Royal Ascot is one of those occasions where getting dressed takes a little more thought. There is the dress code of course, but also the weather, the length of the day, the hat, the shoes, the bag, and the question of how to look dressed up without feeling unlike yourself.
Ahead of the races, I sat down with Lalage Beaumont to talk about Ascot dressing: where to begin, how to choose colour, and why the best occasion-wear should both feel and look elegant.
For Lalage, the starting point for her own Ascot outfit this year was the print - an Ikat inspired design in aqua and white, which she particularly liked and she felt looked fresh and summery.
The shape was just as important to her as it needed to feel polished enough for Ascot, but still comfortable for a long day outside. That balance is a recurring theme in the way Lalage talks about occasion-wear; clothes should be both practical and chic.
Start with what suits you
Lalage embraces the age-old problem-solving philosophy, “the simplest answer is usually the right one.”
When it comes to colour, Lalage is not interested in rules for the sake of rules. Her advice is to find what suits you.
“There’s no point in wearing a colour that you think is ideal for the occasion if it honestly isn’t right for you,” she said.
Rather than overthinking it, she suggests holding the colour near your face. Some shades lift your complexion, bring out your eyes or sit naturally against your skin tone. Others do not.
For Ascot, colour can be part of the pleasure of dressing up and Lalage describes herself as someone who loves colour and enjoys putting colours together, particularly for special occasions.
Tradition should not erase personality
Ascot has a clear sense of tradition, but Lalage does not believe that means everyone should dress in the same way.
“It’s mostly about personality,” she said. “There are many different looks you can wear for something like Royal Ascot.”
Lalage doesn’t feel that anyone should be encouraged to wear a version of occasion-wear that feels unnatural. If an outfit is too far away from your usual style, it can make you feel self-conscious, and that affects the way you carry yourself, and therefore how good you look.
The simplest way to put it is to remember you are wearing the outfit, not the other way around.
When we go against the grain of our own personal style, the most beautiful outfit can leave us feeling as though we are wearing a costume made for someone else.
The importance of fit
Fit is one of the details Lalage comes back to often. A dress can be good on the hanger, but the way it sits on the body is what makes it work.
At Lalage Beaumont, many pieces are altered in-house, whether that means adjusting the waist, sleeve length, hemline or any other detail. Lalage sees this as a normal part of buying occasion-wear, and something you should expect when investing in something special.
“None of us are completely standard,” she said, explaining that ready-to-wear sizing has to be based on standard measurements, while real bodies rarely match those measurements exactly.
A small alteration can change the whole look and feeling of an outfit, creating a flattering silhouette that is perfect for you.
The hat comes last
For Royal Ascot, the hat is essential but Lalage does not usually begin there.
“I think the hat is the final touch,” she said. “It has to balance with the outfit.”
With a patterned dress, she suggests choosing a hat that picks up one or two colours from the print. With a plain outfit, there may be more room for contrast. Either way, the hat should sit with the whole look rather than compete with it.
Lalage also notes the advantage of choosing clothing and millinery from the same place. It allows the full outfit to be seen together, rather than trying to remember the exact colour, texture and proportion of a dress while shopping elsewhere.
Dressing for the whole day
One of the most practical parts of Ascot dressing is planning for the day itself. Lalage noticed that midi and longer-length dresses were still very popular this year, especially in warm weather. They move well, feel elegant and are generally more comfortable in the heat. But, as with any British summer event, the weather is always part of the decision. A long, flowing dress may be perfect on a sunny day, but less ideal if the ground is wet.
Her quintessentially British advice is to think ahead and, where possible, have a second option. It is not the most glamorous part of planning your outfit, but it is often the difference between feeling stressed on your journey to the event or being completely relaxed that you made the right choice.
The right bag for Ascot
For a formal day event, Lalage likes a top-handle bag or clutch. Both feel elegant, but they are not always the easiest if you are holding a drink, a plate or a racecard.
Her ideal solution is a top-handle or clutch with a detachable shoulder strap. It gives you the polished look when you want it, but the practicality when you need it.
It is a small detail, but it says a lot about Lalage’s approach to dressing. Elegance should not make the day harder.
Final thoughts
The strongest advice from Lalage is not to begin with what you think Ascot dressing should look like on someone else. Begin with what suits you.
Choose colours that lift you, shapes that make you feel comfortable, and pieces that fit properly. Let the hat finish the outfit rather than try to dominate its foundational authority. And remember that the most elegant look is usually the one worn with ease.
For Ascot, that may be the real balance: tradition, but with personality.
