Carole Middleton made her Royal Ascot 2024 debut on Wednesday, arriving with her husband, Michael. This marked the first public appearance of the Princess of Wales’ parents since the news of their daughter’s cancer diagnosis, making it a poignant occasion, especially considering Royal Ascot is an event Kate holds dear. The couple joined their son-in-law, Prince William, and several other members of the Royal Family at the Royal Enclosure, all dressed to impress. Among them was 69-year-old Carole, who donned an elegant maxi dress with sheer long sleeves and a belted waist.
Carole paired the £350 light blue floral chiffon dress from Self Portrait with a matching fascinator featuring two large flowers and netting. This dress stood out among the sea of pastel-colored dresses worn by fellow Royals. Kate and Carole share a love for the brand Self Portrait, which the Princess of Wales often wears. Carole’s look at Royal Ascot incorporated several details previously styled by her daughter, including a smart tie-up neckline, cinched-in waist belt, and an A-line maxi skirt. The sheer long sleeves and subtle floral pattern made Carole’s £350 style appear almost identical to Kate’s powder blue Ellie Saab dress worn at Royal Ascot in 2019.
For those looking to recreate this elegant look, there are several budget-friendly options available. New Look currently offers a beautiful Blue Floral Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress, priced at just £39.99. The high street fashion brand offers this dress in UK sizes six to 22. This dress features a floral print, ruffle trims, and flutter sleeves, making it perfect for a summer occasion. While it’s much cheaper than Carole’s £350 dress, it lacks the long sleeves and sheer element.
However, Karen Millen has a close match for those willing to spend a little more to achieve the royal look. The Crystal Embellished Woven Maxi Dress is currently on sale for £183.20, down from £229. This pleated midi dress features sheer blouson sleeves, making it ideal for weddings or other special occasions.
Alternatively, LK Bennett, another royal-approved brand, offers the Agnes Blue Mini Wiggle Print Georgette Dress for £299. Available in sizes six to 20, this dress is crafted from lightweight, sheer georgette with a delicate mini wiggle print in cornflower blue and cream. It features a round neck, fluttery cape sleeves, and a floaty, midi skirt. LK Bennett also carries the Soni Blue and Green Heart Print Silk dress for £214, which boasts the same tie-up neckline and long sleeves as Carole’s Royal Ascot dress.
These options provide stylish alternatives to Carole Middleton’s elegant Royal Ascot look, allowing you to channel her sophisticated style without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly New Look dress or a more luxurious piece from Karen Millen or LK Bennett, there’s a perfect choice to suit your taste and budget.
