Ditch the drab and don the decadent! Racing season is upon us and it’s the time of year to be anything but a wallflower. Since its advent some three centuries ago, Royal Ascot has been the outing to show off your most extravagant get-up and get papped in the planet’s prettiest hats.
Tuesday’s races saw the Duchess of Cambridge in a white, lace Alexander McQueen piece with nude pumps – an outfit not far removed from her 2016 Ascot attire.
Image by Daily Mail
Her Majesty herself made an appearance in a lemon-hued coat and matching hat yesterday, and a similar outfit in a louder shade of lime the day before.
Image by Harper’s Bazaar
Despite generations of strict rules and an unalterable dress code, organisers did update the fashion guidelines this season, however. All women – including under 18s, who were previously expected to adhere to a children’s dress code – must play by the grown up’s rules and wear skirts that hit the knee.
Furthermore, for the first time in the event’s history, the humble jumpsuit will be allowed into the Royal Enclosure – so long as it’s full length and of matching material and colour.
It might not sound like a major revision, but the last time Ascot organisers made such a significant changed was when the trouser suit was incorporated into the style guide way back in 1971.
I sat amongst revellers in the Queen Anne Enclosure on a balmy June day admiring the bold colours and inspired pairings.
Here are some of the beauties which caught my eye…
And a little more unusual like this…
And my favourite crew…
In the photo: Maria Zherebtsova ( founder of “Hats by Maria” ) and Svitlana Kozlyuk
In the photo: Maria Stepina ( winner of Stylensnitch Ascot competition 2017)
