The Fashion Fallout At Ascot

Ascot is from an age old, dreadfully British traditions that set us apart from other countries. The traditional nature of Ascot displays just what it means of having the Royal Family out in public, in action amongst the more regular folk . The international news reports of the appearances by carriage, commentary about who’s wearing what, hats of course, and a general air of sophistication and politeness that covers the real motives, which is gambling.

The Royal Family add an inevitably dignified edge to the proceeding and are on the whole, heavily involved with the equine world. At Royal Ascot however, the Royals are more significant in that they determine the look of the day especially when it comes to sense of style. The Royal Family are not regarded as trend setters especially within the world of fashion but Royal Ascot is their day when it comes to making a distinguished and elegant affair they are in a class of their own.

Mr James Sherwood, a noted fashion expert stated about Her Royal Highness The Queen, `In the last decade the queen has bloomed and looks both happy and glorious. This is largely due to her dresser Angela Kelly and younger designers such as Stewart Parvin. As Miuccia Prada recently said, the Queen is in simple terms the most elegant woman on the planet.`

James also is part of the commentary team for the BBC and stated `It is the public who try to dress outrageously to get on the telly who I usually have the sternest words for.` As the event is televised there are many cautions from all fashion guru’s that to choose your clothing for Royal Ascot is all about adhering to those all important rules for the Royal Enclosure.

The rules are a direct result of the anti-‘WAG’ feeling and to up hold the sense of occasion. For women any strapless, halter necked, spaghetti strapped necklines are not allowed. All stomach area’s must be clothed and trousers must be full length and if possible part of a trouser suit. Skirts or dress hem lines must be no more than two inches above the knee and bare legs are considered inappropriate. Ladies must be attired in a traditional hat or "substantial fascinators." The handbook also warns against streaky tan lines, chewing gum, using mobile phones and remarks that knickers are appropriate but we do not want to see them.

Her Royal Highness opted for pastels and so did the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, The Countess of Wessex and Some other members of the Royal house. However, more notice was taken of the more youthful female Royals including Zara Phillips who had been viewed as a Royal rebel looked incredibly stylish and elegant in her 50’s inspired ensemble. It was Eugenie’s hem line that raised more than a few eyebrows as it could be considered slightly short for the occasion and possibly more than two inch above the knee, but the Royal Ascot spokesperson claimed to not have seen the dress in question and claimed "As long as it is not a miniskirt and is in keeping with the rest of the outfit then the wearer would be allowed into the Royal Enclosure."

About the Author

Chelsea is a part-time author, writing infrequent overviews on Anything Equine, who specialise in a range of horse tacks and chaps.