Ascot - now the dilemma starts

[LouLovesAeroplaneJelly]

So I just got in the mail my approval to go into the Royal Enclosure at Ascot. Now the dilemma starts. What do I wear? I want a dress/skirt/jacket combo. Nothing floaty a la monsoon. Think structured and fabulous (like I was pretending to be in fashions on the field)....but it has to be in a size 20.
Any ideas where I can shop? There is lots out there but all in smaller sizes.

Debenhams? They have TONS of dresses is a 20. Personally I'd go for a dress then a nice shrug or shawl rather than a jacket for ascot. Depends what shape you are but a nice fitted top with an A line skirt can be very flattering.

Go for plain material for the jacket, possibly a pattern on the dress but a FABULOUS hat.

Get the hat first and look for the outfit to match. Black/navy and cream is safe, be wary of pastels.

Whereabouts in the country are you? I can advise on where my mother gets her Ascot outfits in the Marlow, Bourne End, Henley area but that may be nowhere near you!

Can I ask?
We have been offered tickets for Ascot or Wimbledon this year.
My preference is Wimbledon but what are the good bits about Ascot?

Hats

And it doesn't get cancelled unless it's a complete morass whereas a tiny spot of rain can severely disrupt Wimbledon!

Ah I like hats !
( although Wimbledon does have the roof now and there is also Nadals bum to contemplate....so difficult to choose)

The hat I am ok with. Am going with a monocrome black white thing this year. Don't do pastels ever.
Never neen to wimbledon and dont like tennis so that is out for me (plus there is people watching, drinking and the opportunity to dress up that makes ascot the thing for me).
Im in Richmond if that helps.

In which case what's your budget and which of the following styles would you see yourself wearing?

this with a pashmina

Red dress with a white bolero

Or black with nice detailing with pink.

The other, slightly personal question, is how old are you? Don't want to go too matronly but Windsmoor can be nice.

I usually make my mother go in a dress - last year was a black, sleeveless, belted shift dress with white detailing and the year before was a tailored cinammon shift - and matching or contrasting jacket. Last year's jacket was white with black piping and the year before was a long cinammon jacket.

I'm onto my 7th year dressing her and we haven't messed up yet!

I like the patterned dress Frakkin. The red is a bit old for me I think. Im 29, big norks and red hair so hence the black.

More suggestions branching away from Debenhams (I like online shopping for other people!)

A tea dress?

classy but cleavage potential!

Monochromatic spots?

A bit longer? teamed with a cropped black jacket

plenty of inspiration here

I like the spotty dress but think I will look like a couch. Cant do spaghetti straps. Tough dress code now.

cthea - Will have to hit the fake tan and get my nails done