Ladies Day at Ascot. What to wear? Help me please!

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Am going to Ladies day at the races. It's on 21st June so will probably be hot, although you know what English weather is like. I have no idea of what to wear. I think you're meant to wear a hat. Would a feathery hair accessory do? Also, if I went for the hat option should I get the clothes first and then a hat to match, or the other way round?

Am very excited about shopping for a new outfit, but don't know where to start. Any thoughts? TIA

depends where you have tags for - dress code guidance here

You must have your shoulders covered whilst in the Royal Enclosure, so bear this in mind.

You can hire some fantastic hats, which might be an option. They really really do go to town!!!

on the basis of some ladies i saw on their way to the national, i would say definitely don't wear skingtight strapless green stin if you weigh more than 14 stone.

Don't wear spindly heels. Find lovely chunky heals or else they'll get ruined by the grass. Remember that less is more some people end up going looking ridiculous and like they have tried to hard. If you want into the Royal enclosure you must have your shoulders covered and your head covered.

...and if you do go for a hat, get one that suits your face shape
good page here

Don't try to match your shoes , hand bag , and dress all the exact same color. This looks very old fashioned and silly

oh no
you'd look like the mother of the bride
much better to tone or co-ordinate rather than match

agree - don't match accessories

get a neutral hat that will go with anything

Thanks everyone. I'm going to look into hiring a hat. Will get more for my money, if you know what I mean. I'll get a wrap/pashmina type thingy to cover my shoulders and that will help if it gets cold. Am not very good on spindly heels anyway, so footwear should be OK. (Although if I had my way I'd be wearing my Birekenstocks )

Don't weigh more than 14 stone, but think I'll be avoiding satin anyway. Not the most flattering or forgiving fabrid IME!

Am pretty sure we'll just have general admission. Am now going to disappear for a few hours looking at the website MrsB recommended for hats. Thanks Mrs B!

Hi all, thanks to Mrs Badger for recommending my hat hire website - www.pebbleshathire.co.uk
Its fitting as I started Pebbles last year so that I could stay home and look after my two boys and use my brain a bit too. That said, Pebbles is very child friendly. You are very welcome to bring them along with you if you want to try on some hats and they will be well entertained by Sam 4 and Isaac 18 months.
All great hat advice above, see my website for more tips.
10% discount for all Mumsnet members, please mention mumsnet when you come along.
Hope to see you for your next big occasion! Cath x

my sis went within the last couple of years and wore nice wide legged trousers with slimline tunic type top and long jacket all in gold/neutral tones, she is 5'7 and size 10 so looked fab

Leslie - wish I was 5' 7 and a size 10!!

Cath, your website is great and I have already found out the shape of my face and how to wear a hat properly. Unfortunately, I won't be able to visit your shop as I live many miles away, in Essex What a fantastic job you have. Good for you!

well, there's a coincidence!

I've had Pebbles bookmarked for ages specifically for posting in the Style Shop as the 'what hat suits your face' bit is so useful when people ask and you can't see them - had no idea it was an MNer!

Good site well made, BabyLemonade

I know me too - can do the 5'7 bit but not the size 10 sadly I guess I drew the short straw in the gene pool (that's my story and I'm sticking to it )