Ladies Day is synonymous with Royal Ascot but if you love dressing up for the races there are meetings all over the country. Ladies Day at Royal Ascot has the strictest dress code but Ladies Day at any race meeting is all about the fashion – and, of course, stand out millinery.

If you are planning to go to Royal Ascot be aware there is a strict dress code:
• Hemlines must be just above the knee or longer.
• The shoulder straps of your dress must be a minimum of 2.5cm wide even if worn with a jacket or wrap.
• Trouser suits can be worn but the jacket and trousers must be the same colour and made from the same fabric – cropped trouser are definitely not allowed.
• A hat or hatinator is obligatory and must have a base of at least 10cm.

Brocade  patterned coat and matching hat by Elizabeth Bessant Couture

Mary, Ascot client wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture sinemay and feather hat

My clients have started to book in for their Ascot outfits and this is one of the most exciting times of the year in my studio. I love it as outfits call for colour, beautiful fabrics and lovely prints. I also love making hats and hatinators – it’s a chance to be really creative. That said, I am not a fan of the extreme fancy dress style hats that find their way into Ascot. Please note that flamboyant hats will certainly be frowned upon in the Royal Enclosure.

That does not mean you can’t wear a stand out statement piece of millinery. Ascot is certainly a time to have a couture outfit made because it is all about making a fashion statement and not a time when you want to bump into someone wearing the same outfit as you.

Biscuit trouser suit with pearl neckline and hat by Elizabeth Bessant Couture

Chartreus dress, bolero, clutch bag and hat by Elizabeth Bessant Couture

Millinery can be expensive but adding extra trimmings to an existing hat can give quite stunning results. I offer this service and often revamp my clients’ hats to work with a different outfit. Or you could add some feathers or flowers yourself if you have a creative eye. I also hold regular workshops to learn how to make silk flowers and create a gorgeous fascinator or birdcage hatinator.

There are Ladies Day racing events all over the country so lots of opportunities to dress to impress.

If you would like advice on dressing for the races, email me for a no obligation consultation, either face to face or over the telephone – 07812  081588.