The Duchess added a new designer to her wardrobe for Royal Ascot 2019. 
Day One of Royal Ascot started out rainy and misty, but the Royal Family and guests were in open carriages for the procession. Below, HM in Carriage One. 
As hoped, Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands stayed overnight following yesterday’s Garter Day events in Windsor. They joined the Queen in her carriage along with Prince Andrew (back to camera).
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rode in Carriage Two. 
This gives you an idea of how the procession looks as it enters the track. 
A quick video of Carriage Two.
Charles, Camilla, William and Kate dressed for the occasion arrive in the parade ring at Royal Ascot. pic.twitter.com/Wvc8Yb1m2G
— PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) June 18, 2019
Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were in Carriage Three with Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and Lord de Mauley (Master of the Horse). 
The racetrack was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and has since received the patronage of eleven additional monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911. Below you see Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and HM at Ascot on June 18, 1953, as they watch HM’s horse ‘Choir Boy’ win the Royal Hunt Cup. It was the Queen’s first Royal Ascot winner. 
We return to today’s action. 
From People’s story:
In her welcoming remarks to racegoers in this year’s Royal Ascot program, the Queen calls the event “one of the sporting events that I have been fortunate to enjoy throughout my life.”
Signing it “Elizabeth R,” she adds that even though racing has been taking place there for more than 300 years, and “much has changed, the horses remain the stars, thrilling us with their beauty, brilliance and courage.
“The best horses and jockeys from across the globe are increasingly drawn to Royal Ascot, and it is truly exciting to welcome competitors from overseas, as strong international competition always adds further interest and fascination.”
It was a sea of hats in the stands. 
The event is described this way by Ascot Racecourse: “The Royal Meeting is the perfect occasion for socializing, hosting a choice of four separate enclosures with plenty to offer in terms of dining. Royal Ascot is equally synonymous with sartorial elegance and is awash with colourful fashions as well as the most magnificent millinery creations.”
There was no shortage of royals on hand. Below, Zara Tindall greeting her grandmother. 
Zara’s husband Mike and his mother in law, Princess Anne. 
Kate and Zara greeting each other. 
The Tindalls and the Cambridges. 
Another view. 
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. 
The Duke and Duchess. 
King Willem-Alexander, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William are seen in this photo. 
Eventually, the rain returned. 
Although it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. 
We turn now to what was worn for the first day of Royal Ascot, starting with HM, who was in Angela Kelly. 
The Duchess was in Elie Saab.
The brand is headquartered in Beirut and shows at Paris Fashion Week. Kate is wearing styles based on these separates from the Resort 2019 collection. 
The Duchess wore a bespoke version of the Macramé Pussy Bow Top ($1625), crafted of a cotton/poly/silk blend fabric. It has a relaxed fit, button front, and partial lining. The Embroidered Tulle Skirt ($3100) is done in matching tulle fabric with embroidered dots; it has an A-line silhouette and it is lined. 
Here is a closer look at the fabric. 
Kate has had long sleeves added to her top, as well as a solid fabric cuff. The macrame trim on her sleeves is vertical, running the length of the sleeve, as opposed to being a horizontal border at the hem. She has also had the bow shortened.
Many thanks to Laura and Elizabeth for their ID work on the Elie Saab pieces.
The Duchess wore a new pair of Gianvito Rossi heels, the brand’s Gianvito 105 style in Silver Metallic ($745). 
The style is a classic point-toe pump with a 4″ stiletto heel in leather with a metallic sheen. The style is available at Net-a-Porter and also at Gianvito Rossi. Our thanks to Thaís, Gabi, Laura, and The Cambridge Court for their work on the shoe ID.
Kate carried a new bag, a clutch style with brushed metal bands and leather back. 
It appears to be this Elie Saab style. The piece measures roughly 5″ x 7″ has a leather back (better seen above right) and a detachable chain. 
The photo above is from a resale site; that piece is shown as having sold in October 2017, so this is not a new item. Thank you to Laura and Gabi for their work identifying the bag!
Many recognized Kate’s Philip Treacy hat. 
It is the same style worn to Trooping the Colour in 2016. 
This is the perfect segue to a look at Kate’s updo. 
The Duchess brought back her Kiki McDonough Blue Topaz/Diamond Drop earrings (£2916, roughly $3600 at today’s exchange rates).
The Duchess of Cornwall was in a pale peach ensemble. 
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wore Emilia Wickstead. 
Princess Beatrice (L) wore the Maje Ralfa Lace Dress ($267), with thanks to Samantha Salazar for the ID. Princess Eugenie was in Calvin Klein, the brand’s 205W39NYC Sleeveless Pleated Dress ($1403). If wondering about the label name, it comes from Calvin Klein’s 205 W. 39th Street address. 
From The Telegraph’s coverage:
Whether it was a united front or accidental coordination, the royals made for an elegant ensemble in shades of blue on Tuesday, as they arrived for the first day of Royal Ascot.
The Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Zara Tindall all clearly got the memo, in shades ranging from pastel hues to deep turquoise.
Zara Tindall wore the Allia Floral Maxi Dress ($695) by Zimmermann in lightweight linen.
(I’m sorry I don’t have a better photo of Zara but will continue seeking one.)
Queen Máxima was in a dress by one of her go-to designers, Natan.
Based in Brussels and run by Edouard Vermeulen, Natan is a favorite of Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and other royals. Today you can see why the Dutch Queen has a reputation for selecting spectacular hats. 
In fact, some seeing the picture on the WKW Facebook page asked where the Queen’s head went. 
Her hat was by Berry Rutjes, a Dutch milliner. Our thanks to Josine Droogendijk of the Mode Koningin Maxima (Queen Máxima Fashion) blog for today’s information on Queen Máxima’s ensemble.
Here is a closer look at the Queen’s clutch, bracelet and earrings. 
Ella Kay at The Court Jeweller reports the bracelet is “…the Dutch royal family’s gorgeous Diamond Trellis Bracelet,” and the earrings are the “removable diamond clusters from the top of the Stuart Tiara, which she famously debuted in its full form in Britain last autumn.” Below, the Queen in that tiara at last October’s state dinner. 
This link takes you to the full post on jewels from Royal Ascot.
One more look at Kate today. 
And here is a look at the three ensembles we’ve seen the Duchess wear for Royal Ascot: white lace by Dolce and Gabbana in 2016; more white lace in 2017, this time by Alexander McQueen; and today’s blue separates by Elie Saab. 
UPDATE: I have had a few messages and emails asking why some are wearing name tags and others are not. I don’t know why this is the case, as the requirement was enforced rather strongly in previous years. If I discover anything new I will update the post.
UPDATE 2: There have been a number of questions about the possibility Kate had the separates made into a dress. Here are two photos that show the waistband and back zipper on the skirt. In the one on the left, you can see the zipper has moved about an inch to the left of the center back seam on the top. In both photos you can just see the zipper separating a teeny bit at the top; a hook and eye might have been helpful there. 
VIDEO:
This piece from Royal Ascot is 8:30 of the carriage procession.
Here is a very quick video overview of the event.
And this is a very speedy fashion roundup.
LINKAGE:
- The women’s dress code for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot is here
- The Daily Mail’s coverage is here; The Evening Standard‘s story is here; The Sun’s coverage is here; a Daily Express piece is here; a Daily Mirror piece is here
- People magazine’s story is here; a Popsugar gallery is here; Hello’s gallery is here; a Daily Mirror gallery is here; a BBC gallery is here; the Fug Girls slideshow is here
- Town & Country’s piece on Máxima’s look is here; The Telegraph’s fashion story is here
- This link will take you to The Evening Standard where they have a quick video of Mike Tindall’s hat trick (referenced in a comment)
I would have loved the short sleeve version with the belt on Kate as seen on the model. As Kate wore it, it was boring and the sleeves make me cringe for her.
I loved everything about this and overjoyed to see her in Saab at last. She looked like she stepped out of a painting and the colour was perfect for her! Thrilled to even see a bit of fun with the silver shoes. I will take these a 1000 times over the dreaded praline versions. Definitely her best Ascot look in my opinion.
I agree about Elie Saab! I love the label and it suits Kate perfectly- floaty and romantic. I hope someday we see her in one of Saab’s incredible evening gowns.
I have never seen William and Kate look more like a future King and Queen than they did today!
While I probably wouldn’t pick this dress myself, it looks wonderful on the duchess. It reminds me of a teal dress she has worn previously with a similar cut and the same bow at the top. Can you remind me of what that was? I feel like I’ve seen her in this look before though it was a different dress.
Is it just me or does Camilla always wear pastel pink?
Queen Maxima’s Hat – YES YES YES! It needs it’s own Twitter page. Love it.
Administration for WHAT KATE WORE
Reference was made about Sophie Countess of Wessex Blog by Anna. That blog is being discontinued by her.
I
No, no, NO! I think it’s absolutely horrid! I think the lace trim on the sleeves completely ruin it, if the sleeves would be the sheer with polka dots it would make the outfit easier to swallow. Why does she do this to herself?! 😭😭
The blue Elie Saab outfit is perfection on Catherine with leather silver pumps and clutch. It is nice to see the Duchess break out with an outfit and accessories that is different and appropriate at the same time, now if she wears white leather pumps and clutch this summer season with one of her outfits that we can see, it would also be astonishing. 💙 Also Zara Tindall’s hat was a winner, I love it.
Does anybody happen to know how all the ladies walk on the grass without heels actually sinking into the soft matter? I can’t possibly image standing and walking in 10+ cm stilettos on the lawn without having to pull my legs out for every step … 🙂
To be honest, I’m not a fan of anyone’s outfits, except for HM and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Yorks rarely wear anything I like, and I think Queen Maxima’s dress is particularly unattractive. The dress is ill-fitting, a really bad color and she looks as if she needs a better bra (but then, I rarely love what she wears). I normally like Sophie Wessex’s dresses, but this one is a miss also. As is Zara Tindall’s. Oh well. Better luck next time.
Lots of lovely outfits. I thought Kate looked beautiful, the only teeny criticism I would make is I would’ve preferred a scoop neck. I think without the hat in another setting, the outfit with pussy bow, lovely!
Zara and Maxima were my faves today, though I did like Eugenie’s outfit and Sophie looked like a fabulous floral matador (that hat!).
Perfect for Ascot…I am not fond of the pussy bow at bit but I love the long sleeves. Love the tulle skirt, too. And outside the box with the silver shoes. Best dressed of them all, IMHO. Don’t like Eugenie’s or Beatrice’s dresses, nor Sophie. Or Zara. Catherine always looks polished.
I actually loved this at first sight. Not a fan of lace but love the sheerness and dotted fabric. The metallic purse and silver shoes also give it a slight edge. VERY over the top but somehow she pulls it off. ADORE the hat but also think that the bow could of been much shorter!
The range of opinions on this look literally couldn’t be bigger (from “favourite look EVER” to “really hate”), which is so interesting and entertaining! I surprised myself by letting out a little sigh of disappointment when I saw the first photo. It’s the sleeves and the bodice, and especially That Bow, that make me shudder while I try to stop myself from typing a certain adjective that starts with fru:). Of course the Duchess looks beautiful nonetheless, and I do love the hat and the fittingly asymmetrical hair.
Great big thanks to admin for fantastic coverage of many others’ looks, too, at this legendary event which always makes me think of Audrey H (speaking of style icons).
I agree that the dress has conflicting elements. The back view is lovely, unified. Then you look at the front and there is just so much going on, and with the additional detail in the hat. The bow is a major irritant – it’s not even perky, just sort of disconsolate. With its removal and a simple neck fastening, the hat and dress would have been much more in harmony. And I love Queen Maxima’s verve! She and the King seem to be in great harmony, enjoying the event and each other.
I love following all the Royal ladies wardrobes. Please can Admin or any of the regular followers tell me if Sophie has a website dedicated to her wardrobe like Catherine has?
Thank you for commenting, Caroline! There is a site that has followed Sophie for many years: https://hrhthecountessofwessex.wordpress.com/. It is run by Anna, an expert on Sophie’s style and charitable work. She has another blog that is very popular and I think some of Anna’s time has been diverted from the Sophie blog. But it is a wonderful site, I can’t recommend it highly enough! 🙂
Anna’s site is a good one. There is also information about Sophie from Royal.UK:
https://www.royal.uk/the-countess-of-wessex
Thank you Sue for your reply. I love Sophie’s wardrobe, although yesterday’s jumpsuit was definitely a miss for me. I liked her hat though, very Jacqueline Kennedy.
Everything about today’s look is a dream. I wish I could dress like this more often!
A note about the skirt: to me it seems like she also had the skirt shortened. The stock pictures look like it was originally floor-length.
I thought that too!
I have been a big fan of elie saab for a long time and i am thrilled to see kate in his designs.I think the dress is a tad frumpy but the colour the shoes, and hat are truly stunning.
Lovely! The DoC is always flawlessly turned out. If I could offer one tiny suggestion, however—the brows need a bit of rethinking. I can see her eyebrows coming before I get a look at the rest of her. Earlier photos of her show a more subtle brow look that I think is more flattering. She is such a gracious, beautiful lady, though. The royal family is lucky to have her.
Wow! Where to start! Everyone looked so fabulous. Kate was picture perfect. Enough said. This is a woman who knows what she likes and she goes for it. Her style has always been pretty proper.
Queen MAXima sure lives up to her name! Maximal earrings, MAXIMAL hat! Wow! Her motto is obvs: Go Big or Go Home!
Loved Zara’s epic hat. It’s very similar to Kate’s 2018 TTC hat. Nothing says Royal like a hat that’s taller than your head!
The Queen looks amazing in blue…it’s been a while since I’ve seen her in that colour. She looks so fresh and happy.
Ascot is probably one of my favourite events.
I’m surprised by how much I like this look. When Catherine and William are standing next to each other, they have a very Downton-Abbey feel to them. I love it.
I really like the modifications to the sleeves. I also agree with other folks that the dress is just stunning from behind, but truth be told I think her v-shape from shoulders to waist and the spaghetti straps grazing her shoulder blades is contributing to that.
Love this, endlessly! The color, the weight, the details, the hat…THE SHOES!!!
I thought this was lovely. The bow was probably one extra element that was not needed, but if you watch the video of them in the carriage, it did flutter appealingly in the wind. The skirt had movement in it as well, very attractive. I also like the way the top looked from the back with the sheer overlay covering the camisole bodice. I like this shade of blue better than the icy blue she often wears. She is looking more regal and elegant every time we see her. But it is funny to read all the differing comments!
Spectacular! This Elie Saab on Catherine is a huge win IMO. So feminine, en vogue with the vintage vibe. Yes, blue is her colour. The hat is fabulous, as are the silver accessories. Sorry ladies who bemoan “pussy bows” — the 1970s/80s are back big time. Just take a look at the fall runways: bows, bows, and more bows! So much fun for we younger ladies who haven’t worn this style yet 😀
Wow, I love this! The view of the back is just fantastic. The original short sleeves look great, although I like the longer ones too – the sheerness keeps it from being frumpy. I would have ditched the bow, but perhaps it was necessary for modesty, she can lean over without a mishap. It seems that when she wore the pink version of the hat, it was tilted just a bit more, and I think that looked much better.
I’ve always wanted to wear one of these tulle skirts, and it occurs to me that there’s lots of fashion-forward people here that might be willing to give me an opinion. (Admin, feel free to delete this bit, if it’s not appropriate). If I, just a regular person about 35, wore a tulle skirt (a-line, just below the knee), would you think that looked okay or would you think “mutton dressed as lamb”?
I’m 34 and have worn the exact look you’ve described. I think the key is balancing volume… I wear that style with a more fitted top, tucked in. I think it also looks most put together with more “delicate” footwear, like a d’orsay flat. Basically, I embrace the 1950s style elements the larger volume skirt recalls. And I’m on the “plus sized” end of the spectrum, so I don’t think you have to be willowy to pull it off.
And with all that said, at the end of the day, fashion is at its best when you wear what you love!
Great, thank you! The pictures I saw online seemed to be ladies in their 20s, so I started second-guessing. I’m going for it! And thank you for the styling tips!
Annie, at 35 you are younger than Kate and have awhile to go before you are “mutton dressed as lamb.” The mutton/lamb saying was one my mother used often, in reference to aging actresses or other celebrities, who dressed too youthful.
So go for the tulle skirt. If you sew, this would be very simple to make, even with attaching a lining. I am mind boggled that such a simple skirt, cost $3,100. I guess the fabric with the embroidery is rather special, but honestly the labour on this would be minimal. I hope you go ahead with your tulle skirt and feel like a princess. Suzy’s tips are spot on.
Thanks, Bonnie! I’ve always thought celebrities and famous people could wear things that might look odd on regular people, but I don’t really live in a high-fashion area, so what do I know?
Thanks for the tips, I do sew a bit, and there was an whole row of tulle and fancy fabric the last time I was at the store. I’ll be making another trip there soon!
How fabulous everyone looks. If you can’t go all out with froth, flowers and whimsy at Royal Ascot, when can you? No silliness about upstaging the bride (personally, I think putting on your absolute best is a massive compliment to a bride) and no worries about out-doing anyone because everyone else is doing it too.
I love all the looks when looked at collectively and I love that Queen Maxima has joined in the nonsense. She looks great and her hat is wonderful, particularly with her seriously good jewels. Zara can sometimes go wrong in the royal dress stakes but she looks great in this and I do think Zara and her husband must be the most fun members of the royal family keeping everyone in line and together. They really can mix equally with Queen and commoner. Sophie as usual has picked something different and it suits her beautifully especially with her hat brim picking up her dress pattern – I think of all the royals, her’s is the wardrobe I would most like to be let loose on.
Kate has gone for lace and froth and silver and it suits her perfectly. I think her skirt is very useful and would work with many other things particularly cashmere sweaters and cardigans when she wants a dressed up casual look. Her hat is suitably flowery and works well with these earrings.
All in all a treat of fun and frolic in these rainy troublesome times.
You have perfectly summed up how i feel about Ascot. It is THE event for over the top hats and unabashedly frou frou dresses. The entire group look like they are having a great time. Kate’s outfit is not one that could be worn many places, but for Royal Ascot, it fits the bill. I do think that Kate has raised he fashion game to such a level that what would be seen as outstanding on someone else is often seen as ordinary on Kate.
This is one of the few things Kate has worn that I really hate. It’s fussy. The color is blah. The length is unattractive. And it looks, at the same time, both matronly and like something I would have worn as an Easter dress when I was 8 years old. Don’t know how Saab managed that!
I’ll go take a peek at Kate’s dress for Trooping the Color to help me recover from this one.
I am with you, hundred percent! You expressed my sentiment perfectly 🙂
Annie…..I couldn’t have said it better myself. The only item I somewhat like is her hat and earrings. Like you, the length is horrible and I don’t like the shoes either. This is a messy matronly miss, for Kate. Reminds me of fashion of the rich in the l880’s. Hope Kate does not repeat this dress anytime soon.
I agree. I’ve been disappointed by most of the clothes Kate has worn since she has retained a new stylist.
Love the skirt. Not fond of bows (hated them on Diana). Love Zara’s hat – and the left side of Kate’s, but have never understood the blank flying-saucer look of the right side. LOVE the photo of Zara swooping in to hug HM!
I really don’t know what is going on…Kate used to be so exciting in her choices 3 and more years ago but now it is such a rare occasion. This dress looks so fresh and chick in it’s original form and so dated on the Duchess. I think the modified sleeves are the culprit. Imagine if they were bell shaped half or 3/4 and without that lace going along the length of the sleeve. All in all it’s really a shame such beautiful young woman is rarely emphasising her beauty and youth with the help of the clothes she wears.
I couldn’t agree more. Princess Anne has a younger fashion sense than Kate. This dress is just a miss with me. There’s too much going on; fabric, lace, cuffs, waistband, bow…it’s too busy and it looks like something that someone’s grandmother would wear. I don’t know if it’s a sense of duty that causes her to dress like this but I wish she would find a happy medium between a young 30-something active mom and a future Queen. Surely this isn’t it.
I think that Kate is going through some growing pains with her style right now and that her Ascot look was a symptom of that. Her old formulas (namely the cute, flirty knee-length dresses) don’t quite have the gravity that I suspect she’s aiming for as she settles into more of a future-queen role, and the result is outfits like this that go way overboard in trying to achieve a more mature look.
There have been some bright spots lately too (at least in my opinion) and I am optimistic that she’ll eventually settle back into more of a groove, but I definitely feel your pain. I think that a trained, experienced stylist would be a huge help to her right now and I’m really hoping she’ll go down that path–at least while she continues to establish an older look.
I can’t help loving this as a princess look. From the back, it is divine. Like another commenter, I can imagine her getting dressed and the children “fluffing” her skirt. Such a fun vision! Does anyone else think her skirt was also modified to be shorter? The description on the MO site reads “maxi length” and the model’s also looks full length to me. Just wondering.
I hate the name “pussy bow” and wonder if it went by a different name if I’d like them better. At any rate, I actually thought the original’s exaggerated length lent a bit of whimsy and humor whereas the Duchesses’s shortened version reads “prim.” Nonetheless this was a win for me.
As for the accessories, I don’t love the heavy silver bag and shoes with such a frothy dress. Seems to me a miss in “feel” if not color.
Thanks for the post! I loved seeing the old pic of the royal box as they were rooting for Choir Boy. Fun!
Love the color, the sheer overlays, the lace, the draping and poof…hate the pussy bow! It would be better to just let the intricacy of the lace/macrame be the “feature.”
Fascinating to see the range of opinions here!
I am enjoying this delightful confection. I think Ascot calls for an element of fun and this certainly brings charm and whimsy. It’s frothy and feminine, and a wee bit daring. It looks like a bit like a 40’s period costume piece, but that seems to be in step with what all the gentlemen are wearing.
I find it a delightful change of pace. Those plain lace dresses she has worn in previous Ascot years were dreadfully non-descript.
Queen Maxima’s hat is a hoot! Talk about whimsy and fun…Love it!
Oh my, another fussy miss. The original had enough edge to keep it form being fussy-this iteration is awful, from the shortened bow to the lengthened hem line. Certianly safe, but not at all sophisticated, and that is highlighted by how others turned out.
She is aging herself beyond her years!
I have hoped for a while that Kate would branch out to Ellie Saab, but I have to say that I do not love this look. I think it is because of the long sleeves, which IMO make it frumpy and mumsy. Also, I don’t know if it is because of the sleeves or the way the top is tucked into the skirt, but in nearly every picture the area below her armpit is bunching and pulling and crinkling. I think it might be the way the sleeves are sewn onto the top. The shorter sleeves would have prevented this happening. If she really wanted long sleeves, then I think the pussybow should have been removed. It is just too much fabric at the top with both long sleeves and the bow. I also think shortening the hem a couple inches, perhaps to just at the bottom of her knees, would have helped the overall proportions of this look.
Hair and makeup were fine. The hat is jsut as lovely as the pink version she wore earlier.
I would not wear silver metallic shoes to a daytime event–not even Royal Ascot. The combination of the long “dress” and silver shoes is giving me 1970’s bridesmaid vibes.
I love that cute clutch and wish I could obtain one for myself. I really don’t like these earrings and wish once again that Kate would obtain or borrow some nicer earrings. I adore Maxima’s earrings—wow!
There must have been a blue memo circulated amongst all the BRF ladies as they all coordinated nicely.
Agree about the shoes. Silver shoes in the daytime and outdoors seems strange to me.
Only Kate could wear Elie Saab and make it look matronly. She needs a stylist that will dress her appropriately for sure, but also fashionably. Queen Letizia is 10 years older than Kate but appears 10 years younger. Come on, Kate! You can do better!
Totally agree about Kate vs Queen Letizia! Great point. And Letizia does it while being 100% appropriate to the place and occasion.
I don’t mean to be argumentative, because I think Queen Letizia is drop dead gorgeous and I do admire her style and sartorial choices tremendously. But, she in no manner looks younger than Kate. If you take another look at the pictures of them together, and with the other royals at the Order of the Garter ceremony, it is easy to pick out Kate as the youngest member of that bunch, in my opinion anyway.
I think Kate does over do it with the buttoned-up necklines, peter pan collars, nude pumps and don’t get me started on the low buns with hairnets! I don’t always like her choices, but I think her natural beauty and youth almost always shines through.
I think Vicki means Queen Letizia dresses ten years younger than her age – she’s always current on fashion but with classic lines. She doesn’t shy away from wearing a leather dress or skirt, for example.
Kate is aging very well, and is just plain gorgeous, but several of her clothing choices (which you alluded to) seem to age her.
Considering the Duchess’s typical modesty/propriety, I believe the ties on the pussy bow serve an important purpose in providing coverage on the front of the blouse. While I like the blouse and skirt, I would have liked the ensemble better with a different style hat.
Surely if Catherine wanted the ‘coverage’ provided by the bow for the front of the blouse that would have been exactly the reason not to wear it? The model picture has it done up slightly ‘messy’, it’s longer to give it that ‘I am not really a bow’ look: Catherine likes things neat and tidy with her bows, that is the problem. Did she not do the same with that purple blouse recently, having it shortened? That was perhaps not quite ao bad as it was worn with plain trousers.
I absolutely loved Catherine’s dress, it was so romantic and so ‘Edwardian’ Royal Ascot. Although a lover of anything with a bow, I felt on this occasion the bow was out of place. The hat was too die for. I didn’t like her clutch and not too sure about her shoes. At the end of the day though Catherine is a human being like the rest of us and can wear what she wants to, not what the rest of the world “think” she should wear.
HM The Queen definitely top of the shop for me. I simply adore that colour and she suits blue so well. And her hat, what can I say – bravo. My only complaint is the same one every time HM steps out of the door. I wish she would carry a different colour Launer other than that black one and I am sure those shoes must come in different colours. But she stole the show again for me.
Quick thoughts on the other royal ladies. Sophie looked as stylish and elegant as ever. Princess Royal – I wonder how long her outfit had been sitting in her closets? But I thought she looked super, as did Zara. Máxima – no, I disliked the entire outfit and those gloves did not blend well. The York sisters, another off day for me, especially Eugenie. Those pleats from the rear were rather unflattering.
HM, Catherine and Sophie pleased me the most. I’d love to see her dress again at some point remodelled without the bow.
Are we sure this is two pieces, and not a bespoke dress? The ES blouse would fall over the skirt, it wouldn’t be tucked in.
Hi Marissa, and thank you for commenting! It is two different pieces, but that detail is difficult to see, so I added an update to the bottom of the post with pictures showing the waistband/top. 🙂
This is such a great look and immense relief from the endless stream of coatdresses. She looks stunning. Imagine how gorgeous she would have looked with the orriginal short sleeves. I loooooove the playful boho feel of the orriginal. The belt could have stayed too. The sheer top is sexy yet appropriate but the long puffy sleeves turned a fun and light, yet suitable outfit into yet another ‘victorian ghost’ dress. I so wish she would wear short sleeves now and then, especially at these outdoorsy sumery events.
I love the Princess Royal’s hat, suit and gloves. She is an impeccably dressed woman with great style and fashion sense (and a wonderful figure for clothes) who deserves more positive attention for her choices, though maybe that is not what she is seeking.
Question – how do their spike heels not sink into the grass/turf?
I adore this look on her! And love the metallic shoes as well. So lovely!
I love this look on Kate. She was perfectly put together for Ascot. Her hat, hair, outfit were seamless. She looked beautiful. Very retro-chic.
I love Kate’s outfit. Impeccable tailoring! This metallic shade of blue looks great.
Oh, how I wish I could love this look! It is just too much of too many things. The PT hat in pink at TOC is one of my all-time favorites because the outfit let the hat shine. This time, it just adds another element- dots! tulle! bow! flowers! silver! – to a much-too-fussy look. (Her makeup and hair, though…stunning!)
Completely agree with you. From the waist up… there’s just too much going on. LOVE the color on her. Just wish the dress had been edited.
The handbag was a complete miss for me as well. That style of bag should be carried while wearing a more modern outfit.
I love this from hat to hem. The color, fall, movement, silhouette. I welcome the change to the sleeves and bow as I don’t care at all for the original. My hat’s off to whomever on the DoC’s team saw any potential in the product image. From misguided boho prairie to delicate airy princess is a neat turn. The contrast of sheer to solid is lovely and the soft blue is perfectly suited to the setting.
Philip Treacy is a master of balancing form and texture and this hat is no exception. It’s overall smooth profile is also a nice foil to the frillier details of the blouse and skirt. While I greatly appreciate the unexpected shoe color (and love the shoes themselves) I’m not sure it works here. However, in spite of the reflective finish, they’re pretty quiet, and certainly don’t disrupt the whole. I do love them and hope we see them in the future paired with a minimalist column like her white Roland Mouret or a wide-legged, cropped pant. The earrings are fine, if a little matchy on color. I’d have preferred a large pearl stud (see HM’s earrings). Neither her outfit or a daytime event demand sparkly facets, but like the shoes, they’re subtle, so mostly disappear.
I do wonder what fragrance she chose to complement the look…
As for the others, Maxima always seems so vibrant. I have a soft spot for the York girls. I keep a pinterest board devoted to only their successes (there have been plenty!). But again, it appears Bea has lost a bet.
As for the DoC, with choices like the McQueen at Ascot 2017 and today’s, I think she’s found the sweetspot where her instincts and the occasion see her taste expressed beautifully. It shows in her demeanor. She is of a piece in this, radiating an ease that reflects the best of what royal dressing can be.
Beautifully put Pru – I couldn’t agree with your comments more.
Pru,
“Delicate airy princess”. I loved that description and I agree with you. This outfit was delicate, soft and feminine, all things that Kate loves to embrace. If I had her money and body I would dress like that all the time. To me this was entirely appropriate for opening day at Royal Ascot and completely in line with other fashions from the day. Bravo, Kate for wearing what you feel good in, which was obvious.
I do not like this look at all, although it does seem like her Ascot style. The hat, especially, is a disappointment.
IMO, Princess Eugenie looks better than Catherine, and I think that’s a first for me.
Agree!!!!
I know this outfit has gotten a lot of criticism (not surprising as these style elements usually do anytime Kate wears them), but I just love it. It’s a confection of femininity and softness and loveliness. I think her hair and accessories were all perfect. In short, this is one of my favorite outfits Kate’s ever worn. The entire thing is perfect for summer and Ascot.
I can’t help thinking that if this was one of the first times we had seen Kate everyone would have been in rapture!
I am! I think it’s my favourite look EVER. I think she looks perfect.
I completely agree, Crystal. So lovely, lacy, feminine and frothy. Old fashioned, yes, but that’s part of the charm 🙂
Can anyone speak to the grass area shown here – I’m amazed that all the ladies seem comfortable in stilettò heels crossing what appears to be soft earth.
Search ‘high heel protectors for grass’ and you’ll see the plastic gizmos that fit discreetly over the bottom of the heel to keep one from sinking into the ground.
This has got to be one of my favorite outfits of all time. The Duchess looks stunning; it suits her so well. The silver shoes are different than her normal style but somehow still Kate. Love it!
Kate’s choices seem safe at times but I do think there is strong messaging shining through in her choices. Has everyone noticed that there is a definite influence from the 1940’s being portrayed in her clothes? This outfit is no exception and creates a timeless elegance that harkens back to the reign of George 1v and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mum. Her christening outfit for Prince Louis with the headband same thing. She seems to be chanelling this era.
I have noticed the 40s style references, too. I think Kate is always striving for a classic elegance in her style choices.
What’s interesting is that Princess Diana also channeled the 1940’s but in a different way. Much more around the big shoulder pads and colour blocking. That was definitely trendy in the 1980’s. She also had some long flowy ankle grazing skirts and blouse sets. I think Kate is redoing it in a much more historical English way.
My grandmother wore a dress similar to this one – the long dotted tulle skirt – to my mother’s wedding in 1953! But Kate looks better, of course.
HM’s hat seems to me to be a bit of a departure from usual with the assymetric brim and the big fabric flowers. Loved it!
My grandmother’s wedding dress from 1933 had a skirt like this. She was a beautiful woman, and she looked like an angel in it.
What a gorgeous, romantic outfit! A fantastic choice for Ascot.
I think the sleeves on the the original blouse make it look like a pajama top. Thank goodness Kate had the foresight to change them. The skirt is beautiful and if I had the budget I’d snap one up. I can think of a lot of ways I could wear that skirt with things in my wardrobe!
I admit, as much as I love the blouse on Kate, especially for this event, I would never wear such a garment. It is too fussy for ME and I . . . don’t look good in pussy bows. However, my personal aversion to certain fashions would never stop me from admiring them on people who can carry them off. Kate is one of the few who can carry it off.
Unlike yesterday, Kate’s updo today is fantastic. Do you think her hair person got a tutorial from Letizia’s before he/she left the UK? LOL
The sliver heels were unexpected and a delight to see. Silver indeed “goes” with blue.
I really enjoyed the pictures of Kate and William together. They looked so relaxed and like they were having a good time.
The price on the skirt is breathtaking! If you sew, you can buy fabric to make this much much cheaper, and skirts are pretty simple to make. You could even buy the fabric and then find someone to make it for a pretty reasonable price.
Breathtaking!!! Kate and William embody all the royal style for this romantic traditional event. While I love her current looks at BAFTA and the charity dinner this event is steeped in history. Hats off to Kate for making each garment her own.. The long elegant sleeves are similar to the Queen of Netherlands. That @$$ bow that offends you all becomes a sweet softness for this dress.Royal Ascot attendance just went on my bucket list. And, oh Susan, can you tell us about the carriages and horsemen. Maybe you did last year. But I watched it all this year in awe of the pageantry. So regal and of another time!!
@Rick Older, the horses/carriages/coachmen are HM’s and are used for various official events.
One of the Landaus used today was also used to transport the Sussexes around Windsor last year after their wedding. See: https://www.royal.uk/Royal-Wedding-Horses
For a behind-the-scenes look at the horse-drawn Royal Procession to Ascot see: http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/behind-the-scenes-at-royal-ascot-moving-a-monarch-shared-archive/
Oh, thank you so much. I just had time to sit down and look at both sites…..jammed packed with insider info re the five Royal Ascot landaus and they can be covered as needed. You’re a gem, Mrs. Cambridge!!
Wow, this may be my favorite look of Kate’s of all time!! Wonderful shade of blue, and shoes up it a notch and preventing from looking like a period custone. I would use a simpler hat to highlight the dress. Love the makeup. She seems to be styling her brows slightly fuller.
Maxima is fabulous.
OMG. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s attractive. This is just dreadful. I wouldn’t leave the house dressed like this.
I think everyone except the Queen was a fashion disaster today. Does no one look in the mirror any more? I’m sorry to be so negative but I think all the ladies are in dire need of new stylists.
I agree wholeheartedly. Loved the Queen, but IMO everyone else was off their fashion game. Thought the unidentified woman in the suit with the feathered cuff sleeve – pictured with Beatrice and Eugenie – looked very chic.
Can I reply to my reply? I thought Princess Anne looked terrific.
Wow this is a LOOK. I may not always like what DoC wears but there’s not doubt that she is becoming more and more confident in her style aesthetic. She looks like she’s in a period movie. I like it. The hair is gorgeous.
I love and dislike this dress at the same time. But no denying she looks like royalty now. I must say until this post- these photos I’d never realized what a beautiful profile Kate has.
Queen Maxima’s hat! And Sophie Wessex’s ensuite look! Such fabulousness!
I thought the DoC looked really lovely today–very romantic. The pic of her standing next to Prince William, in his top hat–it really did look like a scene out of My Fair Lady. And oh yes, that is a compliment coming from me! I’m not generally a fan of the big floppy neck bows (and I cannot bring myself to refer to them by their commonly accepted name), and it’s true that there is a lot going on here with this look–but somehow it all works together.
The hat and the updo are just poetry together. I absolutely adored the white/pink version of that hat at Trooping the Color.
But the white Dolce is still my favorite Ascot look!
Like some of you, also gasped when I saw this – it was just perfection. Yes, it is fussy and it is a style that not many could pull off without looking blowsy or mumsy. Kate, with her willowy figure, knocks it out of the park. The colour is amazing on her – and love the pairing of the Treacy hat with the big cabbage rose and the intricate plaited side bun. One of my favourite looks on Kate. I think the silver shoes were the one thing I thought might have been too much. On reflection, they work, as the Ascot setting allows for some fantasy. This, for me, was her best Ascot look so far.
One think I loved the most with this Ascot Day and the Royals was Mike and Zara, they are such so open, affectionate and have a sense of fun which they infect to all the Royals and family. Mike Tindall’s sense of humour was shown when he pulled a miniature Top hat from his own top hat to the Queens amusement. It was just lovely all of the Royals enjoying their family gathering
I loved this look for Kate she was stunning
I love the vintage feel of Kate’s dress. I also love the fact that it’s a bit unexpected with the sheer and camisole type top.
I liked Princess Eugenie’s dress, the unexpected yellow, LOVE that and the hat was refreshing too!
On a side note: Zara seems like a real riot! I love how she greeted the Queen hands outstretched. That would NEVER have happened even a decade ago! LOVE THIS.
The Tindalls are great, aren’t they? I get the real sense that they are the glue of the family among the Queen’s grandkids, and they seem to have a nice close relationship with the Cambridges that is especially enjoyable to see.
Outfit is a miss for me, though it had such potential. The bow was just too much. A simple neckline would have been fine. Or a looser bow with the short sleeve version. And hat in matching blue was too mono for me. Looked a bit matronly uniform to me. Grey or cream hat , maybe with blue flowers along with grey or cream shoes (not metallic silver) would have been a better fit.
I wonder if Kate had the dress made into a One piece. Original may have been separates, but I think along with the sleeve alteration it may have been made a one piece to keep from bunching or untucking.
KateinCanada, There are a couple of photos showing Kate’s back, where the Cambridges are speaking with the Tindalls. You can see that the skirt is fastened and there is an invisible zipper. There is no closure or zipper in the top, so I’d say there are most certainly two pieces, not a dress.
Hi Bonnie, I added an update to the bottom of the post with photos showing the detail you are referencing. 🙂
I know that this isn’t “What Maxima Wore,” but she looks phenomenal! Her hat is definitely a lot (and would certainly be too much anywhere else), but I LOVE that she didn’t take herself too seriously in choosing a hat for Ascot. Her hair is perfect–formal without being too stuffy–and the combination of the feathered hat and subtly printed dress really shows her style prowess. And those earrings are incredible! A little disappointed that Letitzia didn’t end up making it (I would have loved to see her take on Ascot style), but great to see the Dutch royals and so many Brits.
I’ve been waffling a little bit on Kate’s look all day, and I think it’s finally landed in my “miss” column. I generally love Elie Saab and really like the original separates, but they need to be part of a more fashion-forward look to really work. With the long sleeves and the bow AND the hat, the overall effect is just too period piece-y for me. That bag is gorgeous and I would love to see Kate integrate it into her regular rotation, but I’m not sold on the shoes nor on the blue and silver combination here. The hat is great on its own, and her hair looks incredible!
Loving Sophie Wessex’s hat and dress (and the fact that she’s not afraid to try something fairly different from what she usually wears) and the pops of yellow in Eugenie’s outfit. Zara looks incredible too! Excited for more throughout the week, and hoping that this might be the year that Kate makes a second appearance. Oh, and that Chris Jackson photo of Will and Kate looking at each other is amazing.
That photo is a once in a lifetime shot. They have the exact. same. expression! That is love.
I love that that Maxima makes such bold fashion choices, and that she has the confidence and panache to carry off pretty much anything, even some mildly bizarre looks and some truly enormous hats and jewelry. I hope she gives Kate a couple tips 😉 I know she won’t go full Maxima, but to step out of her comfort zone a bit!
