Hear the word ‘Ascot’ and what springs to mind? The top hats and tailcoats of June’s Royal Ascot, no doubt.
But this year, for only the second time ever, arguably the world’s most famous racecourse has released a ‘jumps season’ lookbook – the winter equivalent of their iconic summer dress guide. I was thrilled to be asked to style it – I adore all the sumptuous fabric and elegant high necks of winter fashion.
And just as Ascot’s June lookbook provides all the summer event dressing inspiration one could need, I hope the winter version will be useful for every woman seeking to look chic in the cold. We all have a memory of shivering through a winter wedding, yet nothing kills an outfit more quickly than the wrong coat and boots. The good news? The racing set have long known this. From bonfire night to Christmas markets, here’s their secrets to getting occasionwear right this winter…
Forget the dress, you need a party coat
The right coat is essential for any party. Don’t forget that people will see you arrive and leave – which is why you must never ruin your outfit by throwing on top the same parka you walk the dog in. Look for coats that are more opulent. Fabric is key – I dressed Ascot’s model in a £999 silk and velvet opera coat by Ridley London. On Friday, & Other Stories released a metallic coat with an ultra-luxe, pearl-encrusted collar (£195, stories.com).
For underneath, don’t buy a gimmicky Christmas piece you’ll wear once and throw away. Follow Boden’s lead – the brand has eliminated sequins from its partywear this year – and opt for a floral jacquard or tartan instead.
Remember, remember
With Bonfire night this Tuesday, you may well be heading to a fireworks party at the weekend. A statement coat is a throw on and go, outfit-in-one piece. I chose a Shrimps coat from discount site The Outnet for Ascot’s model – it always has a great selection of the luxury brand’s faux fur at super-slashed prices.
A Dr Zhivago-style faux fur hat is the perfect way to indulge in the fun of fashion. Flailing bags and sparklers do not mix, so choose a bag with a shoulder strap. The Ascot model’s bag is Gucci but supplied via Cocoon Club – it’s a designer bag membership service, which, from as little as £49/month, allows you to borrow from its collection of designer arm candy.
Time to shine
Post-Covid, pub gardens the land over have heaters. Take it from me – you will be invited to ‘mulled wine outside’ or a meal in some sort of glass pod creation in a restaurant garden before December 25. And unless hypothermia is on your Christmas list, your usual LBD won’t do.
Ascot’s model here is wearing an elegantly understated coat by Pippa Middleton favourite Claire Mischevani (£1,395) paired with gold accessories. The lesson? Gold accessories can make your everyday brown coat event-ready. Swap the model’s gold bow-adorned hat for a gold hair slide that will sparkle under outdoor heaters.
Clever styling tricks
Traipsing around a Christmas market for hours in the cold requires clever layers. I gave models Marks & Spencer’s ‘Heatgen’ thermal vests to wear under their clothes on the Ascot shoot, and I give them to the celebrities and society ladies I style, too.
A midi skirt is a wise option as you can hide thermal leggings and long boots underneath. Boots with a block heel are best for walking all day and I spray my clients’ suede boots with waterproof spray to avoid soggy feet.
Wow at weddings
Replace the floaty floral dresses of summer weddings with moodier, more modern tailoring in rich jewel tones. Ascot’s model wears a suit by Lisou – the velvet guarantees warmth and means you don’t have to think about a coat. Jigsaw has just released a red velvet showstopper that’s a double for the iconic Tom Ford suit Gwyneth Paltrow wore in 1996.
When styling the lookbook, I wanted to make millinery less scary through the inclusion of more affordable, up-and-coming designers. Tiffers (tiffersmillinery.com) makes veiled headbands for under £200. A bag with handles that you can sling on your wrist while juggling drinks and canapés is essential.
