Fashion at the races is always extravagant and distinct, from expressive headwear and elegant hats, to feminine dresses and sharp tailored suits. Arguably setting the standard for race day style is Royal Ascot, the star-studded event favoured by the Royal family.
Kate Middleton made her return to the glamorous event, attending the festivities with her husband Prince William for the first time in a few years after Covid put a stop to it.
The couple had a number of duties on the day, including awarding jockey Christophe Soumillon his winnings for taking first place in The Commonwealth Cup race.
For the occasion, the Duchess of Cambridge pulled out all the stops, dazzling in a polka dot dress that harked back to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, and that also seemed to draw inspiration from another fashion icon: Audrey Hepburn.
Kate chose a cream and brown dress by designer Alessandra Rich, from her spring 2019 collection. The charming dress features a high neckline, a floaty asymmetric hem, puffed sleeves with button cuff, a ruffled overlay at the left shoulder, buttons at the left shoulder, and a self belt.
It was strikingly similar to a design worn by Princess Diana at Royal Ascot in June 1988, which featured a high round neck, long puffed sleeves and a cinched in, ruched waist. It proved to be one of her most memorable looks.
Kate channelled Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady with her chocolate brown woven boater hat by Sally-Ann Provan. Featuring a full brim and cream handmade silk duchesse origami flowers, it was reminiscent of Hepburn's elaborate hat as her character Eliza Doolittle.
Kate accessorised with a brown suede clutch bag, which matched her shoes – Gianvito Rossi 105 heels ($725) in a colour called "Texas" – perfectly.
As a further nod to Princess Diana, Kate added some sparkle to her look by wearing the pearl and diamond earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. The stunning drop earrings feature a double curve of various cuts of diamonds, with a cluster of marquise-cut stones in the centre, and a statement pearl drop.
Her hair was worn up, styled into a feminine and classic up-do, while her makeup was rich and tonal to match the shades of her dress, with a brown smokey eye and a nude lip.
