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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Fashions

These lyrics from My Fair Lady immortalised the quintessentially British pomp and circumstance of one of the greatest days in our sports and social calendar. Doing what we British do best, Ascot is bestrewn with high teas, champagne receptions, royalty, genteel pageantry and, of course, horses and hats. Combining timeless elegance wish cutting-edge design, the pressure is on to make that dramatic statement widhout committing fashion what- is-that-Fruit-basket-atrocity-on- your-head suicide.

Beginning with fashion

So, where to begin? There are two paths you can follow: the cautious or the courageous. Royalty tends to embrace the former and, because of strict dress code policies within The Royal Enclosure, the Ascot morning suit is a must for men. The Ascot morning suit is an all-grey version of the classic black coined by Edward Prince of wales in the 1920's. Although etiquette forbids interpreting the dress code too much, it is acceptable to lighten the look with a pastel waistcoat instead of the traditional grey.

For the best morning suits, visit world- class tailors on Savile Row such as Gieves & Hawkes. They have a range of exquisite ready-to-wear suits in store starting From £740 and for the ultimate option, a fully-bespoke suit which starts at £4,800.

Fashion for the female

For the female cautious dresser, like style icon Kate middleton, softer palettes are advisable. Look for feminine lines that draw attention to petite waists and shapely calves rather than heaving bosoms or toned thighs. Christian Dior's ready-to-wear summer collection has some absolutely mouth-watering pieces.

The beige draped floral Jacquard jacket and matching georgette godet skirt has a loose bow at the waist to add a modern twist. Equally gorgeous is Dior's sand crepe jacket with Lilly flower embellishment and matching skirt, again edgy but classical (see www.diorcouture. com For more details). Finish the look off with one of Philip Treacy's architectural design hats in black and white (pictured on the right).
If you are looking to be more adventurous, the options are endless.

Each year, with the increasing number of fashion events on the trackside, necklines are dropping, backs are being bared and legs are on show. The pioneer of the sexier loci at Ascot is undoubtedly Zara Phillips, whose one-shouldered black and red kimono dress in 2003 set newer, naughtier standards.

Fashion to follow

lf you want to follow in her well-heeled footsteps, have a look at Gucci's stunning ready-to-wear spring and summer 2008 collection, which features one-shouldered white dresses with loud black and sunflower yeUow details on the hem. Set off the dress with a dramatic black Fascinator by Philip Treacy or another oasis more racy hats.

Ascot is more than just the hats, though. For the discerning fashionista, the trackside events this year are set to be spectacular. The Royal Ascot Fashion Show at fhe Bessborough restaurant should draw all the young, rich and fabulous, showcasing the very latest in male and female couture by she best of British designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Philip Treacy. Combining luxury and elegance, the show sums up the focus of this year's Royal Ascot as the epitome of sophistication and style. Located in the top floor restaurant of the bespoke three- storey marquee, it is set to be the ultimate event of the day.

Fashion not to miss

Another not-to-be-missed social event is at the MovidaTrackside restaurant on the Friday and Saturday of Royal Ascot (20 and 21 June). Housed in sumptuous surroundings with private head-on views of the race in action, guests can enjoy a superb five-course launch, wine, champagne and traditional afternoon tea for most of the day. basis culminates in the ultimate after-racing party, from 6.30 to midnight on Friday and until 2am on Saturday.

Ascot is clearly a must for any socialite. In fact, from that very moment when Audrey Hepburn wowed the world as transformed Eliza Doolittle at Ascot, it was set in stone that the grace and pageantry of the event would be synonymous with the world of fashion. So go forth and be fabulous.