There is fashion, and then there is Ascot fashion. As you prepare for a week of bold millinery, sharp tailoring, and high-stakes racing, we look to our trusted community lenders for the ultimate style inspiration.
Introducing Top Lender Angelica, a South London luxury fashion expert whose By Rotation wardrobe is the most requested destination for race-goers. With a decade-long love affair with Royal Ascot, we asked Angelica for her advice to first-time attendees, from her timeless elegance with a modern twist style, to what is guaranteed to be inside her bag on the day.
Scroll for what to wear to Royal Ascot and more.
Tell us a little about yourself...
I’m 35, a mum of two little ones, and based in South London. After a decade working in luxury retail, I’ve built a wardrobe that I now love sharing with my renters on By Rotation. With a lifelong love of horses and racing, Royal Ascot has been a highlight of my calendar ever since I first attended in 2014.
What’s your approach to dressing for Royal Ascot?
I love the timeless elegance Royal Ascot is known for, but with a modern twist, whether that’s through bold colour, sharp tailoring or a statement hat. For me, the best outfits feel polished whilst still showing personality.
What are your most in-demand rental pieces for Royal Ascot?
Alongside my hats, most of which already have rentals secured and ladies already popping by to colour match them to their outfits, my most in-demand pieces are my Alessandra Rich dresses, as well as styles from Self-Portrait and Zimmermann. I also think my Destree suits are going to be popular this year.
What has been your favourite Royal Ascot community rental story?
Back in 2022, and the start of my By Rotation journey, I told my Ascot renters attending on the Tuesday to cheer on a horse called Acklam Express. He may not have won, but he did finish 3rd at 200/1 and I remember having a few very happy renters who’d more than covered the cost of their outfit.
What is the first thing you consider when putting together a Royal Ascot outfit? The dress, the hat, or the shoes?
Always the dress as it sets the tone for the whole look. The hat follows closely in second though.
How do you plan to incorporate fashion rental into your looks? Everything I wear will be available to rent straight after the event itself!
What are the three absolute essentials inside your Ascot handbag?
A compeed stick, lipstick and flats for the journey home (not forgetting an umbrella if wet weather is forecast - hats hate the rain!)
How important is comfort when dressing for a full day at Ascot, and do you have any styling hacks for surviving the day in heels?
Comfort is key! It’s a long day on your feet, from walking between the parade ring and track to making it through to the Ascot Bandstand singalong after the final race. I always recommend prioritising styles you can genuinely last the day in.
If someone was renting their outfit for the first time, what advice would you give them?
Treat your rented look the same way you would borrowing from your most stylish friend. Go for pieces you genuinely love, rather than what you think you should wear. Comfort and confidence are everything, especially for a day like Royal Ascot.
Rent your Royal Ascot outfit on the By Rotation app now.
