitely the hot pink shoes and the Kelly green straw hat. Everything about this look is fun and modern while still remaining classy and Royal Enclosure-approved.
Wearing the Wardrobe
Singer Mabel decided to pay homage to the Surrealists with this cheeky “Ladies Day” outfit in 2022. Fans were pleasantly surprised to see Mabel attend the races, and her outfit was even more surprising. She wore a Moschino skirt suit that created the illusion of a chest of drawers.
The jacket and skirt had gold embroidery, giving the trompe-l’oeil illusion of open drawers. The collar, sleeves, and skirt hem were embroidered with elaborate gold detailing commonly found on fancy wardrobes, making this look all the more outrageous. Moschino is known for its over-the-top and ironic fashion pieces, making it a perfect choice for “Ladies Day.”
Spotted: Demi Moore
Despite what many people may think, Royal Ascot isn’t just for British royalty and UK celebrities. American celebrities are invited and will make an appearance at this special event from time to time. After all, many people consider Royal Ascot to be the “classier” version of the Kentucky Derby. Paparazzi discovered none other than actress Demi Moore enjoying the races in 2019.
The “Ghost” actress attended the fourth day of races wearing an emerald green dress with girly flutter sleeves. She embraced her inner-Brit by wearing a large black cartwheel hat with a burgundy splash of flowers peeking out from the left side. She looks pretty concentrated on the race in this photo, so maybe Demi is more of a horse track fan than we give her credit for.
Pantsuit Pretty at the Races
Did you know that women weren’t allowed to wear suits to Royal Ascot until the 1970s? Thankfully, pantsuits are pretty commonplace these days when it comes to dressing for this prestigious event. A lightweight summer suit looks fabulous when worn to a day at the races. This black-and-white checkered suit is elegant and effortlessly chic.
The double-breasted suit jacket and matching pants are perfectly tailored to fit this woman’s frame. Her accessories and bright red lipstick add a touch of modernity to the whole look, which we love. The main focus, of course, is the hat. This turban-style hat takes the classic hat choice one step further with its elaborate loops and draping.
A Sustainably-Minded Ascot Look
The opulence and affluence of Royal Ascot can bother some people. Fast fashion is rampant, even at high-profile events. That’s why this blue satin look worn by writer Rosalyn Wikeley was so refreshing in 2022. The oversized mumu dress was designed by Antwerp label BERNADETTE, a brand known for its small-batch clothing and sustainability efforts.
According to Rosalyn’s Instagram post, her oversized shift dress was borrowed from a company called My Wardrobe HQ, which provides luxury designer dress rentals. We love a sustainable fashion moment, especially when a public figure is involved. The voluminous silhouette was different than the usual tailored forms seen at Ascot, which was another refreshing aspect of this outfit.
Little House on the Prairie
This look is giving “Little House on the Prairie,” but in a good way. Actress Nell Hudson wore this cute white-and-blue dress to Royal Ascot’s “Ladies Day” in 2019. It’s a much more understated look than what other people usually wear on “Ladies Day,” which is a nice change of pace.
The lace-like pattern on the dress is delicate, feminine, and cozy-chic. We love the tea-length hemline of the dress as well as the long sleeves that have a bit of volume to them. The black straw hat and platform heels add a modern touch to this slightly Western look. Nell looks like she’s the lead singer of the latest, hottest indie band out there, and we love her for it.
Going Dotty Over This Look
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a black-and-white color palette. If you’re ever invited to Royal Ascot, take a few fashion tips from athlete Victoria Pendleton. She wore a classic white dress with black polka dots for a simple, chic event look. The dress was conservative to stick to the strict dress code but had modern tailoring that helped it look youthful and fun.
The cape-like sleeves, ruched bodice, and flowing skirt all worked together to create a comfortable, effortless Ascot look. Victoria slicked her hair back in a severe bun that was offset by the playfulness of her hat.
Head to Toe in Fashion
Ikram Abdi Omar is a model who is shaking things up in the industry by simply being herself. The Swedish model is a practicing Muslim who observes hijab. She chooses to dress fashionably but conservatively, which is exactly what she did when she attended Royal Ascot. Ikram Abdi Omar is literally covered from head to toe in the same fun pattern.
The bright, girly floral print covers her dress and pants. Her entire ensemble is form-fitting but conservative, making it perfect for Royal Ascot’s notoriously strict dress code. Ikram wore a stunning black derby hat over her matching hijab, creating a stark silhouette reminiscent of black-and-white noir films. This outfit is just way too cool.
