Ascot Style- How To Choose The Perfect Shoes For A Day At The Races
With Ascot just around the corner, up and down the country we’ll be putting the finishing touches to their outfits for its infamous Ladies Day. This celebratory day always takes place on the third day of the races, this year taking place on Thursday 22nd June and is most definitely a ‘day to see and be seen’. Ladies Day is all about the fashion- perhaps most famously the incredible millinery- but what are the perfect shoes to wear for Ascot?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect shoes for a day at the races, to ensure you turn heads for all the right reasons and spend the day in both style and comfort.
1. Choose The Right Heel
The last thing you want when elegantly watching your horse come in to win is to be worrying about sinking into the grass! Not only will it look somewhat less than chic as you wobble away, it’ll also damage your shoes- not a good look.
If you can, go for a block heel which has a larger surface area at the base of the heel. A block heel minimises the chances of sinking into soft surfaces whilst also giving you more stability- especially useful after a few proseccos! Think about height too- whist it might be tempting to go for a pair of skyscraper heels, Ascot is a long day so make sure you choose a heel you’re truly comfortable in- midi heels are your friend!
Our Liberty block heel is not too low or too high, and has an elegantly understated design, making it versatile enough to pair with pretty much any outfit! Available in on trend olive green, classic taupe or timeless ivory satin, there’s a colour to suit all styles. Complete your look with the matching Ebony clutch, designed to carry all your daytime essentials.
(If you do prefer a classic stiletto, all is not lost- check out Clean Heels to prevent unwanted sinkage!)
2. Keep It Simple
Now we’re never ones to believe that shoes should take anything other than centre stage, but when it comes to Ascot, perhaps we should (slightly) reconsider. Royal Ascot is world famous for the incredible millinery masterpieces which are on show (and in competition!) on Ladies Day every year. Whilst you want your outfit to scream style and originality, you don’t want your shoes to overshadow any bespoke millinery you’ve had made specially for the occasion.
Look for a classic shape when it comes to your shoes, such as a stunningly well cut court shoe, or a chic two part point. Understated is the name of the game- think of the young royals such as Kate and Zara and you get the idea!
Margo is the perfect example of a shoe which is understated in design, but with a timless yet modern feature. A classic two part shoe, we love the pretty pleating on the front finished with a beautiful bow detail. Available in classic taupe, fresh olive green and rich berry satin.
3. Consider The Colour
It may seem obvious, but for a day at the races when it’s all about your outfit and millinery, as we’ve said your shoes should complement, rather than overshadow anything else. The colour of your shoes has a large part to play in that, and such a seemingly small finishing touch can make a big difference to your overall look.
Pastel shades work particularly well in this instance, and if you’re wearing a print or pattern they can pick up shades from your outfit and enhance them, without taking the limelight which a bolder colour might do.
You also can’t go wrong with neutral colours, such as taupe and blush, as well as a trusty pair of metallic heels. Whether you choose gold or silver, bronze, champagne or pewter, metallics are the ultimate in versatility.
All that said, if you want to go for a bolder or darker colour then we say do it! Just remember point two and keep the design simple- a classic navy or berry can add just the right amount of depth to your look, but let the colour do the talking and don’t throw the kitchen sink at the styling!
Our Kendall platform has a sleek, understated design with crossover straps and our signature high back detail. Available in classic navy, statement fuschia or soft taupe satin.
Click here to view the full collection of occasion shoes, perfect for a day at the races