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Race day dressing | Styling the summer season

Race day dressing | Styling the summer season

I love Ladies Day at Ascot and always go with the same group of very glamorous friends. Of course, I enjoy the racing, but I LOVE admiring other people's outfits - the more flamboyant the better!

Nailing an outfit for smart summer events such as Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley & Goodwood can be tricky. Rules for Ladies Day outfits state no shorts, no sheer dresses and definitely no midriff on show and whilst I didn’t actually want to wear a crop top, I don’t want to feel too formal either. 

Investing in an 'occasion wear' dress that will sit in my wardrobe most of the year seems a terrible waste; instead, I opt for easy dresses or versatile separates that can be dressed up or down. I always aim to get my 'price-per-wear' as low as possible, I avoid fleeting fashion trends and pick, instead, beautiful items that suit me and that I know I will love wearing for years to come.

Beware of the temptation to want to buy something new just for the sake of it or of any panic purchases, I guarantee they will end up in your charity shop pile the next time you do a wardrobe clear-out. Instead, reinvent old favourites using eye-catching accessories.

Maybe I’m getting old but these days, comfort and versatility plays a big part in the way that I dress. I want to have fun and feel confident but also wear an outfit I can enjoy a good meal in!

So, this year, I will be wearing a simple summer dress (most likely white) and adding beautiful artisan accessories to provide the polish the event requires.

Summer gold and beaded necklaces with delicate hooped beaded earrings are safe bets for adding easy glamour.

gold beaded hoop earrings

My hair will be held in a simple up-do with a chic hair clip.

Gold Hair Clip

A fascinator or hat is obligatory on Ladies Day which means I can’t perch my sunglasses on my head, so this beaded chain for eyewear is the stylish way to never lose my shades. 

Glasses chains

A whisper-thin Arrow Jamdani cotton scarf or our soft Camel Hair Scarf provides a smart/casual cover up when the going gets chilly.

Summer scarves

I’m not interested in tottering around in uncomfortable shoes, so Shangies Wedge Sandals in Moonlight Dance help me go the distance on the day.

Shangies Moondance

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