On day three of Royal Ascot, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh looked stunning in an ethereal dress by Suzannah London.
The brand is loved by royal women including Kate, Princess of Wales, and Sophie’s daughter, Lady Louise. As their go-to atelier for occasionwear, it’s no surprise the Duchess opted for the “Trixie” floral shirt dress for the races yesterday.
The silk-twill dress featured a smart collar, full-length skirt and all-over wildflower motifs. She paired it with a mauve hat from Jane Taylor and a fuchsia clutch bag by Sophie Habsburg.
Sophie’s beautiful gown retails for $2,090 (£2,331) and is known specifically as the ‘Trixie Floor Length Silk Shirt Dress X Marieluise Bantel’
A popular summer style, the Suzannah garment is easy to find on the high street, like this Monsoon dress sold at John Lewis.
Listed as the Adela Floral Shirt Midi Dress, the garment is currently reduced to £87.50 down from £125. It comes in a blue-multi colour, slightly different from Sophie’s look, though the shape is almost identical.
Described online as: “An easy-to-wear A-line shape, this mid-length dress from Monsoon is crafted from a blend of fabrics. Topped with a collar and three-quarter-length sleeves, it proves that florals aren’t just for spring.”
It is a reduced-to-clear item, which means it’s currently only available in UK sizes 8-12, though there are plenty of other high-street alternatives available.
John Lewis also has a gorgeous short-sleeve style, the Yumi Floral Midi Cotton Shirt Dress in white-multi colour. Sold in sizes small, medium and large, its adjustable silhouette makes it easy to adapt to any figure.
The product description states that the dress is crafted from “lightweight, breathable cotton with a woven belt with a large buckle”. it features a “universally flattering v-neckline and short sleeves” and is adorned in covetable blooms, perfect for summer.
This garment has garnered positive reviews from shoppers, including one who wrote: “Love my dress and will be wearing it soon for a special occasion. Lovely colours and suited to any season…..perhaps not winter. Not warm enough for cold days! Good colours. Good fit.”
Another chimed: “Loved wearing my new dress at a very special occasion. I felt like the proverbial million dollars! The material was lovely, the fit was excellent. Colours so bright for a spring day. I recommend it!”
One person did note that it can be tight on those with a large bust, which is something to bear in mind when considering the right size.
Elsewhere online at Karen Millen, shoppers will find this soon-to-launch Lydia Millen Spring Floral Silk Cotton Woven Shirt Dress for £191.20, down from £239.
It features the same flared silhouette and shirt-style bodice with a collar as Duchess Sophie’s Suzannah London dress, as well as an ethereal floral pattern.
Boohoo also has some great affordable options for as little as £39, including this Floral Wrap Belted Maxi Dress. Carried in UK sizes eight, 12, 14, 16 and 18, the garment is made from light, airy fabric, unlike the Duchess’s garment. It does share the collar detail and maxi hemline, plus a floral print.
Those seeking something a little brighter may like this Hobbs Aurelia Cascading Floral Print Silk Midi Dress in cream-multi, though it does come at a much higher price point of £349.
With an a-line tea silhouette, this midi dress from Hobbs is dreamt up from super soft silk. It has a smart v-neckline and puff sleeves, plus colourful floral motifs all over.