Royal Ascot Outfit Ideas for a Warm Weather Day at the Races.
I really hate wearing a long formal dress on a hot day and standing in long queues. I want to wear a dress that makes the whole experience enjoyable, not hot and claustrophobic.
Choose Breathable Fabrics
For warm weather at Ascot look for gowns made of linen-silk blends, chiffon or crepe. These allow for air to circulate and provide excellent draping on the body, holding their shape long after you’ve left the marquee. Try to avoid heavy satin or taffeta dresses with stiff linings that have the opposite effect and will make you feel like you’re wearing a warm jacket.
Pick Silhouettes Without Heavy Structure
Look for dresses that are boned and structured all you like, they will look great in photos, but in reality, they will feel like you are wearing a warm jacket around your body. Go for A-line dresses that are fitted from the waist downwards. A-line dresses are great because they move with you, not against you, and they are easy to get in and out of when you are sitting down. Also, dresses that are of a floaty midi length are perfect for warm weather because they are light and airy and move with you wherever you go.
Think About Colour and Print
When choosing your outfit for a warm Royal Ascot day pale solid colours such as pink or ivory will show up any perspiration marks. Go for a small print such as florals or geometric, or opt for a mid-tone colour such as dusty rose, sage or navy as these will look great all day and evening and will not show up any marks. Busy prints will look great all day as they will look fresh in the afternoon after a long day of racing.
Check the Dress Code First
Each enclosure has different rules for the neckline, straps and hem of dresses. Make sure you check the Royal Ascot official dress code before purchasing a dress. There is nothing worse than turning up at the gate to be sent back for something so simple.
Royal Ascot Outfits is covered in more detail at www.aimeejoycelondon.com/ready-to-wear/elegant-dresses-for-ascot/.
Layer for the Temperature Drop
It’s a good idea to bring a layer to wear for the morning races, such as a light linen blazer or a fine knit cardigan in a similar colour to your dress. These can be easily slung over your arm when the temperature drops in the late afternoon and add a stylish touch to your overall look.
The most important thing is to get the dress right the first time and then you can focus on the racing for the rest of the day.
How Cheltenham’s dress code compares
If you are building a racing wardrobe, it helps to know that not every meeting is as formal as Royal Ascot. The Cheltenham Festival takes place every March and draws some of the finest horses and riders in jump racing, along with a large and lively Irish crowd, especially when it falls near St Patrick’s Day.
Cheltenham is a rural town and the country set is very much present, so the usual advice is smart country wear or smart casual. How formal you go depends on where you will be standing or sitting. Being outdoors in March also means warmth matters more than it does at a summer meeting.
The atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed than Ascot’s stricter etiquette. The Irish contingent brings colour and an easy going mood, and within reason you can wear what you like. A breezy summer dress that works for Ascot will not suit Cheltenham, but a good coat, boots and a tweed or wool layer will.