Royal Ascot

[GrumpyOldHorsewoman]

I've messed up on my Ascot outfits this year. The first dress I ordered was the Reiss Nannette dress in cream - bought online and a bit big. No problem, I'll get it altered. However....it was the dress a certain Kate Middleton wore in Royal engagement photos and, not wanting to look like a wannabe I sold it on ebay. So I bought another dress online from LK Bennett, gunmetal grey silk shift with capped sleeves and some detailing at the hem. When it arrived it was lovely but the hem detail was jewelled and looked too evening. Kept the dress because it is v elegant, but I won't be wearing it to Ascot. Where can I find elegant, slightly tailored but not blaaa without resorting to a mother of the bride ensemble from one of those 'ladies of a certain age' boutiques? There seems to be so little around this year.
Time is running out and I don't want to have to resurrect something I have worn there before.

I would start with the hat and take it from there ...

I have got 2 dresses ready in waiting for ascot and cheltenham.

The first dress i have is by paddy Campbell, you prob won't like it, but I do, it's in grey silk and is Called the dolce vita dress, I dont know how to do links sorry.

The 2nd is A paule ka dress, but I can't find the name if it, if I do I will be back!

Have you tried Hobbs? They have some nice things in the sale.
Isn't there anything else from LK Bennett? I really love the Toni.
Fro MyWardrobe there is...
This
Eek,pricey.
Good for colour blocking?

Paddy Campbell - tis gorgeous!!

The La Dolce Vita dress is beautiful and so are most of the other things on the Paddy Campbell website.
Thought I'd found the outfit on Hobbs - but they had the jacket and not the skirt in my size.
Strangely, shortround, one of my shortlisted outfits was Paule Ka - only the colour was holding me back (bit too beige).

this was last year's dress.

I sinned last year and wore black (another Paule Ka) with a red hat and red shoes. (I fell in love with the red hat, and couldnt find anything to match, part from the shoes)

I found the perfect dress last year at TK Maxx, of all places. I think the local one has a little magic going on as I always find the perfect dress for the occasion when I visit.