Find your perfect Ascot Dress – Comfortable for a Long Day.
Royal Ascot is a long day where you are on your feet all day over gravel on uneven ground, sitting up and down on benches and exposed to the elements so you want to wear the most comfortable dress to all the races.
Choose a Breathable Fabric
Crepe, chiffon and fine linen are good choices as they are lightweight and will allow air to circulate around you on a hot summer’s day. Satin and brocade are too heavy and will quickly trap heat and make you feel stifled. Crepe is a good choice as it drapes well and doesn’t look crumpled after a long day.
Pick a Silhouette You Can Move In
To dress elegantly for a race day, you also need to consider the silhouette of your Ascot dress and whether it will enable you to move freely and easily through the day. A-line styles or other ‘fit-and-flare’ designs will enable you to wear your Ascot dress to a Royal Ascot event and still climb up and down the numerous steps in between enclosures. They also enable you to move around on your own in a crowded stand and allow you to sit down on hard benches without worrying that your dress will be creased or catch on anything. Pencil styles look very elegant for a couple of hours in the evening but are impractical for a long day at Royal Ascot. Midi styles with an A-line cut are a very good option as they are elegant and stylish but also easy to wear throughout the day.
Think About Length and the Ground
When choosing an Ascot dress remember the ground you’ll be walking on. The lawns and paths at Royal Ascot are not flat and you don’t want to spend the day adjusting a dress that keeps riding up. A midi dress length is the most practical choice for Ascot, falling around the knee to the calf. It’s within the Royal Ascot dress code for most of the enclosures and allows for plenty of movement. However, if you’re wearing a block heel or wedge then a slightly longer hem can work. Test out the combination before the day to make sure you’re comfortable and can move freely.
Look for Built-In Support
Look for dresses that have a lined bodice that contains boning or is a shelf bra. This will allow you to wear the dress without having to wear a separate bra and undershirt underneath which will help keep you cool. If you want elegant dresses for Ascot, aimeejoycelondon.com/ready-to-wear/elegant-dresses-for-ascot/ is a good place to start.
Consider Neckline and Sleeve Length
Cap sleeves or a modest V-neck are a great way to keep the shoulders protected from the sun without making you feel hot and sweaty. A strapless dress will leave your shoulders exposed all day, which can be very uncomfortable in strong sunlight. However, a short flutter sleeve is a great compromise between these two options.
When looking for a stylish outfit to wear to a race it is best to think about the most comfortable outfit first and then look for something stylish to wear on the day.
