In that week that managed to give us both sweltering sun and flash storms, Royal Ascot has returned for another year, bringing it with it some outstanding event dressing. Ascot is, after all, the most formal event in the British calendar and as the royals, celebs and guests arrive in Berkshire, this year's best dressed prove that following the strict dress code doesn't have to mean settling for simplicity.
Bright summer days call for, well, bright, sunny clothes (and you're more than likely to spot a statement fascinator or two), but this year more than ever, tradition is being eschewed in favour of a contemporary take on occasionwear. So what's on the cards this Royal Ascot? Expect to see eye-catching patterns, rainbow hues and of course, plenty of bold accessories to complete the best outfits.
Leading strong in the colour stakes was the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton whose all red look felt like a cool, contemporary choice in a sea of pastels, and was possibly a special nod to the same scarlet look that Princess Diana wore to the event 30 years previously. And, just when we thought we'd seen the last of Barbiecore, pink is undoubtedly the colour of the moment, as seen on Queen Camilla and Princess Beatrice on day two, the latter of whom opted for a stylish ditsy dress by Beulah, a resin handle bag from Urban Outfitters (no less) and topped with a bright fuschia headband from Juliette Botterill.
Texture also played a role in many of the most stylish looks, from eccentric feather detailing to floral embellishments dressing up simple looks (but more on thoset later). So, whether you're heading to the race course or looking for inspiration for your next wedding guest outfit, the Ascot fashion crowd are providing solid inspiration for formal dressing.
WHAT THE ROYALS WORE TO ASCOT 2023
Style Notes: For those who waiting with bated breath, Kate Middleton's arrival to Ascot on day four did not disappoint. Head-to-toe red was the strong pop of colour we needed, courtesy of Alexander McQueen and Phillip Treacy. Royal perfection.
Style Notes: Queen Camilla has delivered on the outfit front this Royal Ascot but our favourite has to be this cream ensemble, a colour she's worn twice across the event.
Style Notes: Zara Phillips has worn some particularly pretty looks this Royal Ascot, but there's something about this jacquard-esque floral that we didn't expect to look quite so good.
Style Notes: This Ascot might well be remembered as "the one where Princess Beatrice wore Urban Outfitters accessories". Stranger things have happened.
Style Notes: Princess Anne might not be an obvious choice for style icon, but there's no doubt about it, this aquamarine dress is the perfect fit, and this colour happened to show up on the Anrealage, Max Mara and Fashion East runways, so we could be looking at a burgeoning colour trend in the making.
Style Notes: (And just in case you needed further proof that sea blues get the royal stamp of approval, here she is again in a brighter turquoise on day four, wearing the same dress she first wore in 1978).
Keep scrolling to see more of our favourite Ascot outfits thus far, and to see the six trends we've spotted that are making occasion dressing feel fresh in 2023.
1. HEAD-TO-TOE PINK
Thank you, Margot Robbie, I'm now dreaming in pink. From last year's Valentino runway to the upcoming Barbie movie, pink has been enjoying a fashionable makeover, and it's made its way to Ascot too. Candy pink to bubblegum, blush to pastel, no matter the shade, the prettiest pick this season is undoubtedly pink, and it's particularly effective when worn head-to-toe.
2. MORE PLEATS, PLEASE
Box, knife, accordion or pin-tuck, pleats always create a flattering fit and a smooth silhouette. Although pleated dresses were all over Ascot, we also spotted trousers too, so if you're looking for a style smart enough to rise to any occasion, this is as good a place as any to start.
3. PUT A BOW ON IT
The perfect finishing touch? A bow of course, and nothing makes a look feel more special than this pretty detail. While some guests wore hats and headbands adorned with big bows, others opted for romantic dresses with mini bows and ribbons, either way, this is a trend we've spotted in bridalwear too, and we'd be more than happy to see more of it on the high-street.
4. VINTAGE REFERENCES
From Victorian hats to Seventies boho dresses, taking pointers from retro references will never steer you wrong. Ascot always pays homages to classic silhouettes and in amongst the Christian Dior-esque cinched waists and full skirts were sweeping maxi dresses and floppy hats, and pillar box hats and pencil skirts. Whichever era you're most influenced by, commit to a full look (including accessories), and your outfit won't look dated in a year's time.
5. BUTTERMILK YELLOW
And now onto a trend that has carried on from the Coronation, buttermilk yellow is the quiet luxury colour that many guests (including Pippa Middleton) wore to celebrate the biggest royal event of the decade, and it has reappeared all over Ascot. The perfect shade of summer yellow, while still subtle enough to not be considered a "bright", this universally flattering hue is about to be huge this year, so it's well worth investing in now.
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6. FLORAL APPLIQUÉ
Florals for Ascot might not be groundbreaking, but when they're 3-dimensional, they certainly stand out from the crowd. The runway, and in turn, the high-street is corsage obsessed right now, but if you're keeping a strict dress code in mind, the easiest way to nod to the trend is with dresses, hats and accessories adorned with handmade flowers.
MORE OF THE BEST LOOKS FROM ROYAL ASCOT 2023
