Royal Ascot 2024: The Best & the Worst Looks, According to Users

The Royal Ascot is an event like no other, blending tradition, elegance, and high-stakes horse racing. Established in 1711 by Queen Anne, it has evolved into a highlight of the British social calendar. Attendees adhere to a strict dress code, making it a glamorous affair where fashion takes center stage.

This year’s event, held from June 18 to June 22, was no exception. It showcased some of the most extravagant and, at times, questionable fashion choices. Among the many notable appearances, the outfits of Queen Camilla and Princess Anne stood out, each for very different reasons.

Queen Camilla’s Controversial Ensemble

Queen Camilla made quite an impression during the Royal Ascot, but not in the way she might have hoped. On the third day of the event, she was dressed head-to-toe in white.

Her outfit featured a dress with pleated details, a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a large flower, and a stand-out Dehli Carved Emerald Brooch. While she aimed for elegance, her look sparked a lot of negative attention online.

One user quipped, “She looks like her hat is eating her head,” while another added, “Hats getting bigger, Camilla. Not a good look as you now have a small face.”

The internet was buzzing with critiques, many pointing out that Camilla’s fashion choices often miss the mark. However, she was not the only attendee who caused a buzz for the wrong reasons.

Princess Eugenie’s Hat Debacle

Princess Eugenie also faced criticism for her choice of attire on day two. She opted for a crisp, white collared dress with a pink boater hat, but the combination didn’t sit well with many fashion enthusiasts.

The dress’s fit was particularly scrutinized, with comments like, “Eugenie’s dress…gawd almighty. Showing every lump and the top half looks like a sports shirt.”

The pink boater hat, while striking, also drew negative feedback. “Someone please take Eugenie and help her dress! She can’t get it right – today, it’s the hat!” commented one user.

The overall consensus was that Eugenie’s outfit lacked the sophistication expected at such a high-profile event. But the critics did not stop at Princess Eugenie’s outfit.

Liz Hurley’s Floral Faux Pas

Elizabeth Hurley’s outfit on day three, a white lace dress with floral embroidery, was another hot topic. While the dress itself was delicate and feminine, her choice of headpiece was widely panned. She sported a large fascinator with a blush-pink flower.

One user said, “Elizabeth Hurley looks ridiculous with that wire-woven fruit bowl on her head.” Hurley, known for her bold fashion choices, seemed to miss the mark this time.

Critics felt that the dramatic fascinator overshadowed her otherwise elegant dress, making her look less polished than usual. Moving from the fashion faux pas, internet users also celebrated those who nailed their looks at Royal Ascot 2024.

From timeless elegance to contemporary chic, some attendees truly stood out. Let’s look at the best-dressed, starting with Princess Anne and her daughter Zara Tindall.

Princess Anne’s Timeless Elegance

Princess Anne shone brightly on the first and third days of the Royal Ascot with her impeccable sense of style. She wore tailored coats and dresses on both days. The coats featured a delicate floral pattern in shades of red and gray.

Her outfits were perfectly complemented by wide-brimmed hats. On day three, her hat was adorned with an elaborate arrangement of blue and gray feathers. Anne’s look was completed with classic pearl accessories, including a triple-stranded necklace and matching earrings.

Her beige clutch and cream-colored gloves added a touch of elegance. Users praised her outfit, with comments like, “Princess Anne looks wonderful here,” and “Lovely to see Princess Anne wearing her mother’s pearl earrings and necklace.”

Zara Tindall’s Modern Chic

Like her mother, Zara Tindall impressed users with her fashion choices. On day three, she wore a beautiful light blue dress featuring a fitted bodice, high neckline, and short puffed sleeves. A matching belt accentuated her waist, and the skirt flowed into a midi length.

Her headwear — a wide-brimmed hat in the same light blue shade — was adorned with a large, soft blue feather detail. Zara’s accessories included a statement necklace of large, round blue beads, a metallic silver clutch, and matching earrings and bracelet.

Comments such as “Zara looks lovely” and “Zara dresses really well. She always looks good” filled social media. On day one, Zara had donned a lovely light yellow dress that featured a delicate, subtle print.

The dress had a shirt-style top with a structured collar and button-down front. It had short, puffed sleeves, and the dress cinched at the waist with a matching belt, accentuating her figure. The skirt flowed gracefully into a midi length.

Her headwear was a standout feature of the outfit. Zara donned a wide-brimmed, straw hat with intricate cut-out detailing. The hat was in a matching light yellow shade, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.

About the day one look, one user said, “Zara Tindall is amazing.” As internet users affirmed Zara’s status as a fashion icon, they also praised Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

On the third day, the Duchess of Edinburgh wowed the crowd with her vibrant floral print dress. The dress featured shades of blue, green, brown, and beige, paired with a deep pink wide-brimmed hat. She completed her look with a deep red clutch and gold jewelry, including a bracelet and earrings.

Fans appreciated her look, with comments like, “I like Sophie’s outfit. Lovely,” and “Sophie and Zara looking lovely.” Sophie’s ability to blend bold patterns and colors while maintaining elegance earned her a spot among the best-dressed.

Carole Middleton’s Nod to Her Daughter’s Style

Continuing the trend of fashion hits, Carole Middleton’s light blue floral chiffon dress on day two was a nod to her daughter Kate’s style. The dress, from Self Portrait, featured pleated fabric, and a high neck with a tied bow detail.

The dress featured slightly sheer sleeves with buttoned cuffs. She completed the look with a matching light blue fascinator adorned with a large flower and a small, structured black handbag.

Internet users praised Carole, with one saying, “I thought she looks lovely but tired,” and another adding, “Carole and Michael are beautifully dressed.” Her elegant and refined outfit was a hit among attendees and fashion critics alike.

Spencer Twins’ Coordinated Elegance

On day two, Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer showcased their fashion prowess. One twin wore a crisp white frock with black trim detailing and a matching white hat.

Amelia opted for a navy polka-dot dress with a white collar and buttons. Both completed their looks with coordinated accessories, including hats, handbags, and shoes.

“Spencer girls are so pretty,” and “The Spencer girls are always immaculately dressed” were common sentiments among online commentators, highlighting the twins’ consistent elegance and style.

Princess Beatrice’s Floral Success

Continuing with the stylish displays, Princess Beatrice wowed attendees on day two with her floral linen and silk midi dress. The dress featured long sleeves and an A-line skirt.

She complemented her dress with a belt that gave a cinched-in look at the waist. Additionally, she paired it with a pale pink headband adorned with floral embellishments, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Comments like “Beatrice dresses so well these days after those ‘awkward years,’” and “I love Beatrice and Zara’s outfits. They both look fab” showcased the positive reception of her outfit.

Royal Ascot 2024 was a stunning display of high fashion, with some attendees hitting all the right notes while others missed the mark. From the elegance of Princess Anne and Zara to the more criticized choices of Queen Camilla and Princess Eugenie, the event was a true fashion spectacle.