British Elegance at Its Finest
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 5
There are few events that capture the essence of the British summer quite like Royal Ascot. It is far more than a day at the races; it’s a celebration of tradition, timeless style and the wonderful rituals that make an English summer so special. Picture perfectly manicured lawns, glasses of chilled Pimm’s, afternoon tea, warm scones topped with jam and clotted cream, and the unmistakable excitement as beautifully dressed guests arrive beneath an endless sea of spectacular hats.
Every June, Royal Ascot becomes one of the most anticipated moments in the fashion calendar. It’s an opportunity to embrace classic elegance, experiment with colour and silhouette, and celebrate the artistry of British millinery. Dressing for Ascot is all about respecting tradition while expressing your own personal style, and this year I wanted each look to feel sophisticated, feminine and effortlessly timeless.
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Look One: A Timeless Summer Classic with Longines
My first Royal Ascot look was created around one very special accessory: the beautiful Longines DolceVita Quartz watch.
Longines has been the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of Royal Ascot for many years, making it the perfect finishing touch for such an iconic British occasion. Inspired by understated elegance, the DolceVita collection perfectly captures that refined sense of luxury that never goes out of style. Rather than overpowering an outfit, it quietly elevates it, proving that true luxury is often found in the smallest details.
For the dress, I chose a beautiful linen wrap design from Karen Millen. Linen always feels synonymous with an English summer, and I loved how the wrap silhouette created soft movement while remaining effortlessly polished. The neutral tone allowed every element of the outfit to work harmoniously together, creating a look that felt fresh, sophisticated and perfectly suited to a sunny day at Ascot.
No Royal Ascot outfit is complete without a statement hat, and mine came from Rose Sherry Paris. Their designs are beautifully sculptural while remaining incredibly wearable, and this piece added just the right amount of drama without overwhelming the simplicity of the dress. It was elegant, modern and unmistakably Ascot.
The finishing touches were intentionally minimal. When your accessories are beautifully made and thoughtfully chosen, you don’t need much else.
Look Two: Modern Romance in Holland Cooper
My second look embraced a slightly more romantic side of Royal Ascot dressing.
I wore a stunning blue and white patterned dress from Holland Cooper, which immediately reminded me of classic English gardens in full bloom. The soft colour palette felt incredibly fresh, while the tailoring gave the dress a beautifully flattering silhouette. It struck the perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary femininity.
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To complement the dress, I paired it with a breathtaking hat by Vivien Sheriff. Her millinery is renowned for its craftsmanship and artistry, and wearing one of her creations always feels incredibly special. The hat completed the outfit perfectly, adding height, elegance and that unmistakable sense of occasion that Royal Ascot is known for.
One of my favourite styling tricks is something many people don’t think about. Under fuller dresses, I often wear a lightweight underskirt or petticoat. It gives the skirt just a little more volume, helping it move beautifully as you walk and creating a more balanced silhouette in photographs. It’s a subtle addition, but it makes such a difference and instantly gives an outfit that polished, couture-inspired finish.
What I love most about Royal Ascot is that it celebrates dressing up in the most joyful way. In a world where fashion often feels increasingly casual, Ascot gives us permission to embrace elegance wholeheartedly.
Every detail matters, from beautifully tailored dresses and impeccable millinery to heirloom jewellery and timeless watches. It’s one of the few occasions where craftsmanship truly takes centre stage, and that’s something I always find incredibly inspiring.
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