The Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales is one of the best dressed royal’s at Ascot (Image: Getty / Reiss)

With the likes of the Grand National festival at Aintree this week, the May Festival in Chester next month and Royal Ascot in June, lots of us are looking for race-day fashion ideas.

Every year, the Royal Family throw on their best frocks and millinery, and head to various race meets, with Royal Ascot perhaps the biggest in the calendar. 

This year, the event begins on Tuesday 17th and concludes on Saturday 21st June. Following Kate’s cancer diagnosis last year, she was absent from the event, although her mother, Carole Middleton, paid a fitting tribute to the princess through her ensemble. While there’s no official confirmation, Princess Kate will likely attend Royal Ascot in 2025, as she has been gradually returning to public duties after her cancer treatment and has expressed her desire to attend more engagements.

The Daily Express has taken a look back at her best looks from leading designers and found cheaper alternatives from a selection of high street brands, including Next, Nobody’s Child and Reiss.

Dolce and Gabanna

Princess Kate Ascot: 2016

Princess Kate in 2016 wore a stunning white lace Dolce and Gabbanna Dress (Image: Getty / Dolce & Gabbana / Farfetch )

Princess Kate made her Royal Ascot debut nearly a decade ago back in 2016. She sported a stunning white cotton blend lace Dolce & Gabbana dress that featured a high neckline and long sleeves, which nipped her in at the waist. We loved the stunning A-line cut and a flowing tiered skirt.

The ensemble she wore is no longer in stock, but we have found a similar design by the Italian fashion house. This look will create the same aesthetic as Princess Kate’s as it boasts a layered design with long sleeves. It features a white floral lace pattern and a scallop-edge neckline.

Oasis Lace Puff Sleeve Midaxi Dress

Oasis Lace Puff Sleeve Midaxi Dress, £80.10 (Image: Debenhams)

If you like the look of lace, try this midi dress from Debenhams.  The delicate sheer puff sleeves add interest and the fit-and-flare cut keeps it flattering. If you want to go for a bold look, we think this would look great with a red lip and matching head piece for the races.

Alexander McQueen

Princess Kate Ascot: 2017

Princess Kate wore an Alexander McQueen dress, we have found similar for £979 from Flannels (Image: Getty / Alexander McQueen / Flannes )

Kate went for lace again in 2017, this time in a dress by Alexander McQueen.

With a high neckline, long sleeves, and a belted waist, Kate’s dress was another elegant look. It is believed that her gown was custom made, which is no surprise as the design house often creates bespoke garments for the Princess of Wales, including her wedding dress, which was designed by the then creative director of the label, Sarah Burton.

If it’s a similarly classic white midi dress you’re after and find lace too fussy, you could try the sleeveless Knot design by McQueen.Details like the gathering on the bodice and the ruffle down one side elevate this one. 

White Short Sleeve Starlight Midi Dress

White Short Sleeve Starlight Midi Dress, Nobody’s Child, £85 (Image: Nobody’s Child)

For a simple white midi dress with a relaxed aesthetic, try this by Nobody’s Child. It’s made from 100% cotton so is ideal for warm weather. The panelled waist and breezy a-line skirt with pockets that skims the body make it as comfortable as it is flattering. It comes in sizes 4-18. 

Elie Saab

Princess Kate Ascot: 2019

Princess Kate Ascot stepped out in a chic Elie Saab dress back in 2019 (Image: Getty / Elie Saab / Mytheresa )

Kate opted for a hint of colour in 2019 donning a breath-taking periwinkle ice blue Elie Saab dress. It featured a sheer bodice and sleeves, over a matching slip. And we loved the tie-neck detail which complemented her headpiece.

Unfortunately, Princess Kate’s exact dress is no longer in stock. But if you would like to rock a design from Elie Saab then we have found a stunning alternative. This is a classic look that features a floral lace detail, which Princess Kate would no doubt approve of. We love the cropped sleeves and A-line cut. The teal hue is bright and vibrant and we think this would work as well for a wedding as it would for the races.

Buy the Elie Saab Broderie Anglaise maxi dress from Mytheresa – for £2,400 

Pastel Blue Broderie Detail Tiered Maxi Occasion Dress

The Pastel Blue Broderie Detail Tiered Maxi Occasion Dress from Next, £120 (Image: Next )

This broderie detail flowing maxi dress features a tiered ruffle design, which is bang on trend. We love the square neckline and chunky shoulder straps that create a stunning silhouette.

Buy the Pastel Blue Broderie Detail dress from Next – for £120

Alessandra Rich

Princess Kate Ascot: 2022

Princess Kate wore a stunning Alessandra Rich dress (Image: Getty / Farfetch )

In 2022, Princess Kate opted for a bold look at Ascot, which many said paid tribute to Princess Diana, who was known to be a huge fan of polka-dot patterns. The white dress was covered in brown spots and featured a high neckline. We loved the long sleeves which had a touch of padding in the shoulders.

The exact design Kate wore is no longer stocked, but this alternative option from the designer is similar to the princess’s and will create the same head-turning aesthetic. This is made from silk and features black spots opposed to Kate’s brown version. The round neck is timeless, and we love the sleeveless ruffle white detail.

Reiss Polka Dot Midi Dress

The Reiss Polka Dot Midi Dress is only £158 (Image: Reiss )

For a more affordable take on the trend that would work well for a hot summer’s day, we love this Reiss design. With the V-neckline, ruched waist band and a-line skirt, this is an easy-to-wear piece. The straps are adjustable, too. 

Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton

Princess Kate Ascot: 2023

Princess Kate Ascot wore a vibrant red Alexander McQueen dress (Image: Getty / Alexander McQueen / Flannels )

Princess Kate’s 2023 ensemble was one of the boldest and brightest we have seen her in. It was also a McQueen creation, designed by Sarah Burton. The dress featured a V-neckline, and long balloon sleeves that tied in at the cuff. The bodice cinched her in at the waist and flared out slightly.

We have found an alternative look from Alexander McQueen as Kate’s design is no longer available. This is a similar shade of red to the hue Kate wore, but it features a sleeveless design, which is perfect for a hot summer day. This midi style is made from cotton and has a sweetheart neckline. The asymmetric waistline and a gathered skirt make this one a head-turner. 

Red Balloon Sleeve Ace Maxi Dress

Red Balloon Sleeve Ace Maxi Dress from Nobody’s Child is in the sale for £91 (Image: Nobody’s Child)

If you would like to recreate a similar aesthetic to Princess Kate’s then this long-sleeve option from Nobody’s Child is ideal. This midaxi dress has a floaty feel but it will pull you in in all the right places. It has a flattering V-neckline, fluted sleeves, subtle slit and open back detail.