The first day of Royal Ascot 2016 kicked off yesterday in true Brit fashion, with grey skies and torrential rain marking the start of the 5 day event.
But the downpours didn’t dampen the spirits – or the style – of the Ascot fashionistas, who were out in force, clutching umbrellas and donning ponchos to protect their outfits and all-important headwear.
The bookies may be taking bets on which thoroughbred will win the race, but in an event where you can place a bet on the Queen’s choice of outfit, and the frocks get more media coverage than the fillies, everyone knows it’s the fashion stakes that really matter.
Tomorrow is Ladies Day – the most important date in the Ascot (read social) calendar, and will see the girls fiercely battle it out in chic dresses and supersized hats in a bid to win the much coveted Best Dressed prize.
Racegoers looking for outfit inspiration should first consult Ascot’s official style guide, which forbids strapless or halter neck tops, bans bare midriffs and has particularly strict guidelines on dress length.
300,000 people will descend on Ascot this year, meaning a great number of outfits, and an even greater potential for fashion faux pas. Here are our top tips on how to avoid ending up on the tabloids’ worst-dressed lists.
DO opt for an understated, monochrome look as Kimberly Garner, former Made in Chelsea star, demonstrates:
DON’T wear anything that resembles your surroundings. People might mistake you for the local wildlife (or steal your watering can):
DO keep political statements for the ballot box
While we admire the sentiment, and creativity, perhaps when it comes to referendum headgear, less is more:
DO keep it classic and opt for understated elegance. It’s all about vibrant shades and colour blocking, as the Queen knows: