What to wear to Ascot 2017

Stand-out dresses for every shape, budget - and that meet the strict Ascot dress-code...

Ascot dresses are notoriously tricky to shop for: if your shoulder straps our your dress length is even a centimetre off, you're out.

This year's strict dress code has finally been released, and the rules are as iron-clad as ever. Bare shoulders are an absolute no-no (sorry, the off-the-shoulder trend is a no go at Ascot), midriffs must be covered, and hemlines above the knee will not be tolerated.

Neither will be fascinators. Only hats or headpieces with a solid base of four inches or more in diameter will be permitted.

But there us one major rule change for 2017. Brace yourselves, because the humble jumpsuit is now welcome, as long as it is full length.

Now, we understand all these rules can take the fun out of shopping a bit, so we thought we'd do all the leg work and find the most fabulous, and race-day appropriate, dresses for you. You can thank us later.

Those who want to blow their budget completely will want to check out Temperley's incredible bohemian tie-neck dress, or Kate Spade's floral lace dress, always a winner.

Ladylike lovers should head to Monsoon and Whistles where full skirts come in every colour, print and fabric you could possibly dream of.

Those looking for something equally chic, but a little more purse-friendly should look to high street favourites H&M, ASOS and Mango for their unbelievably chic occasion dress offering.

Top tip - start off with your chosen dress and then build your race day look up from there. Prints will dictate your chosen hat style and colour, while a neutral heel on the other hand will be a worthy investment – not only to match-up with whichever frock you opt for, but for any event on your jam-packed summer calendar.

Click through our round up for the very best in Ascot-worthy dresses, and we're sure you'll be the belle of the ball in no time.