Royal Ascot Fashion 2023 - My Outfit
- Jul 10, 2023
- 5 min read
My favourite event of the year by far, where you're offically encouraged to "embrace the occasion", and absolutely everyone, absolutely does. Not just those in the Royal enclosure there by invitation only, dressed from top hat to toe, but everyone in every enclosure with it's own level of dress code makes the utmost effort and I just adore it all!
The extravagance of the headwear alone makes my heart pang, and that's even before my eyes have lowered to the dress, let alone the bag and shoes - sometimes they were even missed!
Royal Ascot completely epitomises class and elegance in both genders, but as a woman, it exemplifies femininity and takes grace to a whole new level. It's just right up my street! The full skirts, the florals, the lace and the colour - I just can't get enough of the luxurious fabrications, shapes and array of selection. My dream wardrobe has a Royal Ascot rail, in fact - and it's full to the brim!
Choosing a dress for this year was always going to be difficult, because race day style is always my natural favourite. Normally I want to find a dress that I can wear my signature red lip with - for special occasions, that's usually my first thought. I love a bright Pink lip secondly, and sometimes opt for a nude, but Red will always be my go-to and what I'll look for an outfit based on first and foremost. For this reason, I had Red, Whites and Blues in mind when I began looking, with the traditional quintessential British theme also coming to mind. Having said that however, whilst looking, I was still always open minded, after all, ocassionwear dresses are my kryptonite and I do turn into a child in a sweet shop once the search starts!
Lots of dresses obviously caught my eye and were strong contenders; The 8th Sign, Karen Millen, Chi Chi London, Lavish Alice and Phase Eight were some of my trusted brands to search through, as well of independent brands on Revolve and Wolf & Badger - two of my favourite "department" sites.
And of course, my one and only Coast. I haven't spoken much about this brand before, for many reasons I'll go into in another blog post probably, but, they have always been one of those really good, close friends you have, normally from your home town, who you don't have to speak to much, or often, but you know they're always there and they always come through. And for Ascot 2023, they really did come through.
They had plenty which I added to my Wishlist that I could see myself in straight away; the styles with the biggest, fullest skirts and frilliest of frills were "hearted" the most, of course. On the Coast website, as I scrolled and scrolled, particularly being drawn to styles collaborated with Lisa Tan, I'm not joking when I say my heart genuinely skipped a beat when I came to one particular dress. Right there, right then, that was the one - I just needed it to be available in my size. And it was. But my gosh did the page seem to take an age to load as I clicked on it to find out, heart racing in anticipation! I'm not exaggerating here at all, by the way.
It was big, full and floral - but made for a, wait for it, Pink lip, not a red. And it didn't matter. Not in the slightest. For me to sacrifice the red lip for such a big, fashionable occasion, the dress had to be special, and this one really was.
In the biggest, most beautiful floral print, the ground is a gorgeous, bright but deep, Green. The huge, perfect and pretty petals are Pink. All shades of Pink, with hues of Gold placed in there too. STUNNING.
The size of the skirt is something else - massive. Flawless. A slightly lower cut back, and although a much lower cut front, still classy. Still tasteful.
From £139 down to £83.40 to be exact, it felt even more right. It was simply meant to be. Selected, add to basket, ordered, despatched, delivered, done deal. Received and fitted, sealed with a kiss. This really is passion. This really is love. I'm not joking, this is how I felt.
What did it need to go with it? I know you're wondering what a dress so practically perfect in every way could need to finish it off, and that my friends, was another reason for it being my Royal Ascot 2023 dress, because it didn't require much. It did all the work itself, so a simple, strappy heeled sandal in plain Pink, a small and simple fascinator, a pink clutch and understated jewellery was all that was needed to finish off my look. Better yet, I already had most of it. A bag from Oasis (another blog post to come on this brand, just like Coast, to come!) that I've had for years and doesn't come out often, came to the rescue. In an irridescant, textured glitter with gold hardware, it's a piece that doesn't go with much, but I've always known it belongs in my wardrobe. The simple, understated jewellery came from my matching Swarovski diamond matching necklace and studs, my signature Gold, round faced Olivia Burton watch, and a delicate plaque bracelet with my daughters name engraved.
I bought a simple pair of strappy, plain Pink heels from ASOS - £20, next day delivery, sorted! The fascinator I chose was also a steal, at £22 from Next - small and simple!
The sinamay that makes it up is has an embellished wrap around the centre, making it into a bow. Two simple feathers and in the most perfect tone of Pink to match, I was completely sorted!
Getting ready was an absolute pleasure, so of course it was filmed!
When you love clothes like I do, and you step into an item of clothing you just simple adore, the feeling can sometimes be indescribable. It may sound dramatic, but it really does feel that special, and that good, when I stepped both feet into, and pulled up the most stunning dress I've bought in years, in a style that I don't get to wear very often, because, well, who does?!
The sun was strong on the Friday when I went to Ascot - it was such a stunning day! I won a sweet nothing after putting on two bets, but if I'm being honest, the horses and the racing aren't why I go! I go for the fashion, the fizz, the day out and the occasion - and it really didn't disappoint. I watched some races, went to see the horses do a lap around the parade ring, saw the wonderful Royal procession, drank Whispering Angel, ate fish and chips, sat in the sun with more Whispering Angel, and finally, danced and sang around the band-stand to absolute classics! I joined many others on a not so long train journey home to South West London and got home a little tipsy, but very, very happy.
Until next year Royal Ascot, you were, as always, an absolute pleasure!
Product Links:
(Because they're still in stock!)
Dress (size 10 for me): https://www.coastfashion.com/plunge-neck-midi-dress-in-printed-twill/BCC05200-130-24.html?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6YaL2d2EgAMVSdntCh0SmQhNEAQYASABEgLNCvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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