Kate Middleton Sparkles in Periwinkle
For better or for worse, all eyes are on Kate Middleton and what she’s wearing. This woman can’t take a single step outside without paparazzi, fans, and critics making comments about her outfits. Thankfully, the Princess of Wales has a natural sense of style and a team of stylists working to make her look amazing around the clock.
She wore a periwinkle blue skirt and blouse to the 2019 Royal Ascot, and it was a huge hit. Lebanese designer Elie Saab created the outfit and had it tailored to Kate’s specifications. For example, Kate’s blouse included sheer long sleeves instead of the flowy short sleeves originally seen on the runway. The entire outfit was embroidered with shiny polka dots, which looked super cute with the blouse’s pussy bow neckline.
The Next Generation of Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is still going strong because it draws in the younger generations of upper-class British social circles. This photo of Lady Kitty Spencer and Marchioness Emma Thynn is a perfect example of how new generations are dressing for this historically significant event in recent years. The two women wore dainty, feminine dresses that would fit in perfectly at any garden party.
Lady Spencer wore a chic white lace dress that would have made her aunt, Princess Diana, proud. Marchioness Emma Thynn, who made history as the first Black marchioness in England, wore a baby blue knee-length dress with a coordinated coat. We particularly love the feather cuffs on the marchioness’ coat sleeves. It’s a unique detail that brings a fun twist to an otherwise traditional outfit.
Breaking Barriers
Chef and artist Imogen Kwok is used to breaking barriers and pushing envelopes. It’s no surprise that she would wear this daring outfit to Royal Ascot. “Daring” is a relative term here just because it’s not something typically worn at Royal Ascot in the past. You may have noticed already, but Imogen’s dress reveals part of her midriff. Gasp!
By most of our standards, this dress isn’t what we’d consider “scandalous.” It’s actually a very beautiful, classy gown. The thing is, Royal Ascot has a strict “no midriff” policy for most of its enclosure sections. Our best guess is that Imogen attended as a guest in a section that had a more relaxed dress code. We’re personally glad about that. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten this absolutely stunning Royal Ascot look.
An Ultra-Cheery Ensemble
Royal Ascot 2023 was all about an explosion of color. Celebrity stylist Nana Acheampong wore one of the brightest, most colorful outfits in recent memory. This floor-length shirt dress features a collage of rainbow shapes and funky patterns, all with an overlaid stripe pattern. Nana looks radiant in this cheerful ensemble.
Overall, this outfit is a nice reminder that we want to see more color at Royal Ascot. Why not accessorize with gold jewelry and a bright yellow handbag? Nana completed her outfit with a cute green fascinator that was reminiscent of thriving greenery. Spring and summer are seasons for regeneration, so it was definitely fitting for this event.
Sabrina Elba, Renaissance Woman
What can’t Sabrina Elba do? She’s a model and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations. Oh, and she’s married to the one and only Idris Elba. We’re not jealous. At all. Our non-jealousy only got worse once we saw how stunning she looked at the 2023 Royal Ascot. She is absolutely serving her fiercest modeling pose in this photo.
Sabrina wore a matching white skirt and suit jacket, complete with a skinny white belt cinched at the waist. Her hat and stilettos are also a sparkling white, making the whole look stand out even more. The skirt has a unique button-up design along the side, creating a fun twist to the traditional skirt suit look so popular among upper-class Brits.
The Royal Ascot VIP
Royal Ascot has a huge rotation of high-profile guests. However, there’s never a more anticipated guest than an immediate member of the Royal Family. Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, attended the 2023 Royal Ascot alongside her husband, William, Prince of Wales. As always, the Princess looked flawless in a dress designed by Alexander McQueen.
She wore full-on Royal Enclosure garb, including a bright red hat and gorgeous teardrop earrings. The dress itself is quintessential Kate, with a classic A-line silhouette and fluttery long sleeves. Kate’s sense of style is always able to balance the requirements of the Royal Family dress code and a fresh, modern vibe.
Tweed Is Back, Baby
The 2020s have brought in a new era for Royal Ascot. Over the years, the fancy event has changed and altered its strict dress code to accommodate modern styles. As a result, we’ve seen some pretty fab fashion looks at this famous week-long event. Model and influencer Betty Bachz wore a look that perfectly married modern and old-fashioned.
Betty wore a slinky tweed dress by Huishan Zang that reinvents the classic (but kind of stuffy) fabric of decades past. The dress has a low neckline and asymmetrical tie at the waist, as well as a creative fringe along the front. The fit is immaculate, and so is Betty’s hat. The matching derby hat was a one-of-a-kind piece created by the famous Miss B’s Millinery.