Royal Ascot Style

The present moment is supreme but it's challenging to live in nowness if you're always drawn to the future. I can easily let go of the past so to write about heritage and tradition is very unlikely, but Royal Ascot is one of the pinnacle events of the summer social season and everyone looks beautifully polished.

Headpiece: Piers Atkinson, dress: Alexander McQueen, cluth bag: Alexander McQueen 
shoes: Sergio Rossi

Tomorrow is the opening of the Royal Ascot, one of Europe's most famous race meetings dating back to 1711, when it was founded by Queen Anne. During five days of thoroughbred horse racing, ladies parade in chic dresses and glamorous hats.

Hat: Suzanne Bettley, dress: Roland Mouret, clutch bag: Jimmy Choo
 shoes: Christian Louboutin

There is a stricter style guide to follow this summer, if you want to enjoy the Royal Ascot experience to the full. "Hats should be worn" is the quintessential requisite and for the Royal Enclosure "a headpiece with a base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat."

Headpiece: Bundle Maclaren Millinery, dress: Mary Katrantzou, clutch bag: DVF
shoes: Manolo Blahnik

"Dresses and skirts should be of modest lenght defined as falling just above the knee or longer." For the Grandstand enclosure, "strapless or sheer strap dresses are not permitted" but the less formal Silver Ring will not be affected by this summer's dress code changes. 

Hat: Bundle Maclaren Millinery, dress: Temperley, clucth bag: Lulu Guinness
shoes: Charlotte Olympia

And you can also be inspired by these looks for the wedding season but for the Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure, you must respect the new rules. Organisers said the decision to tighten the dress code was part of a move to restore formality.

Hat: Suzanne Bettley, dress: Oscar de la Renta, clutch bag: Alexander McQueen
shoes: Miu Miu

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Park and Barbecue Style

This is the time to embrace the hot weather and go outside! Londoners are particularly fond of the great parks the city has proudly maintained throughout its evolution, despite the difficult challenges associated with population's growth.




Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs, bag: Givenchy



Different locations across the city provide these cherished green spaces to walk around and sunbathe. It's really cool to see everyone enjoying the sunshine like lizards warming up their bellies in the wild.

Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Tom Ford, bag: Marni

From Hyde Park to Pimrose Hill and Hampstead Heath, these are like oasis in the desert, where people can replenish their energy levels and relax in a serene mood induced by the primordial contact with nature.

Hat: Erick Javits, sunglasses: Gucci, bag: Phillip Lim

Another great thing about London's lifestyle is without any doubt the barbecue, whoever has a garden or a roof terrace eagerly waits for the hot weather to come in order gather friends for a healthy meal outdoors.

Hat: Eugenia Kim, sunglasses: Miu Miu, bag: Chloe

Barbecues are a great way to socialise and meet people. Sometimes things can get out of control, from people ending up on the roof to strangers joining in without being invited, but it's all about having a good time.

Hat: Free People, sunglasses: Gucci, bag: Mulberry

They can also be themed gatherings where everyone dresses up as a gangster or wears a wig. The barbecue's most common alcoholic drink is definitely Pimm's, a refreshing mix of fruits and mint.

Hat: Sensi Studio, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

You can also enjoy this fabulous weather on a roof terrace bar, from Aqua to Shoreditch House, which has a fantastic swimming pool. London offers its magnificent views within stylish surroundings and glamorous people.

Hat: Zadig & Voltaire, sunglasses: Valentino, bag: Longchamp

Whatever you do, you will need a hat, sunglasses and a big bag to carry a magazine, a book and a sarong. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and get as much vitamin D as you can! Smile and be happy!

Hat: Burberry Prorsum, sunglasses: Prada, bag: Givenchy

Other related blog posts:

London Spring

An Afternoon in Hyde Park

Sunshine and Style in Carnaby Street