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Today marks the start of Royal Ascot 2014; five fun filled days of quintessentially British fare in the heart of Berkshire. But besides the champagne quaffing and obsessive betting, Ascot is renowned for its strict codes of conduct when it comes to fashion. If its not the length of one’s skirt, its the width of another’s dress straps or the matching material of a trouser suit. And while we all bemoan the quite frankly preposterous nature of Ascot’s political correctness, we know it would never be quite the same without it’s historical traditions.
Now ladies we all know that the pinnacle of any Ascot ensemble has to be an extravagant headpiece. Like tropical birds of paradise a woman’s choice of headwear is nearly as sacred as the event itself, so we thought we’d offer up some inspiration on just where to source that all important accessory for the big day.
Rosie Olivia Millinery offers a wide range of hand made bespoke hats and ready-to-wear collections and while it may be too late to commission a customised creation the site offers a diverse range of show stopping head pieces. Prices range from the £240 mark up to over £800 so we suggest investing in a neutral colour that will be see you through future elaborate events.
Lizzie’s Hats offer a great alternative if you want to look the part without spending too much of your all important betting budget. Brought up in horse racing and married to champion jockey, Richard Hughes, Lizzie Hughes has built up an impressive hat collection which she now hires out on race days. For the modest fee of between £30 – £90 you can hire one of her beautiful hats, pick it up on the day and return it once the festivities are over. Full terms and conditions for hire info can be found here.
If your after something a little less royal enclosure and more fashion forward then affordable online outlets like ASOS have really stepped up their game with unique fascinators and hair accessories at a fraction of the cost. Experiment with oversized bows and corsages to ensure your not following the crowd this race season.
By Jenna Jones
