Royal Ascot outfit also, dress or hat first?

[PookieMcPookFace]

Very early I know but I've been invited to the Royal Enclosure and want to get it right.... I'm just not sure whether to find the hat or the dress first! I will hire a hat and buy a dress.
Can anyone point me in right direction for a dress? Budget up to £450. I don't want to just "pass" - I want to look memorable, whilst abiding by all the rules. I've looked at Reformation but a bit boring. But perhaps a bit boring is the order of the day? Please help! Confused and can't see wood for trees!

There is a fab dress shop actually in Ascot who will give you great advice if you are within striking distance (or give them a call) nataliyacouture.com/boutiques

Otherwise
Wolf & Badger
la Double J
John Lewis personal shopper (can steer you towards their more exclusive brands)
Helen McAlinden
The Fold

Go to a milliner and find a hat you adore and that makes a big statement - then choose a dress to go with it as the hat will do all the talking if you let it.

@Defiantly41 thank you that boutique looks good but they don't hire out hats, and there's really no point me buying one.

I was looking at this white cotton dress, it might be a bit boring, but does anyone think the right hat will lift it?
https://www.thereformation.com/products/isaac-dress/1309694WHT.html?dwvar1309694WHTT_color=WHT

Yes, statement hat first.

Here's one

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1190270115/luxury-lime-green-extra-wide-brim-sequin?click_key=7747cdf1f550f38295793ad3813f74b636b87e1f%3A1190270115&click_sum=3a43213f&ref=search_recently_viewed-2&frs=1&sef=1

[quote waltzingparrot]Yes, statement hat first.

Here's one

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1190270115/luxury-lime-green-extra-wide-brim-sequin?click_key=7747cdf1f550f38295793ad3813f74b636b87e1f%3A1190270115&click_sum=3a43213f&ref=search_recently_viewed-2&frs=1&sef=1[/quote]

Err, that'll make a statement alright 😬

OP if you're looking for a rental hat have a look here. Loads of options. I've used them in the past. Make sure to book early!

I'd buy the dress first like you say, and then rent the hat. You'll never use the hat again and IMO they're a total waste of money. You'd be much better off to spend the £ on a dress that you can use a few times and change the hat if you need another and rent one. A much more fun way to accessorise really as you can hire a few fun hats if you need them

Forgot the link to post the link above www.thecotswoldhatclub.co.uk

I like the dress better in green, OP.

Those Cotswold hats are EPIC. I want to hire one now.

I like a hat, best way to make a statement! For the races, the dress is secondary to the headgear.

On statement hats, I've tried this on and for me (tall) it was incredibly wearable. I also love Lisas hats with peacock feathers and structural stuff like this. She hires all her hats out, but they are all one offs as the samples she makes for her showroom, so although there will be a lot of her hats at Ascot you won't be matching anyone else.
That white dress is pretty, but doesn't do it for me as a special dress

Those Lisa von Hallwyl hats are amazing. Especially the one you tried on.

What is it with the Cotswolds and hats? The website says that she is there too.

I have an Ascot dress question too - I have a brightly coloured Marella silk shirt dress. Would that be smart enough? I don't really want to buy something

Also are wedges ok? Thinking about not sinking into the grass.

@Iamthewombat I confess I tried on many, many hats with her last year as I had a few events, and I adore hats but am hard to find the right one for. She also made the most gorgeous little hat for my SIL who is vvv petite and usually swamped by things

I haven't been in the Royal Enclosure for a few years, but when we did go regularly I always got dress/shoes first followed by hat. And yes, I've worn wedges. More comfortable when you're standing around a lot, especially on grass, and walking back to the car/station. If travelling by car I've always put a pair of flip flops on and just changed my shoes before going in to the course.

Fireside - that sounds lovely . Leaves you lots of choice for hat and accessory colour as well if it's the dress I think it is

Thank you @Mumsnut and @NeedWineNow that's great. I just don't want to spend a fortune on something for one day when I already have what I think is fairly Ascot-appropriate stuff in my cupboard.

Self portrait is looking hopeful for a dress. I quite like this one and the neutral colour would make choosing a hat easy. However I would prefer to wear colour! I'm quite fussy on colour though
Also, if it's super-boiling-hot I would overheat in this. On the other hand it will be ideal if it's "normal" English summer weather conditions!
https://www.self-portrait.com/products/cream-tailored-boucle-and-chiffon-midi-dress

I like the tip about wearing wedges because of the grass, thank you pp!

@CMOTDibbler I've just looked at your links. Those hats are stunning! I might go and see her, it's not too far for me. This would be a case of hat first, then get outfit to go with hat I think.

Happy to be of help, its well worth a trip and she makes it a lovely experience as there is no public access to her showroom so she encourages bringing a few outfits you might like the thought of and trying combinations while drinking coffee.