Strides ahead: Royal Ascot puts tradition out to grass
Royal Ascot is encouraging female guests to wear trouser suits. This is music to my ears. I love a suit – it’s flattering, gloriously comfortable, and conceals those parts of the body so many of us feel self-conscious about. And in 2023, it’s a very chic alternative to your go-to floral midi dress.
Of course, you’ll need to find your perfect suit first, and it’s not the same grey, pinstriped affair that you might wear to the office. When it comes to a party suit – and this is something you can wear to any formal event – colour is key: consider pinks, periwinkle blue or mint green. Just avoid pillarbox red, which can look a bit Virgin cabin crew. If you’re wedded to print, check out British label Lisou for beautiful cherry and heart motifs.
You do need to put in some groundwork beyond the fitting room: unless you are a fit model, you will probably
I love a suit – it’s flattering, gloriously comfortable, and conceals parts many of us feel self-conscious about
have to alter it in some way; usually just the hem and the sleeves, but you could also get a local tailor to adjust the fit at the waist as well. This kind of tweak can transform a high street buy into something that looks seriously high-end. If in doubt, size up because it’s easier for the tailor to make a garment smaller than bigger.
Another warning? The trend for bold shoulders and oversized silhouettes can drown a petite frame, so if that’s you, it’s worth seeking out blazers that are specifically cut for your proportions. Reiss does this especially well.
A silk blouse, high-necked shell top or camisole underneath will keep the look elegant and formal. Choose a different shade of the same hue as the suit for a more “fashion” look.
You can keep the styling minimal and just add a hat and heels (or a pair of pointed flats that will help elongate the legs), but maximalists will love the suit’s potential as a canvas for accessories – I’d recommend chandelier earrings or a Carrie Bradshaw-style corsage, a big trend on the catwalks at London Fashion Week.