From the Royal Ascot to Epsom Derby, these world-famous events aren’t just about the beauty of the horses or the excitement of horse racing betting; they’re also the perfect places to make fashion statements – and no one does it like the royal ladies.
Throughout the years, royal women, from Queen Elizabeth II to the ever-elegant Princess of Wales, have made race-day dressing an actual art form. Never going too far, but carefully blending classic millinery with stunning jewellery and stylish but understated haute couture… and those who are just as interested in people watching as horse racing watching are always on the lookout for glimpses of hats, diamonds and royal style.
So, what is it that makes a royal race-day look so iconic… and how can you accessorise like a princess? Let’s look at some of the most iconic royal fashion moments at the races.
Queen Elizabeth II
We really couldn’t list the most iconic royal race looks without paying tribute to the late, great Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty attended the Royal Ascot practically every year of her reign. She loved it and it was like home from home. And she’d often turn up in a bright monochrome coat and, of course, a matching hat… which became her signature look. Her hats, which she usually had designed by her most trusted milliners like Rachel Trevor-Morgan or Angela Kelly, were adorned with carefully chosen brooches from her legendary jewellery collection.
If you’re looking to channel some of this regal flair, then you need to go for block colours and perfect tailoring… which you can finish off with a vintage brooch. If you have a family heirloom, great. But if not, something from an antique market find can look expensive and royal… without needing a crown jewel budget.
Princess Diana
The beautiful Princess Diana absolutely revolutionised royal race-day style back in the 1980s with modern silhouettes and daring accessories. There were playful polka-dot dresses and dramatic wide-brimmed hats, and she had a way of mixing traditional English sophistication with a daring twist.
One of her most memorable race looks was at the 1985 Royal Ascot when she wore a stunning white suit with black polka dots and paired it with a matching black-and-white hat… managing to look both royal and relevant.
If you want a Diana-esque look, then experiment with statement millinery- just keep the jewellery pared back and let the hat do the talking.
Catherine, The Princess of Wales
Catherine, Princess of Wales, could wear anything and look incredible. So it’s not surprising that she’s become a modern race day icon. She always gives us a masterclass in soft colourings, romantic silhouettes, and those few classy but meaningful jewellery touches. She often goes for pastel shades, florals, and intricate lace and finishes the look with drop earrings or a delicate bracelet… in a nod to her late mother-in-law.
At Ascot in 2019, Kate looked incredible wearing a powder-blue Elie Saab dress, which she paired with a dramatic Philip Treacy hat and understated diamond earrings. The overall effect? Sophisticated, feminine, and like a true princess.
If you’re lucky enough to have the figure of Kate and want to emulate her race-day look, then it’s all about balance. Pair pastels with understated jewellery and a flattering hat.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
We also have to mention the younger generation of royals who like to bring a bit of fun and flair to the races. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie love a bit of experimentation… with bright colours and interesting hats, by young, modern designers. Their race day looks are often a mix of high fashion and hats that get people talking. I mean, who could forget Beatrice’s headpiece at William and Kate’s wedding?
They also go for unique-looking jewellery to reflect their youthful style that goes well with more daring hats.
The Art of Accessorising Like a Princess
Want to bring this regal energy to your next day at the races? Or any other summer event? Then the devil is in the details…
- Hat First: Choose your hat/fascinator before anything else, and style everything else around it.
- Monochrome Magic: The Queen knew what she was doing… sticking to one colour head-to-toe can look insanely chic.
- Jewellery That Tells a Story: It could be a brooch with family history or your favourite pair of diamond studs. Your jewellery should feel both personal and elegant.
- Timeless: Modern trends come and go, but if you go with classic tailoring and subtle luxury, you’ll never go wrong.
The royals know how to do race day chic like no other… and if you follow their lead, you’ll have all eyes on you on the next race day!
