What to Wear Under an Ascot Dress

Even after I’ve chosen my perfect Ascot dress for the long day of standing, walking and sitting on some ghastly fold-down chairs ahead, I shall be spending even more time choosing the undergarments that will go underneath it.

Bra for a Structured Bodice

For a fitted bodice with straps, a strapless multiway bra with boning or a structured band is the best support. Look for a bra with a silicone grip along the top edge to stop it from moving about throughout the day. A plunge or balconette style of bra is suitable for a dress with a low-cut front but a back that is covered.

Shapewear That Works With the Silhouette

A mid-thigh smoothing brief or light control slip is ideal to wear under a fitted skirt to ensure that it sits neatly around the legs without any bulk around the waist. Avoid high-compression shapewear as these tend to dig into your waist after a few hours of standing on your feet. The edges of shapewear are worth investing in, especially if you are wearing silk or crepe as these tend to snap easily.

Hosiery and the Enclosure Rules

The official Royal Ascot dress code guidance for each of the enclosures sets out formality of dress and hosiery is part of this. For the Royal Enclosure, the safest choice would be to wear very fine, almost invisible, sheer tights in a skin toned nude colour. On cooler days hold-ups could be worn but beware that they may come down by the third race if it has been a hot day.

Low-Back and Backless Styles

Low back and backless – A low-back bra converter clip or an adhesive longline bra will offer support under dresses that expose the back. Shallow backless dresses can be covered with stick-on silicone cups which vary in support. The support of these will diminish as the length of the back of the dress increases.

Slips and Modesty Shorts

For floaty fabrics, such as chiffon or georgette, a fitted slip or modesty shorts are perfect for keeping you covered up and your silhouette in check. For longer A-line dresses, a half-slip down to the knee is sufficient.

Comfort for a Long Day

As always, I recommend that you stick padded insoles in your shoes the night before you plan to wear them, so that they can mould to the shape of your foot. In the meantime, apply Blister plasters to the back of your heel and little toe before you leave the house – trust me on this one. There is more on Elegant Dresses for Ascot at www.aimeejoycelondon.com/ready-to-wear/elegant-dresses-for-ascot.

The undergarments need to be correct for the dress to look correct throughout the long day of the race.

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