Royal Ascot weekend

It is almost time for Royal Ascot which always falls on or around my birthday.  I have fabulous memories of my mum going and getting dressed up in all her finery when I was a girl.

Fast forward a few years and it was my turn to attend.  I was excited and nervous all at the same time and quite shocked by how strict the dress code was.  I wore a cream and black shift dress with a huge black hat and had an amazing time.

There is something about watching horse racing live that gets those excitement levels going.  I only bet small amounts and my choice of horse was more about the name rather than their form, but I came away making a tidy profit, much to my friends disbelief.

Out of interest I looked up the dress code to find it is even stricter now than it was almost 20 years ago when I last visited:

Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but the dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.

Trouser suits are welcome. They should be full length and of matching material and colour.

Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.

Midriffs must be covered.

Fascinators are no longer permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Which got me thinking – what would I wear if I was attending Royal Ascot 2014.

 

Dress:  Alma Dress  £139 Monsoon

Jacket: Preeti Jacket £129 Monsoon

Hat:  Ladies Wedding Hats £80

Shoes:  Chi Chi Closed toe Court Shoes £ 69 Monsoon

Handbag:  Chi Chi Clutch from Monsoon

I wish I was going now – I love my choice of outfit.

Have you ever been to Royal Ascot…….what did you wear?