I absolutely love this look on Kate. To me this is a perfect Ascot outfit – soft, feminine, slightly frilly and simply gorgeous. Love the colour and I think her accessories are spot on. I don’t have an issue with the bow and I think that Kate’s alterations to the original made the look more appropriate for her and this occasion. I did like the original version but it didn’t seem quite right for Ascot IMO.
Everyone seemed so happy today and it was lovely to view the fashion worn by other members of the royal family. Queen Maxima’s hat, while pretty, seemed a little overwhelming – I would find it very annoying to wear myself!
WOW, everyone looks so swell, elegant to include the men. Queen Maxima really is a fashionista, but her hat must be difficult to balance.
Kate looks lovely. The hat is wonderful, although her hat for Trooping the Colour 2018 would also have worked with this dress. I like her choice of earrings, sliver clutch and shoes, that are more subdued than the glitter shoes of a few days ago. I think her blue outfit is very dreamy looking and the longer sleeves and length are pretty. I would certainly prefer it without the bow, however.
Do we know who the blonde lady is, speaking to Beatrice and Eugenie?
Thank you for commenting, Bonnie! I do not know who the woman is, unfortunately, but continue to effort locating that info. 🙁
Thanks, whomever she might be, I think her outfit is unique.
I think that outfit is amazing. Definitely in my top ten of Day One.
I agree with you. The lady standing talking with Beatrice and Eugenie looks so elegant and chic, perfectly groomed from head to toe, absolutely stunning. I loved the added touch of gloves. Sometimes less is more. For me she won the race yesterday.
@Bonnie, “the lady” is indeed “a Lady.” She’s Lucinda Ponsonby, wife of Rupert Ponsonby, 7th Baron de Mauley, who is HM’s current “Master of the Horse.”
Here’s a link to Lady de Mauley and her husband at last year’s Royal Ascot: https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/royal-ascot-day-one-uk-19-jun-2018-9720328ay
And, here’s more info about Lord deMauley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupert_Ponsonby,_7th_Baron_de_Mauley
P.S. Both Lord and Lady de Mauley attended Day 2 of Ascot again today and rode in the royal carriage with Prince Michael of Kent (Queen’s cousin) and his wife so there are likely to be more photos of the Ponsonby’s forthcoming.
Hope this helps!
Thank you! 🙂
Mrs. Cambridge, Thank you SO MUCH! I’d been Googling but didn’t come up with anything to identify this elegant lady. So now I can read up on her and her husband. Her entire look just seemed so chic and sophisticated. I also loved her beautiful hair style, that even from the side/back spoke volumes about her demeanour. Yes, indeed a real Lady!
Oh the things we learn by participating in WKW. Thanks, Susan!
I thought there was too much going on with this outfit for the Duchess today. This shade of blue does suit Catherine well, however, overall I felt the outfit aged her somewhat. The addition of the long sleeves and bow particularly seemed to be amiss in keeping it styled for a young woman. Also, the
silver clutch and shoes are more suited to an evening event. Though I loved her hat, jewellery and gorgeous hairdo!
Gail, Generally I’d agree that the sliver shoes and clutch are evening wear and too fancy for a daytime event. But this, after all, is Royal Ascot. Everything is kicked up a notch. Even the Queen’s hat has more piazza and flourish than usual.
Flawless. I find the sheerness of the top quite lovely, subtle and classic. All of the ladies looked wonderful. My impression is that there was SOME coordination of color for the days event likely due to historic photographs that would be taken. Everyone looked relaxed and happy.
I have a question re: the men and the flowers on their lapels. Looking through many photos from today, it seems that each man is wearing a different flower. Is it just my imagination? How would they possibly arrange each person wearing a different flower?
@Kim, a white flower in a man’s lapel is traditional, but I don’t believe there’s any rule that prohibits other colors. Some media outlets are reporting that Prince William wore blue to coordinate with his wife’s outfit. On the other hand, “blue” was the color du jour, so maybe he was just following that lead.
Absolutely stunning!!! The fabric and color of what the Duchess is wearing is amazing. One of my fave Kate outfits is the 2016 Ascot look and hat, but this outfit is positively perfect.
The Duchess looks lovely. The skirt is nice, but the top half is way too fussy with all the heavy lace and bow. Her shoes and bag I love. Queen Maxima’s earrings, gorgeous. She can get away with the most outrageous hats and still look amazingly beautiful
I like Kate’s dress as well as the alterations she made to the original design. She looks princess perfect! What a price tag for the total look though. I thoroughly enjoy seeing all of the lovely hats and I think all the ladies in attendance looked just fab today!
Susan,
The “nametags” are actually badges that are required to be worn by all guests, no matter your rank. This same question was raised three years ago on WKW. Hopefully, this link will take you to my post that explained what they’re all about: https://whatkatewore.com/2016/06/15/its-dolce-gabbana-for-kates-royal-ascot-debut/#comment-719488
Hi, Mrs Cambridge, and thank you for commenting! I know about the requirements, but the question I am receiving is why that requirement is not applicable today. 🙂
Hi, Susan.
Technically, the only two people who are not required to wear a badge are HM and Prince Philip and I don’t believe that rule has changed. I think it may just have been an issue of “timing” in terms of when the photos were taken. For example, in the pix of the Countess of Wessex in the carriage, it doesn’t look like she’s wearing her badge. But, in later photos she is.
I believe Ascot members/guests can pick up their badges at the Royal Enclosure when they arrive, so it may be those shown not wearing them just hadn’t put them on yet.
There was a bit of tut-tutting last year when the Duchess of Sussex carried her badge in her hand after arriving as opposed to wearing it. See:https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a21614445/royal-ascot-strict-rules/
Thank you! Sifting through hundreds of photos yesterday at no time did I see Kate, William, Eugenie, Beatrice, Prince Andrew (or several others) wearing their badges. For myself, I’m putting this in the ‘unknown/mystery’ category. 🙂
The duchess looked so beautiful today. I would have loved to see her standing next to HRH in their pretty blues. What a picture that would have made. The Queen also was beautiful. At 93 it is just amazing! You can tell she still loves here fashion and hats and I alsways swoon at her brooches.
It was interesting to me that the dress was actually a dress and skirt. It fit so elegantly on her with no bunching or coming up at the waist. It looked and fit like a dress. I really liked the frock and she could carry it off! The highlight for me was the sheer back with the camisole underneath. It made the whole dress! The pussy bow….. well it could have gone and I would have enjoyed the dress just as well. Her hat, hair and earrings magnificant.
Does anyone think she was weaing stockings? If so I wonder what the brand is, they are so sheer you can not tell. Any info would be helpful.
Another look- a- like style for the Duchess but this one was elegant, fancy, frilly and so beautiful in its color! A perfect choice
Queen Maxima had a huge miss with her hat. It must have annoyed her all day. She is a beautiful woman and looked so lovely yesterday, today was just OK!
I can’t tell you if she was wearing stockings, but I can tell you, via a friend who dresses Hollywood royalty, that if you want stockings that conceal and act like leg makeup, but that no one else can see, these are the ones: Wolford 12 denier tights in Gobi/nude. I’ve worn them myself — they’re magic (expensive magic, but magic)
Elie Saab is one of my favourite designers and would love to be able to afford the brand. The designs are especially suitable for super special occasions and this was one. Love the colour and detail and the silver bag is spectacular. I have a wedding coming up and would love to find one in a similiar design.
I just can’t fathom being in the spotlight and continually having your outfit critiqued. Just as well we can’t see the underwear and sure that would get a whirl from the commentators as well. I read an article recently about women supporting each other especially in the area of what others are wearing. My motto, don’t be negative unless you want to put yourself out there on the same platform drawing comments from others about your appearance.
Loved Zara’s outfit as well, she has really connected with the Australian designers and often wears them when she is in Qld for the Magic Millions.
This is a fashion blog, ergo it is appropriate to discuss and critique the fashions worn here. I am all about supporting and empowering women in their actions, but fashion is art, and art will always be discussed and debated. We are not critiquing the woman, we are evaluating her outfit.
Well said, SG!
i think this look is very dowdy for kate. she is much too young to be dressing so old. i thought that the original, short sleeve blouse made the outfit look much younger. i understand why she had the sleeves made longer (protocol), but it did her no favors. i also would have like to see the skirt made shorter. perhaps just below the knee. it might give her a better proportion.
