What To Wear And What NOT To Wear To Royal Ascot: Shopping Fix

Six days of horse racing fun begins today as Ascot 2012 gets underway. But following the announcement earlier this year that the dress code is being tightened, vetoing fascinators, minis AND strapless dresses, we're predicting a fashion frenzy as women panic about how to look picture perfect without being escorted off the premises.

With new restrictions limiting the width of your dress straps, hem lines and headwear, opting for more coverage is a must, ladies! Think high necks to compensate for shorter hemlines, sleeveless or cap sleeves instead of strapless and a jaunty hat (no headbands allowed!) to make sure you won't be turning heads for the wrong reasons.

For such a prestigious and traditional event, we suggest keeping the colour palette subtle and chic. Super brights and neons are a big no-no (have you ever seen the queen in highlighter yellow? Exactly) and instead opt for something like this Issa forest green dress or the nude maxi from Reiss, which both ooze understated and classic glamour.

One last thing: be sure to leave all studs and super irredescent metallics at home. Instead add pretty details with floral prints, discreet striped accessories and ladylike jewellery. For our shopping suggestions, get clicking below...

Shop The Look

Green skirt dress, £550, Issa at Net-a-porter
Blue dress, £250, Coast
Nude maxi, £195, Reiss
Floral shoes, £85, Dune
Striped platforms, £610, Charlotte Olympia
Green glitter clutch, £350, Anya Hindmarch
Gold necklace, £1200, Monica Vinader