Royal ascot, to wear?

[holaguapa]

I went last year for the first time when 6 months pregnant. Great fun.

Hat, straps etc - yes I know the rules, the obvious stuff... Don't want to get it wrong... and I'm not pregnant this time

This dress - only seeing it online but really like it and it may forgive my curving post baby tummy. I'm tall and a size 10/12, is it appropriate / suitable?

www.anthropologie.com/uk/en/m/product/clothing-dresses/7130440843172.jsp?#/

Gorgeous dress!

You're not going in the Royal enclosure op? Because you may want to reconsider if you are - the strap that's visible under the gauzy top isn't wide enough to satisfy the rules & anything sheer over the top doesn't count. Had a friend turned away for a similar infraction last year. (it's a gorgeous dress otherwise!)

Stealth does that apply even though it is all part of the dress? i thought that was only the case if you had a bandeau or a skinny strap under something removable like a bolero?

We didn't have access to the Royal enclosure last year but did to the rest - hmm that's what I was wondering too. The whole thing is quite lacy but from reviews the slip underneath is black so it doesn't have a "hey I'm practically naked but fully clothed" look at all (I hope).

I liked it was dressy, structured in the skirt, had sleeves that weren't skin tight and was fitted all over. I'm 5 11 and that length is good on me.

Balls. Would I have to get straps added to the underneath?? (Mega hassle that I probably wouldn't get round to doing).

I had a look at the website and I think you will be ok. It is clearly a part of the dress and you wouldn't be able to just wear the slip. Usually RA have a person you can e-mail a pic to to check.

If you are not in the Royal Enclosure they won't worry about the straps underneath a dress. The basic dress seems to cover what is needed. It is spaghetti straps on slip dresses or off the shoulder dresses they do not like. If it is chilly, find a suitable cover up. Most years I wear a jacket all day!

As far as hats go, try and incorporate a bit of cream. Not sure what colour your hair is but all black hats look dull on brunettes. A classy black bag, with a strap, not a clutch, and black shoes will be fine. I have a pair of cream shoes with a black bow and they look summery.

It is a great day out!

Is it a generic code or individual, dare I ask?

I think outside the royal enclosure you will be fine. (And as I said it's a beautiful dress and the idea that it's unacceptable j think is stupid!) Am just telling you that I had a friend turned away for something v similar in the enclosure last year. (it was a stunning navy beaded lace dress with a built in slip). Personally I wouldn't take the chance but I am a stress head about those sorts of thing. To give you a counter example I had a girlfriend turn up in a dress v v clearly more than a couple of inches above the knee and she got in fine when perhaps she shouldn't have! I hate these stupid dress codes.

Ah if you can email them a pic then that's even better! Do that!

The rules state very clearly that it is the dress that must not have spaghetti straps and the straps must be 1 inch or wider. There is no mention of requirements for an integral slip. Dresses just above the knee are fine, just not bum freezers. Fascinators are out thank God.

I think dress codes do make sense. Many racegoers fail to recognise that racing is an occasion for day wear. It is not about evening dresses or even cocktail dresses. Every year the broadsheet newspapers print photos of women appropriately dressed and Gok picks out plenty on C4. Having been to Aintree this week, it is a shame they don't insist on tights and coats!

I would be amazed if Ascot wanted pix of everyone's outfit sent in! Never heard of that and I have been going for 40 years! The Queen Anne Enclosure (formerly Tattersalls) is less formal than the Royal Enclosure. Their web site has precise details. I think dressing for Royal Ascot is easy. So many retailers do appropriate dresses I cannot see why a dress code makes life difficult. My DD regularly buys from Asos and we choose a hat from a local shop. I think it pays to do a bit of research and decide what you are comfortable in. Think of your cover up if the weather is a bit cool or wet.

I've been on the RA site and read the details on the clothing - I love planning this stuff when I've time.

First things first I'll see if this dress actually fits (my figure is weird at this stage post-baby ) and then worry about the straps. Thanks y'all!

Well the dress arrived - it's bloody gorgeous. It's like a work of art! It doesn't fit though, too big - I'll exchange for a 10 and see. Though I suspect a 10 is a bit ambitious right now.

The quest continues!