Karen, I doubt that Kate’s longer sleeves were about protocol, because Eugenie was wearing a sleeveless dress and Beatrice and Sophie were wearing short sleeved dresses. So Kate could have worn the short sleeve version. I think it was just her preference to wear the long sheer sleeves with the vertical strip of lace.
I think that the shorter sleeves would have helped save this outfit from looking so fussy and matronly. As Bonnie commented, I do not believe it is protocol/dress code because Eugenie’s outfit was sleeveless and many other ladies in the royal enclosure had short sleeves.
I also agree that a few inches shorter at the hem would have helped the proportions of this outfit.
Either there was major coordination in outfits between Zara, Beatrice, Kate, and the Queen; or, this blue is the haute color of the season. Reasonably, it’s the latter. I like blue in this tone for Kate’s coloration; it is warmer and has more body than the icy blue we’ve seen her in previously (a la Christopher Kane).
As for the separates, they so strongly remind me of the green Temperley worn in India (that I loved). I want to see the Temperley again! But, I’m also thrilled to see her continue to expand her designer base for these types of events now that McQueen and Catherine Walker seem the default for any coatdresses. While this choice from Elie Saab is certainly consistent with Kate’s aesthetic, I think we may reasonably anticipate a “branching out” once a designer is tried-and-true. On the first time out with Elie Saab, though, it does look like more attention needed to be paid to the tailoring of the waistband. It is riding up in the front in an unflattering way to Kate’s slender frame, an issue compounded by the “poof” of the skirt itself. (To be clear – I consider this a failure of the clothes, not an issue to be fixed by Kate’s frame, posture, or need to be able to live/move in her clothes.) I hope that Kate continues to explore her options with this design house and dial-in the tailoring to her personal needs.
After the alteration to the sleeves, I can’t jive with the pussy bow on this rendition of the blouse. Looking at the product photos, the pussy bow was perfectly balanced with the nearly-capped, macrame trim sleeves. The addition of the long sleeves to the top (and the visual detail that came with them) create something a bit more overwhelming that balanced. However, it was a good choice to keep the cuff in a fabric that ties into the skirt band and the bow. The skirt is simply to die for. Absolutely fantastic. Frothy and fun to a degree I thought her previous two Ascot choices tried – and didn’t quite – achieve.
The Philip Treacy hat from the Trooping event is forever one of my favorite hats, mainly because it was paired so well with the uncluttered lines of the coat. It may be not the best choice to recreate for an ensemble that has so much texture and detail happening on its own. I think a hat either more intricate (like the hat worn for this year’s garden party) or simpler (like the hat worn yesterday) would pair better — not either of those hats, specifically, just the degree of ornamentation. But where the hat may be problematic, her fabulous hairstyle makes up for it in spades.
I love how the detail of the clutch echoes the embroidered dots of the separates and that the clutch and shoes are not within the same color family as the hat! They “go” with the outfit without strictly matching. They are strong additions to her options within her standard parameters (clutch and courts). I’m sure there will be different opinions on them, but I have found Kate’s accessory game to be spot on this week.
Great analysis of Kate’s outfit. I agree with you. I also would have preferred for the top to have been tailored to fit and showcase Kate’s figure because she is so slim that the unfitted top did her figure no favors. I also think the outfit needed a belt. But over all a beautiful outfit.
I wish Kate’s stylist would take a look at the Mainbocher fashions favored by the late Duchess of Windsor. Mainbocher knew how to flatter a tall, slim figure with impeccably tailored dresses and suits. Some of those looks would be fantastic on Kate.
I *so* wish she had kept the original sleeve! When opting for the long sleeve, it would have been better to remove the bow. Aside from that, she looks marvelous! I prefer this shade of blue to the icy blue that she often wears.
Her hair is perfection today!
Such a busy dress… Too much going on between all the different designs and the different fabrics. It looks like the blouse should not belong with that skirt. That bow is just dreadful. I think that the accessories are the wrong ones. Blue and silver? I don’t think so!
However, the hat is beautiful and Catherine looks radiant.
Kate lovely as always. The hat was wearing the Netherlands’ queen-not the other way around.
„I hate the pussy bow“ was my first thought on the first picture!
After scrolling through all I agree with poster who said that if she left the original short sleeves and lost the bow (maybe a V-neck?) it would have been a huge difference.
I like the skirt but I’m not a fan of the silver shoes – the do not go with an outdoor standing on grass in the rain event – not even if it is Royal Ascot.
I also dislike the metallic clutch, it does not go with the vintage downton abbey- vibe of the dress, IMO.
I loved this hat at trooping the color, but today I find it sitting awkwardly on her hat, the angle was much better the last time around.
Big plus for the updo, it was way better than yesterday’s 👍🏼
From everyone else I love Maxima’s dress the most, also her softer hair, I like this outfit and color much better on her than yesterday’s. The hat is a Button much forms liking, but I’m willing to let it slide, because if not for Royal Ascot, where else!
I love the complete outfit. The dress is delicate and beautiful and the hat and shoes complete the outfit along with the earrings. When I first saw it I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.
The Royal ladies all look beautiful Thank you for showing pictures of everyone as it is greatly appreciated.
Wonderful and informative site. Always, Thank you for sharing with us.
WOW. Literally all I can say. This is magical and she is a dream! I am so in love with this gorgeous blue, and those metallic pumps?! She really surprises us sometimes. The two most gorgeous photos of her today were one where she is clutching her hat while walking and the bow is blowing in the breeze, and one where she is looking to her right with her trademark huge smile. This is going to go down as one of her most iconic looks I think; so many fashion social media accounts were posting it throughout the day. A real winner.
Larsa,
I totally agree. When Kate’s wardrobe goes on tour or is featured in a museum, this will be in it.
It is just perfection.
Love everything about Kate’s dress and it’s now in my top 10 for sure. It’s a confection. The silver accessories are a nice change of pace. Her hair is beautiful today. Maxima’s hat is an over-the-top delight; earrings are stunning. Really like how Sophie’s hat has the same cheerful fabric as the dress. Beatrice’s dress (maybe culottes?) is a fashion disaster.
I think Her Majesty wins top marks for fashion today. Kate looks beautiful as always, but I rather like the back of the dress better than the front! Queen Maxima always looks like she’d be boatloads of fun. What a great day! Thank you for the thorough coverage.
I absolutely love this! The modifications she made are perfect, but I really like the original sleeves. Loving it with the silver accessories, too! Everyone looks like they had a great time.
In the past, DOC has worn a name tag? Anyone know why she and some of the others aren’t wearing them this time?
She looks so pretty today. Love that tulle and shade of blue.
Kate looks stunning! The lines and cut of the dress, and the way the skirt looks like it swishes with those layers, just lovely. The hat is great, the Trooping the Colour version is one of my all-time favorite looks on her.
I wonder if the ID on the heels is correct? I note in the close-up shot of her shoes, there’s a silver or gold “K” engraved on the sole. That doesn’t seem to be something found on Gianvito Rossi shoes. Is it personalized for “Kate” or is it possibly a different brand?
Hi Laurie, and thank you for commenting! The K is actually something I add as a watermark. There have been terrible photo issues of late for those of us who pay to license photos; people are using them on Instagram, Tumblr, blogs, and elsewhere. Unfortunately, some photo agencies hold the licensee responsible for ensuring photos are not being used by third parties. 🙁
I was just reading the Ascot’s dress rules. Kate’s choice is interesting cause it seems to fall in a gray area. The rules say nothing about sheer clothing but it does say: “Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code.” The top part of Kate’s blouse, underneath the sheer, isn’t wide enough for the rules (I don’t think it is one inch). This makes the outfit for me even more delightful.
Oh wow, a gorgeous dress! I could do without the pussy bow, and I would have loved the top with the original sleeves, because they would have been so unusual and delicate, but really, Kate looks absolutely stunning. Beautiful dress in a beautiful color, with those lovely earrings, the fabulous swirly updo and the fantastic hat. I loved it in white and pink, and now I love it in blue.
