Kate Middleton, Zara Tindall and Carole Middleton have all been turning heads at Royal Ascot, showcasing stunning summer looks on day two of the prestigious racing event
As the second day of Royal Ascot kicks off, the occasion is proving to be a very royal affair that’s seen several members of the Royal family attending at the event. From Zara Tindall’s matching outfits with husband Mike Tindall on day one, to the Kate Middleton and Prince William being accompanied by Kate’s mother Carole Middleton, the Royal Family has been showing off their best race day looks.
Bold summery colours were the name of the game with the royal dress code, with Zara selecting a lilac midi dress and Carole donning a pale pink coat dress, while Kate radiated positivity and warmth in a sunshine yellow midi dress. The ladies weren’t just aligned on their summer-inspired colour choices either, as both Kate and Carole seemingly chose to rewear beloved pieces from their wardrobes for the special day. We’ll certainly be drawing some race day inspiration from the Royals, and if you’re keen to recreate their style without splashing out, we’ve discovered some fantastic budget-friendly options.
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Kate Middleton’s sunshine yellow dress
For Royal Ascot’s second day, the Princess of Wales brought back her Roksanda Brigitte Dress in a positivity-boosting shade of bright yellow. She’s previously worn the midi dress at the 2022 Wimbledon finale, and it boasts a tailored silhouette, a full skirt and a statement oversized bow on the shoulder.
While Kate’s dress has long since sold out, we’ve found some brilliant alternatives that’ll help you nail her style without breaking the bank. The Sorelle Belted Midi Dress Yellow from Girl in Mind comes in at just £53, with a similar fit-and-flare shape, complete with a frilled bow on the shoulder and a cinched waist detail.
Over at Nobody’s Child, the Yellow Frill Sleeve Lola Midi Dress has been slashed to £45 from £75.65, offering a more pared-back, elegant aesthetic. It has delicate gathered fabric around the bodice and a flattering cut, paired with eye-catching statement ruffle short sleeves that echo Kate’s original dress.
Zara Tindall’s playful lilac dress
There’s ongoing discussions about whether Zara’s outfit is more lilac or bubblegum pink in colour, but what’s certain is that it’s an upcoming release from Rebecca Vallance, one of Zara’s go-to designers. With her dress not launching for a little while, we’ve tracked down some great substitutes that have the same nipped-in, structured silhouette with puffed sleeves and bold features.
This Bow Front Short Sleeve Bandage Midi Dress from Coast costs £129 and features a sculpted bodice with short sleeves and a full, sweeping skirt. Instead of Zara’s scalloped neckline, it has bow embellishments down the front that inject the playful flair Zara’s renowned for.
Another fabulous choice from Coast is the Short Sleeve Shirt Jacquard Midi Dress priced at £149, which bears a striking resemblance not only to Zara’s Ascot number, but to previous outfits she’s worn. The frock features a subtle lilac colour with jacquard print, a tailored shirt-inspired silhouette complete with collar, and a co-ordinating belt at the waist.
Carole Middleton’s pink coat dress
The Princess of Wales’ mother, Carole Middleton, also attended day two of Royal Ascot, choosing to re-wear a much-loved piece from her wardrobe; her pale pink Catherine Walker coat dress, which was previously worn at daughter Pippa Middleton’s wedding in 2017. The elegant dress comes in a soft pastel pink tone, and has an elegant collared style with front buttons and delicate pleating throughout the skirt.
A dress with a similar shape is the £129 Lisa Tan Collared Satin Belted Wrap Dress from Coast, which features more of a wrap-around shape with luxurious satin accents adorning the lapels, cuffs and waist belt. Its flowing A-line skirt and three-quarter length sleeves lend it plenty of elegance, making it versatile for any time of year or event.
Alternatively, there’s the newly-arrived Sienna Tux Midi Dress from Phase Eight at a steeper £229, though it mirrors Carole’s Catherine Walker piece remarkably well. It showcases a front button fastening with an elegant draped collar and boat neckline, paired with a structured midi-length skirt, reports the Mirror.
