With spring in full bloom, flowers are everywhere throughout London. Irises, roses and bluebells blossom while wisteria climbs the neighborhoods’ walls. The air is fragrant and everyone is feeling a little more spirited from the local perfume. And with that fresh energy comes a new line-up of spring spectator sports. Be it polo or horse racing, the tracks and fields beckon locals and tourists alike to visit their open spaces, cheer on the riders, and undoubtably come dressed to impressed.
The Royal Ascot, one of England’s most famous horse races, demands a particular dress code, all dependant on which enclosure you have snagged tickets to. In the spirit of “sartorial elegance” (their words, not mine), their online style guide lays out a selection of looks that ladies and gentlemen must abide by – so that there is no confusion over how large your hat ought to be.
Having lived in London for over five years, I’ve attended this event twice – each time wearing a fab headpiece, bought from Debenhams, a local British department store. They have a great selection of occasion hats and partner with some of England’s famous milliners.
In 2013, I was in the buzzy Windsor Enclosure wearing hyper-colour florals – a bold floral patterned dress, a brightly coloured blazer and bag, and a big blooming flower fascinator. Part of the Top Hat Stephen Jones collection, it was the right amount of bright.
In 2015, I perched on balcony in the Queen Anne Enclosure in full-on monochrome mode – wearing a black and white dress, a black blazer, and a fascinator full of feathers and quills. From American designer Ben de Lisi, it might have been a lucky charm as won more than a few £££ that day.
Each race day proved to be a day for play – not just for the ponies and the gamblers, but also for the ladies (and even the lads) embracing cultural traditions, experimenting with fashion trends, and donning fascinating headwear that stands tall in a crowd.
Looking for fancy hat for race day? You can now buy my pre-loved hats here at Style On The Lamb’s online shop.
2013: blazer and shoes: J.Crew / dress: L.K. Bennett / bag: Kate Spade
2015: blazer: Banana Republic / dress: Anthropologie (Leifsdottier) / shoes: unknown
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