Royal Ascot For Ladies Day

 

Royal Ascot for Ladies Day

By Jennie May Thompson

From the weird…

 

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, The Royal family still lead the procession from Windsor castle to Ascot every June. It has become a tradition, that the blue blooded attend on a yearly basis. The Ascot races have become part of our heritage and although they have been previously associated with the wealthy and aristocratic, the event is now marked as a sociable occasion for the commoner. Famous for the outlandish hats and colour coordinated styles, Ascot continues to be a fashionable affair for women. There is no doubt that today (16.06.11) there shall be many women braving the rain to show off their outfits.

Day three of Ascot is ‘The Gold Cup Meeting’ or as you and I may know it, The Royal Ascot for Ladies Day. It is Britain’s most prestigious event for horses that run long distance, and surprisingly the actual title of the race does not include the word ‘Ascot’. Whether you’ve got an impeccable taste for luxury brands or a superb eye for quality bargains, to attend the races you must follow the dress code.

…To the Wonderful

 

Dress Code For Racers in The Royal Enclosure

Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and miniskirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.

Premier Admission Dress Code

Both ladies and gentlemen are asked to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion. Many gentlemen wear a shirt and tie with a jacket or suit. Please note that blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sports attire (including football and rugby shirts, sweatshirts and trainers) are not permitted.

If you are thinking about going to the races, here are some tips on what to wear and how to stand out from the crowd for the right reasons.

(1)   Choose a hat that reflects your own personal style, but suits your head shape. Make sure you can see your face; people want to talk to you, not the hat.

 (2)   Choose two items that are of the same colour (shoes and bag, dress and hat, bag and hat etc..)

 (3)   Ask the shop assistant before purchasing any item, whether anyone else is wearing it to Ascot. It’s never a good feeling turning up in something somebody else is wearing.

 (4)   Make sure you have fun with it! Just don’t go overboard, nobody wants to look like they’ve just come off a carnival float.

All hats available at www.ascot-hats.co.uk

Dresses available at www.janeandmarilyn.co.uk

 

Tutting from beneath a bucket hat, and grasping a pair of spectacles a lady scorned ‘Now, how could he wear that? He just looks dreadful’ To which her friend replied ‘Darling, isn’t that your cousin Martha?’

Photos: http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk