One thing you do need to know if you are attending Ascot is that there have been a few changes in the dress code. So to avoid confusion here are the rules direct from the Horse’s mouth (sorry couldn’t resist!) Note that fascinators are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure, although the are in the main grandstand.

Ladies are kindly reminded that formal day wear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour
• Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
• Midriffs must be covered
• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Ladies within the main Grandstand enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion.

Ladies are kindly asked to take particular note of the following:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted)
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code
• Midriffs must be covered
• Shorts are not permitted.

If you are in the silver ring there is no formal dress code (other than no bare chests which I am sure you would comply with!)

Look 1 has a feminine dress worn with a jacket and hat for Ascot, which can be worn again less formerly at a summer garden party. Both shoes and bags and the black jacket and silver pashmina would be useful additions to your wardrobe for parties, Christmas and weddings. If you don’t think you would wear the hat again try hiring something similar or sell later on ebay.

Look 2 pairs a red dress with cream and a pair of drop dead shoes (sorry ridiculously expensive but couldn’t resist them!) The dress would make a great edition to your smart workwear wardrobe mixed with black or grey. A cream hat is an investment as you can make it work with almost anything.

Look 1
Precis Petite Brim Hat, Blackberry £89 from John Lewis
Shawl Collar Bolero £49.00 from Phase Eight
Rhona Leather Clutch Bag £45 from Phase Eight
Fifi corsage shoes £110 from Phase Eight
L.K. Bennett Flora Dress, Duck Egg £245 from John Lewis
Pashmina in silver from Pure Collection £149

Metallic clutch bag from Dune at John Lewis £65
Twist sandals in silver £59 from Boden

Look 2
Cleo Hat from Phase Eight £110
Emma Jacket £79 from Phase Eight
Kia Clutch Bag £40 from Phase Eight
Bionda Castana Leopard Print shoes £425 from my-wardrobe.com
Flower necklace by Hobbs from House of Fraser £99
Robins dress by Hobbs at House of Fraser £139
Chic wool Jacket by Boden £150
Tote bag by Tula from John Lewis £129
Court shoes by Mary Portas at Clarks from House of Fraser £79.99

I live in dresses (teamed with jeans/leggings and boots). I’d like to be able to wear skirts and tops BUT I have a really short body (plus a long rise) and I can’t find tops short enough to end at my waist. Everything in the shops seems to end at my hips which I know from my style session is a no no.

Any ideas of shops which do petite/short tops or ways to break my dress habit?

 There are more and more shops on the high street that do a Petite range and it is a matter of popping in each season to see what they have.  My favourites at the moment are Next petite and Wallis petite which may be good for you.

T

This top is from Wallis petite and would work because you can tie the waist at the appropriate place for you and blouse it over to make it short enough.

This sweetheart neckline t-shirt is from Next petite - again the waist can be positioned higher or lower depending on where you would like it to sit on you.

Fenwright Manson now do a petite range and they have some good knitwear in the sale at the moment - click here to have a peep. 

There are also a couple of on-line companies that have special ranges for petites Petite Affair and Karen Gillam who have some nice coloured t-shirts at the moment. Debenhams do a great range for petite proportions.  You will find a large range of tops to end at the waist and a really good range of skirts. The large selection of skirts will desguise a long rise and make you look more balanced than trousers would.

Hope this helps - let me know how you get on.

Thursday 8th March Monsoon and White Stuff are offering great discounts.

20% off Monsoon and 25% off White Stuff.

Just e-mail me for the codes - Happy Shopping

Love this poster - when all is crazy around you take some time out to understand what colours suit you - either as a treat or to save a fortune on fashion mistakes.

For Spring there are lots of ice-cream colours about and something for everyone.  From fresh mint to zesty lemon and gorgeous pastels too, pink's, apricots and lilac.  Many of my clients think these colours wash them out, however it is all in how you put them together to suit you and make them your own.  Have fun with them.

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