On Ascot day, you can wear an Ascot dress that has been styled in the best way to make you look and feel polished and practical on the day.
Cap Sleeves
Cap Sleeves are short in length and will cover the top of the arm. This style is designed to be narrow and will not add bulk to the dress. Cap Sleeves are a great choice for fitted dresses and A-line dresses. They are perfect for a warm June day and as long as the dress covers the shoulder, you will be within the enclosure rules for the Royal Ascot’s official dress code.
Three-Quarter Sleeves
These are ideal as they come down to just below the elbow ensuring that you can wear your Ascot dress to the appropriate Royal Enclosure event whilst keeping your arms covered. They are ideal for midi and tea-length length dresses.
Flutter Sleeves
The flutter sleeve will give a dress made from chiffon or crepe a nice movement to the garment without weighing down the dress. The sleeves will flatter most arm shapes and are a good balance to a fitted bodice.
Long Lace Sleeves
A sheer lace sleeve will give full coverage but also feel light and elegant. A long lace sleeve is a common feature of many Ascot dresses and they use the sheer material of the lace to create texture without weight.
For sleeve styles like these, browse this ready-to-wear collection.
Sleeveless With a Cover-Up
A sleeveless dress offers the greatest flexibility, and can be covered with a tailored jacket or a structured wrap to comply with the enclosure’s dress code. It is wise to choose a cover-up of the same fabric as the main part of the dress, or in a tonal colour to create a cohesive look rather than a bulkily layered one.
You should choose a sleeve style for your Ascot dress before the race day as it will shape up the overall look of your outfit.
Sleeve Styles for Weddings, Dinners and Smart Daywear
Sleeves that work for race day also work for other events. A three-quarter or flutter sleeve is suitable for a summer wedding as it provides sufficient cover for the ceremony but is light enough for the reception. Long lace sleeves are elegant for a dinner party or evening event and mean you don’t have to carry a wrap. For smart daywear or work, cap sleeves or simple short sleeves on fitted dresses look nice when worn under a jacket. In terms of choosing one dress to wear to lots of different events, sleeves that cover the shoulder are the most versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sleeve style is most flattering on the arms?
Of all the sleeves, the flutter sleeve and three-quarter length sleeves are the most forgiving as they run along the upper arm instead of cutting across it.
Are sleeveless dresses fine at formal events?
Yes, usually. However, formal dress codes may ask for covered shoulders. A tailored jacket or a matching wrap will make a sleeveless dress suitable for most occasions.
What is the difference between a cap sleeve and a flutter sleeve?
A cap sleeve is generally short and fitted to the arm. It covers the top of the shoulder. A flutter sleeve is loose and flows as you move.
Do long sleeves work in summer?
They do in lightweight fabrics. In sheer lace or fine chiffon, sleeves cover the arms yet remain cool and light on warm days.