Stepping out in London: A day at Royal Ascot

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

I check out London’s Royal Ascot horse races.

Visit London, the city’s tourism authority, dubs the Royal Ascot horse races “the most glamourous event on London’s sporting calendar”.

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I’m inclined to agree.

Royal Ascot is as much about the fashion as it is about the races.  And in my case, it is pretty much all about the fashion (yes, I am really that vain). Formal attire from attendees is expected, and ladies use June’s week-long event to trot out the most chic and delectable of outfits.

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There are fascinators and gloves and bold red lipstick-looks galore, as those of the fairer sex turn the grounds into a massive, grassy catwalk.

As a lover of all things fashion, this is right up my alley.

With Ascot frenzy descending on London this past week, I am reminded of my foray into this English tradition last year.  After ogling all the pictures from previous Ascots, I jumped at the chance to get in on the action. As such I scheduled a day at the races with two female companions so that we could live out our Royal Ascot fantasy.

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A little secret: the races don’t actually take place in London proper.  They are, in fact, held in the little town of Ascot (but of course!), in the county of Berkshire, 40 km outside of London.  As neither me nor my companions own a vehicle, and as taking the train out this way is an absolute pain, we elected to book a package day trip through company called Pillow Adventures for around 80 GBP (about $135 USD) a head.  While I thought the price steep, it included entry, a buffet lunch with free-flow champagne, and transportation to and from Ascot, and when I did the calculation it actually ended up costing slightly less than purchasing train tickets, lunch, and tickets to enter separately (and that would have been far more of a hassle). Besides, the fee was but a small price to pay in order to participate in the pomp and circumstance of Ascot celebrations.

But who cares about the details?  You probably want to see the outfits!

After agonising about what I was going to wear, I decided to go for a “Lady in Red” theme. I paired a fire engine red French Connection dress with a red fascinator I picked up at good ol’ Marks and Spencer.  I topped the look off with a bold red lip, courtesy of M.A.C (for all you gurus out there, the exact colour is called Ruby Woo, and it is great for all skin tones).  Looking snazzy as I was, I commissioned Liebling to stage an impromptu fashion shoot before heading out to the festivities.

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My companions, also up to the challenge, were glamourously decked out in floral patterns and emerald green.

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But what of the races? I admit, once we got to the grounds I spent way more time checking out my fellow fair damsels’ ensembles.  Unsurprisingly, there was a lot to feast the eyes on.  I’ll tell you what was even nicer, though: the lovely sense of collegiality that reigned supreme as women openly approached other women to compliment them on their outfits.  A selection of the fashion:

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The Royal Ascot is named as such primarily because it was founded by Queen Anne back in 1711.  This regal tie-in means that the Royal Family attends the races every year.  I managed to get a blurry glimpse of the Queen and co.:

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And lest you think me horribly superficial, I did watch a race or two.

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While I had a good time, my overall feelings on Ascot are mixed.  I loved the idea of getting all gussied up, and despite the initial foreboding skies and blustery winds, the day turned out beautifully.  I enjoyed the ceremoniousness of the occasion and the congenial air.  However, the amount of heavy drinking and embarrassing displays of inebriation by revellers left quite a bad taste in my mouth.  Some may contend that a party ain’t a party without copious amounts of alcohol, but I felt the levels of public drunkenness took away from the classiness of the affair.  Just my two cents, though!

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Are you a fan of horse races?  Have you ever been to the Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby, or a similar event?

SHARING IS CARING

91 Comments

  • A fun day it was for sure! Despite the start I had to it, I think we had a darn good time-not many people can say they had afternoon tea at Royal Ascot!! I never got to see your photos from the day so it’s nice to see a few now!

  • I would agree about the public drunkenness. You can have fun, enjoy a few drinks, and NOT get totally sloshed! I have not yet been to the Kentucky Derby, but it is on my bucket list. I’ve gone to a few horse races (Foxfield in Charlottesville, Va, and Strawberry Hill Races in Richmond, Va), and it’s the same sort of scenario. Get gussied up, maybe get a glimpse of a horse, and admire all the other fashionistas. Really enjoyed the pictures you shared here! Love your ensemble!

    • Thanks Katrina! I would love to go to a similar event in the US to see what the vibe is like.

  • You look lovely Oneika and your make-up is wow! Ascot should be a classy affair but you know what, not everyone who goes has class!
    I haven’t been to the real Ascot but we celebrated it at the British Embassy last year, and I was lucky to be one of the selected guest invited. A fine time was had by all without the horror of people stumbling about LOL!

    • Danke! I appreciate the compliment, I did it myself! Very cool that you were able to celebrate your homeland in Berlin. 🙂

  • I completely agree! I was disappointed at the amount of public drunkenness. It took away from the classiness I was expecting at the Ascot races. But the fashion was quite fun. I’d go again, only if someone else paid for my ticket. Maybe.

  • Loving the fascinator! I had somehow ended up in Windsor last year during the Royal Ascot – it was my first time in the UK since I was 16 – and I kept asking partner: why are people dressed so funny and what are those stupid hats?! Turns out there were some parades and an event being held at the castle, so that was a new experience.

    Great eye into the fabulousness 🙂

    • Hah! Get thee a fascinator next time and join in on the fun!!

  • I’d love to go one day; it looks like so much fun! And I’m loving all the hats and pretty dresses <3 xx

  • if only hats like those were an everyday feature. i’d totally rock one out 365 days!

    • I know! I’m not a hat person but could be convinced…

    • Next time I’m going to try to be voted Face of the Ascot! 🙂

    • Is it bad to admit that that’s a major reason I went?!

  • I would LOVE so much to go to the Royal Ascot!! And I ADORE your Lady in Red ensemble! <3

  • Not surprised the public drinking took a turn for the worse. Besides that it looked like a great day otherwise. You should try to go to a Garden Party at Buckingham if you ever are here at that time. Lovely for the fashion and no one gets drunk, actually I don’t think they even serve alcohol. You can’t take pictures but everyone had a phone and was sneaking pictures so you could do it. Loving the lady in red theme, you looked great.

    • I remember when you went! Hopefully at some point I’ll win the lottery to go!

  • Looks like you had a great day. I have been twice and both times got rained on. Didn’t feel all that fab then.

  • And here I was thinking the Royal Ascot event was a classy affair… Thanks for clearing that up! And yet I would still attend if I had the chance, because just like you, I would love getting all guised up for the event. 🙂 Great outfit!

  • Great pictures. I cant believe that I actually still have not been to the ladies day at Royal Ascot. These pictures definitely making me want to consider a day there perhaps next year.

    • Sounds fabulous! Make sure to blog about your experience!

  • I’ve never been, but it’s on my bucket list! Especially the Kentucky Derby.

    Though, that race certainly has its fair share of drunken revelers, too, especially in the infield! I would want to get a grandstand ticket though and wear a huge fancy hat!

  • Wow! Nice. One day i will travel like you. Thanks for being so inspiring.

  • Ottawa now has Polo in the Park. If you are ever in town I’d love to get Gussied up with you! I think it’s in September. Maybe it will line up with one of your Toronto gigs? I went last year and it’s much the same as Ascot only Polo rather than racing and minus the crowds and the “too much booze”. I did go to Ascot in my 20’s when I lived in London invited by a patron of the club I worked at (Live band club long gone) – it was fun.

  • Glad you took the time to experience it. Didn’t know people got down like that at Ascot, I was planning on going in 2019 (planning early) with one of my girlfriends.

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