Yahoo News Ascot dress code: From Kate Middleton to Kendall Jenner, here are celeb-approved ways to ace race day
Yes, it's that time of year again where we all start to stress about what to wear to the races.
Although we've already experienced Cheltenham and the Grand National, amongst several others, it's now time to up our style game for the sartorially sophisticated Royal Ascot, which kicks off on June 19.
Ascot is renowned for its strict wardrobe rules. Indeed, the extensive list of dos and don'ts proving rather overwhelming when it comes to planning your perfect day look. How to find a non-frumpy hat or find a stylish and appropriate dress?
So, before it all gets underway, here are four celeb-approved ways to ace the dress code on any budget...
What to wear if you're on a budget
Dressing in a ladylike fashion doesn't mean you have the loosen the purse strings.
Have a mooch around high street shops such as Zara, H&M or Mango and you can easily find yourself a beautiful printed maxi dress in an on-trend polka dot or floral print.
As for the headgear? Opt for a simple black fascinator (unless you are in the Royal Enclosure where a hat will be needed), which you can easily pick up for under £20.
Not only can you purchase the complete ensemble for under £150, but it can also be recycled for summer weddings and holidays.
Get The Look
Bow Polka-Dot Dress by Mango, £49.99, Shop it now
Dot Heel Sandals by Mango, £49.99, Shop them now
Black Feather Fascinator Clip by Dorothy Perkins, £14, Shop it now
The Alternative Racecourse Look
Not a fan of dresses? No problem.
As of last year, jumpsuits got the go-ahead for the Ascot dress code and are now even allowed in the Royal Enclosure.
If you want to be more fashion-forward, follow Freida Pinto's lead and choose a full-length jumpsuit with an elegant wide leg and straps of one inch thick or more.
Get The Look
Crepe Wrap-Effect Jumpsuit by Halston Heritage, £485, Shop it now
Grey Suedette Slim Block Heel by New Look, £19.99, Shop them now
Silver Fascinator by Debenhams, £39, Shop it now
The Royally-Approved Ensemble
The races only happen once a year, so if you want to go all out and feel like a Queen (or, in this case, a Duchess) take notes from Kate Middleton.
Never one to put a style foot wrong on any occasion, Kate last debuted a tonal all-white look, compromising of a delicate lace Alexander McQueen dress and matching floral fascinator.
Get The Look
Lace Midi Dress by Self-Portrait, £360, Shop it now
Glorious Setback Leather Shoes by Topshop, £56, Shop them now
Shimmer Disc Fascinator by Monsoon, £49, Shop it now
The Winning Investment
Let's face it, if you're attending the races the chances are it isn't your first time nor will it be your last. Therefore, you can definitely justify investing in an outfit that can be restyled and recycled year-on-year.
Just like Kendall Jenner when she attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo in 2017 wearing head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana, why not purchase a designer outfit – one you've always dreamed of?
If you're in general admission you can freely recreate the above polo look, however, if you want to be in an enclosure at Ascot you will need to add sleeves and a piece of headgear (fascinators and bardot necklines are not allowed).
Get The Look
Flora Snake Print Dress by Gucci, £1,370, Shop it now
Syvie Floral Jacquard Mini Bag by Gucci, £1,450, Shop it now