This might be one of my favorite Kate looks ever. I first thought it was the light blue Temperley London (I think) dress with the black trim that Kate wore at her first event after announcing her pregnancy with Prince Louis. For some reason, I didn’t like that dress nearly as much, even though the Elie Saab is so similar. I think this Elie Saab dress is just so floaty and ethereal, and the sheer sleeves and light skirt keep it from looking frumpy.
Laura, the only similarity between this dress and the Temperley is the shade of blue and the sheer sleeves. Everything else is different.
First, I will say HOORAY to Kate for wearing metallic shoes instead of nude pumps. But this outfit is a total miss for me. It is just so fussy, with too much going on. The original short sleeved version was better, and I’d remove the bow as well. This just seems to encompass all the things that Kate loves that I don’t…pussy bows, midi skirts, leg o mutton sleeves.
I loved Bea’s dress actually, which is not something I say often, and Queen Maxima’s hat was divine.
The overall look is slowly growing on me. I’ve found with many of Kate’s outfits, I need processing time to wrap my head around all the various elements. I’m with you on disliking many of the design features she favors (pussy bows and midi skirts), so that plays a role on my opinion too.
I definitely preferred Bea’s dress! Her dress was probably my favorite of the BRF ladies; it looked modern but soft and fit the feel of Ascot well.
Queen Maxima, love her!
When I first saw Kate’s top I thought it very ageing. Then seeing the skirt, it seemed to balance things and it is very pretty. There is a lot going on though: lace, under camisole, soft tulle sequinned skirt, pussy bow neck and long tie, not to mention the cuffs. It’s a style cornucopia! Then add the hat the flower and the fab shoes. Are there too many cookies in this jar? All pretty without a doubt but for me the long sleeves and the pussy bow were a tiny bit ageing and over fussy. I can’t imagine many will agree with me, though! Sorry!
I agree! It would have been better with long sleeves and no bow, or best with the original short sleeves and keeping the bow!
“Are there too many cookies in this jar?” *chuckling* I think you’ve coined a phrase with that one! 🙂
I adore this look, but yours is a wonderful expression of why others may not!
This dress is AMAZING! Kate looks absolutely wonderful! A vision in blue!
In any other setting on any other person it might like dowdy, but on Kate she just perfectly embodies an English country garden party (even though that isn’t exactly what the event is). This outfit is absolute perfection. She wears it well, as always.
It’s a real change of pace while still being clearly her signature style. I just love it.
From the back the outfit is positively rebellious: the royal enclosure rules stipulate wide shoulder straps, but the Duchess covered then in a sheer fabric! Do you think anyone would dare say something? Ah!
I’m not in love with the bow, but that said she does look radiant! Certainly made up for the washed up weather we’ve been having in London!
I have always dreamed of the duchcess wearing a Elie Saab piece! I am so happy she finally did. She looks stunning!
*I meant to write the Duchcess with a captial D, oops.
On occasions such as this, when Kate is dressed like a fairy tale princess, I like to imagine Princess Charlotte watching her mother get ready or, at the least, giving her approval of the final image. I’m always happy to see Kate venture out and wear another designer and this was a hit for me. Is it my favorite dress of all time? No, but the dresses required for Royal Ascot are almost costume-y and for that purpose, this dress filled the bill. Love the hat, LOVE the hair, love the earrings!
The clutch Kate Is carrying looks the same as the one Crown Victoria has carried numerous times but hers is a Gold-tone calf leather metallic barrel clutch from Elie Saab.
Thank you! I just updated the post with a photo of the bag. 🙂
I welcome Kate branching out into Elie Saab, although I’m reminded of a couple of very similar dresses, both Temperley, the green worn in India and the blue lace with black neck tie first seen at Buckingham Palace. I have no difficulty with certain ideas, styles, or themes being repeated in the wardrobe of a busy woman, it makes perfect sense to me. The green dress remains a firm favourite of mine, the balance of lace and panels worked perfectly, the blue I was less fond of only because I think that’s an awkward shade to wear and I’m not sure it suited Kate best then, or now at Ascot.
But the detailing on this Elie Saab bodice is exquisite and I think the sheer sleeves extend quite naturally to wrist length. I’m impressed that Kate has stuck with a more exposing chemise underslip than when she was in India, where modesty no doubt was at a premium. The voile fabric on the present skirt is sensational, I love the soft contrast with the lacy blouse in the skirt’s gentle polka dot pattern. The drape of the fabric sees the skirt fall exquisitely, especially when Kate moves.
A hat with tilted brim and exuberant floral decoration underneath is a regular favourite of Kate’s and she looks as well as ever in it. It might be a touch busy with the much-patterned dress, but this is Royal Ascot where frou-frou with lace and bows is pretty much the order of the day. I love the sassy silver clutch. and unfussy courts are welcome. There’s no question that Kate is dressed spot-on for the occasion, her updo and earrings are fabulous, and she looks as beautiful as ever. She never fails to hit the royal mark.
This is very pretty but I think the dress has enough going on without the bow. Also, it’s striking to me how a slight change in the angle of the hat makes a difference. I much preferred how Kate wore the pink one. Great post, thank you!
Ok now that I’ve had more time to look at it I LOVE the skirt part of the ensemble. I think it could be a bit shorter but I would buy the skirt part separately. I do not like the top though. I do not like pussy bows. On anyone. Of any age. I don’t think it looks aging, it’s just not flattering and makes what could be a great outfit so twee.
At least Kate had sense to shorten her bow but the effect is still not great. I also like the original Eli Saab with the shorter sleeves. Had Kate retained the original design with short sleeves (and she could have worn short sleeves as we see Princess Eugenie wearing them), gotten rid of the pussy bow, and belted it, I think I would have really loved this look. Very boho chic. But the long skirt with the long sleeves plus the pussy bow is just a lot of lace and tulle, too much material. I’m also not fond of the hat, there’s just too much going on with Kate’s outfit. But Kate would not look out of place on the set of Downton Abbey at any rate, she does look like an extra in a historical drama.
Some nice things: nice color on her, nice shoes and earrings, and I think her updo is an improvement from the Garter ceremony.
Out of all the other ladies’ look, I really love Eugenie’s simple dress and Queen Maxima’s outfit. What a hat! Also who is the lady standing with Eugenie and Beatrice? Princess Alexandra? I like her outfit too though a bit wintry looking but it has some Cruella de Ville vibes that I’m really liking.
Fussy, fussy, fussy.
The skirt, shoes and hat are very nice.
The blouse has got to go. Too much going on, especially on the sleeves she added. It would have been much less prissy and far more fashionable if the sleeves were the embroidered fabric without the macrame running up the arm. Between that and the bow at her neck, it’s way too much. Hope it stays in the closet forever more.
I’ve just noticed the brim on HM’s hat! Love it – and knocks spots off the DoC’s hat. In her own way HM is not averse to taking risks.
Absolutely fabulous dress and hat. I love that it is flowy and less structured than what Kate normally wears.
For me a very definite no. Please, please, please stop with the frumpy, dreary, mumsy pussy bows! I think we have seen enough, probably this year alone, to last a lifetime.
At least the colour is stronger than that of the ‘Charles Investiture’ anniversary dress and I like the idea of this outfit being separates. That is about the only positive I can say. Perhaps the DoC should have been a bit left field (for her) and given the outfit a slight ‘edge’ with a silver belt (to bring up the shoes) in a width similar to that the model is wearing. Perhaps next time this outfit gets an airing……
In comparison, yesterday’s coat dress is looking sharper by the minute.
Oooh love the silver shoes with that wonderful swishy skirt in possibly my most favourite shade of blue EVER. 💙 I don’t love the vertical lines down the front of the top, nor the bow, but that hat is smashing.
Is it my imagination, or is everyone having a blast today? Her Majesty is positively giggling in the video of the carriage rides.
Just lovely! It’s so great to see the Duchess wearing Elie Saab. Blue is her color!
I think this one of the loveliest looks I’ve ever seen on Kate. Everything about it is flattering and I almost gasped when I saw the pictures. Grand slam home run for the Duchess from Elle Saab.
I agree with you. Ellie Saab is one of my favorite designers and I’ve been hoping the Duchess would wear this designer…she looks stunning and I hope she will wear one of his gowns. It would be gorgeous on her.