Royal Ascot: Where Fashion is a Spectacle
There are only a few events in the British social calendar that are charged with as much sartorial excitement as Royal Ascot, where fashion is not just a statement, but a spectacle. "Royal Ascot is one of these rare moments when high drama is not only allowed – it is encouraged," says a renowned stylist.
The Key to Channeling Flair
With Royal Ascot’s rules as strict as they are traditional, the key is to know how to channel flair while adhering to formality. The stylist advises, "Keep the proportions elegant, structure strongly and try not to overshadow your hat into the enclosure five minutes before you."
Choosing the Right Headpiece
Pulling off a headpiece begins long before you put it on. "The real trick to taking off a headpiece is to know your personal style first," says the stylist. What do you want to say? In which era or decade do you want to lean? Instead, choose silhouettes and colors that correspond to your daily style. The fascinator should complement your outfit and not dictate it.
Building Your Look
If you stare at a restless flower dress and wonder how to style it, the stylist advises staying reserved. "Choose your battles," she says, "pick a clear element and build on it. If your dress features bold florals – for example, multicolored iris – just pick one of the colors and repeat it in your accessories." If this turns out to be too fiddly, the stylist suggests ignoring the florals completely and instead matching their hat to their shoes. This top and bottom pairing works wonders and magically pulls the whole look together.
The Power of Makeup
Don’t underestimate the power of good makeup. A well-made face is just as important as the hat that sits on top of it. The right smoky eye or plum lipstick can make the whole look sing.
Approved Millineries
The stylist has some British-based labels that she loves. "I will always love the Zellova Pillbox from Emily London. It is simple and suits most faces, always understands and always delivers the task." For those after a slightly more dramatic showstopper, she recommends feathers, "[it’s] great theatre and with modern tailoring like a hot white pants suit is only perfected."
Final Tips
Whatever you wear to the races, don’t dilute your personality in the pursuit of etiquette. "For originality, I am always meant to eschew polite colors in traditional forms, unless they are really," says the stylist. Too often, people either throw everything and the sink at a look or retreat into shy, apologizing outfits. Neither works. Be brave, and as you say, powerful strength will come to the aid. After all, this is Royal Ascot – one of the few occasions where extravagance and formality go hand in hand. Just make sure your fascinator doesn’t arrive there before you do.
