Ascot fashion crisis- help me please

[cathyandclare]

Very much a first world problem here, so crisis being used ironically well sort of

Heading to Ascot, Royal Enclosure, haven't been for years and years, so rather out of touch. I was planning on wearing the navy and black dress with the navy hat. Because of all the stuff about Victoria Beckham looking miserable at the royal wedding , I ordered some fabulous brightly coloured shoes from Vestiaire Collective. Sadly, two weeks later they are still ambling around the continent. So, the question is... do I go all chic but dark and dull in navy with black or nude heels?

Or could I wear this dress with navy hat and shoes? If I do what about a bag? Does the navy look a bit random? Should I use a bright clutch with the green (or with the navy) I have plundered various daughters' wardrobes and have bags in a fairly muted orange, dusky purple or fuchsia ( or a black clutch). Not really on for buying new bag/shoes/hat at this late stage, although I suppose I could get something to titivate the hat if needed.

So many questions!!! Please help me oh stylish ones!

I'm v short so navy/black is Ascot legal on my stumpy pins.

I think all dark with nude. Or all dark with dark shoes too and statement bag.

The dark outfit will look fab, the green dress is a nowhere near as nice in my opinion.

Disclaimer: I thought VB looked fab!

Thanks Buster, I liked both VB and Sarah Rafferty in navy and Sarah Chatto looked great too... I'm a sucker for dark colours though!

Navy is fine, you just need to smile. I think I'd go for the fuchsia clutch.

Navy dress and orange clutch. I’m not sure about which shoes.

The dress and hat are lovely.

Thanks so much everyone, interesting you've all said navy. My DDs were definitely team green dress.

Looking at the weather it's cloudy with sun when we go, so think navy will be fine. Wish I looked like the model in it!

How old are your DDs? I am 22 and also prefer green.

Are you sure the navy is long enough for ascot? Needs to be knee length in enclosures?

Navy with nude shoes and Fuschia clutch would be my choice.

The DDs are 19 and 21 so that fits makeup.

It says on the site that dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer. Now just above depends on the definition, but it's less than an inch above the top of my knee cap at the front and below the knee at the back- yes I really am that short! I may take a pic tomorrow and ask the MN jury, would be gutted if I had to schlep back to the hotel to change.

They've used this pink dress as one of the example images, and mine is definitely not shorter than that.

All I can say is that I saw a lot of people going to Ascot today and either of your outfits are a great deal better than the hideous prints, flip flops and gigantic fascinator type confections that I spotted. There must be designers out there who compete to invent the least flattering designs.

I think both your choices are lovely.

Do they have a dress code for heels? Or could one go wearing flats?

Thanks!!
I think flats are fine, although I'll be stumbling around in heels :)

Here are the rules cut and pasted:
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
• Trouser suits are welcome.
They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
• Jumpsuits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle, with regulations matching that for dresses.
• Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, one shoulder, halter neck, bardot and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Fascinators are not permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a solid base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches/10cm).
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the specific guidance in this brochure, fancy dress, novelty and branded / promotional clothing are not allowed on site.

I vote for the navy dress provided it is definitely long enough on you. WHat a shame the bright shoes are still trundling around the continent. I’ve fallen out of love with nude shoes but better to wear a pair that are definitely broken in than be uncomfortable in a last minute panic buy - it’s a long day in uncomfortable shoes...
Orange or purple bag.
Have fun!

In an act of bravery/ foolhardiness/obsession I have tried a few things. I'm standing like a numpty but any opinions welcome.

Actually, when I say any opinions, I probably don't welcome the 'you-look-shite-in-them-all opinion!'

OPtion 1 definitely
You look great!

The navy looks stunning, don't think you'll better it.

Sorry, with the navy shoes and either clutch.

Option 1 - looks fab

Thanks everyone, I love it when there's a consensus. The DDs were split and I'm getting very indecisive in my old age. Thank heavens MN.

Thanks heavens for MN

Navy dress and pink bag looks lovely but you also look stunning in the green dress.

Thanks I have DD's graduation next week so thought the green dress (without the hat) and with simple shoes and bag may be ok for that.....

Navy and orange for me, but I prefer the shoes in picture 1