When it came to planning my Royal Ascot outfit, there was one person I had firmly in mind: Princess Catherine. With powder blue dominating the season and the Princess of Wales having long championed the elegant shade at royal weddings, garden parties and some of her most memorable public appearances, I found myself turning to her timeless approach to occasion dressing for inspiration.

Synonymous with royal fashion, Lalage Beaumont has become a firm favourite among stylish women both inside and outside royal circles, making it the perfect place to begin my search.

The brand’s impeccable reputation was on display once again earlier this month when Lalage Beaumont created the elegant mother-of-the-bride outfit worn by Mary Sanders at the wedding of her daughter, Harriet Sperling, to Peter Phillips. Having admired the label’s sophisticated aesthetic for years, I knew I was in safe hands.

Rather than opting for something overly trend-led, I wanted a look that felt timeless, elegant and appropriate for a traditional British summer event - something I could rewear to a wedding, a christening or even pack into a suitcase for a holiday abroad. Together, we selected a beautiful silk dress, a structured navy handbag and a statement millinery piece that instantly elevated the entire outfit.

The finished look struck exactly the balance I was hoping for. It felt polished without being overly formal, feminine without feeling fussy and comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.

The star of the outfit was undoubtedly the silk dress. Crafted from 100% silk, the design featured a delicate sky-blue spot print that immediately felt fresh, feminine and perfect for summer occasions.

What I particularly loved was the fabric's movement. The lightweight silk draped beautifully, while the semi-sheer georgette sleeves added a soft, romantic touch without feeling overly fussy. The puffed sleeves created structure through the shoulders, balancing the flowing skirt perfectly.

The neckline also deserves special mention. While it featured a flattering V-shape, it wasn’t plunging, making it feel elegant and sophisticated rather than revealing. It’s exactly the sort of detail Princess Catherine often gravitates towards - flattering without ever compromising on refinement.

I think this would look great if you were heading to a wedding this summer, too, paired with courts or wedges.

To complement the dress's soft blue tones, I paired it with a structured navy handbag. The deeper shade helped ground the outfit while adding a touch of contrast, preventing everything from feeling too pastel.

The design featured a classic top-handle silhouette that felt timeless and elegant. Finished in a chic croc-effect texture, the bag looked far more expensive than many contemporary occasion bags and added a subtle touch of luxury.

Practicality hadn’t been forgotten either. The bag also comes with a detachable crossbody strap, making it easy to wear hands-free when needed - a particularly useful feature for a long day at the races. This also has a royal touch as Princess Catherine has carried this style from the label on repeat.

But the main selling point for me is that I was able to fit in all my essentials - including my iPhone Max Pro, lipstick, liner, gloss and a small charger bank, which really did surprise me how much room it had.

No race-day outfit is complete without a hat, and this elegant sky-blue hairband was the perfect finishing touch. Designed in a matching shade to the dress, it effortlessly brought the entire look together.

The piece featured delicate feather detailing that added movement and interest without overwhelming the outfit. Rather than competing with the dress, it enhanced it, creating a sophisticated and balanced overall look.

What makes the design even more special is that each piece is made to order. That level of craftsmanship is becoming increasingly rare and gives the headpiece a truly bespoke feel.

Despite being a statement accessory, it was surprisingly comfortable to wear. It stayed securely throughout the day and instantly gave the outfit the polished race-day finish every Ascot-inspired look needs.