CHIC AND CHEERFUL
Queen leads the way in the style stakes as she thinks pink on a day when wonderful outshines weird
Racegoers help each other out as they arrive for Ladies Day at Ascot Racecourse, where race-going fashion reached a chic new level with an impressively elegant display of statement, polished outfits.
SOPHISTICATED STYLE won Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot yesterday, taking race-going fashion to a chic new level with an impressively elegant display of statement, polished outfits.
As expected, some wacky race-goers pulled out all the stops, and in some case the contents of their fridge, to attract attention. Millinery creations included a hat in the shape of a picnic hamper with champagne – and one recreating an aviary of parakeets – while owls, frogs, butterflies and fruit all featured.
But it was the wonderful, rather than the weird, that turned heads, as one ultra-stylish race-goer after another arrived to wow the crowds with beautifully put-together outfits topped with inspirational headgear.
Colour toning and matching head-to-toe looks topped the style charts for Ladies’ Day, in keeping with current summer fashion trends. The Queen led the way in a bright fuchsia coat with matching hat, confirming the bookies’ predictions that pink would be her colour of choice for the day.
Prince Andrew chose a natty fuchsia patterned tie to complement his mother’s outfit.
Royal Ascot is rightly proud of its reputation as a high-style event and produces an annual style guide detailing its dress code regulations, featuring elegant model images to encourage style and decorum.
This year for the first time jumpsuits have been admitted, reflecting the impact that all-in-ones have made on specialoccasion dressing. It’s the first major style adjustment since the trouser suit back in 1971.
Vibrant colour was the choice of many stylish race-goers, especially bold red, forest green and bright yellow – on-trend shades for this summer. There was also a welcome smattering of pure white and soft pink, while monochrome outfits made charming reference to the Ascot scenes from My Fair Lady.
British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley, who wore a black and white trouser suit, said: “Everyone has their own take on femininity and I’m a big fan of staying true to yourself.”