Posted on
My First Ever Ascot Ladies' Day – A Look, A Vibe, and A Whole Moment
Ascot Races — especially Ladies’ Day — has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Not because I’m into horse racing (I couldn’t tell you what horse won if my life depended on it), but for the laughs, the giggles, the glamour, and the vibes.
Back in 2023, I almost made it. Almost. But life had other plans, like family loss and Ascot was simply not where I needed to be.
Fast forward to 2025... and guess who finally made her Ascot debut?
Ya girl did that! Yeahay!
When You Debut, You Go Big
I knew I wanted to make a statement — and that’s exactly what Ladies’ Day is about. The bigger the hat, the brighter the colour, the bolder the look, the better. And let me tell you: the ladies did not disappoint. It was hot, packed, and bursting with incredible fashion.
Random strangers were stopping me for photos. I was stopping them right back. Compliments were flying everywhere. It was a full-on lovefest of style, and I was here for it.
The vibe? Immaculate.
The ambiance? Chef’s kiss.
The heat? Disgusting — but better than rain, so no real complaints. (Okay, minor complaints.)
---
Top 3 Take aways
Let me save you some drama for your debut — here are my three golden nuggets:
1. Flat. Shoes. An absolute must.
Yes, I brought them. No, I didn’t wear them. I left them on the coach, remembered halfway to the Queen Anne Enclosure, and decided I couldn’t be bothered going back. Big mistake. My feet were swollen for at least two days after. Learn from my pain.
2. Water is your bestie.
I brought a bottle. I drank it early. Had to keep topping up all day. Ascot is glitz and glam, yes — but also long hours, blazing sun, and lots of walking. Hydrate, babes.
3. Bring a shawl.
Especially if your dress doesn’t cover your shoulders. There’s a real dress code, and in some enclosures, uncovered shoulders or strapless dresses can get you turned away. I had my shawl handy, and I may have just squeaked by unnoticed despite the big hair— but don’t risk it.
My Ascot Look: Flowers, Afro, and Full-On Black Girl Magic
Ascot is peak summer — mid-June — so I knew I wanted something fresh, fun, and seasonal. I found the most divine lilac fabric online (before lilac became the colour of the season — call me a trendsetter) and fell in love.
I created a mood board. Poured my soul into it. Then? I turned to ChatGPT to help finalise the vision.
Let me tell you — ChatGPT was an insolent child. It took multiple prompts, re-prompts, and long conversations to get it right. But we got there.
To think, I did actually buy an iPad, an Apple Pencil, fashion illustration software, and design templates — all with the intention of sketching stunning fashion illustrations. I now use that iPad… to listen to podcasts. Occasionally watch YouTube. And that’s about it.
Procreate? Still learning. Time? What’s that? Hence why Chatgpt is my new fashion design staff member
Anyway — back to the look.
One thing I knew for sure: I didn’t want to blend in.
There’s an unspoken pressure for Black women to “fit in” at traditionally white, highbrow events like Ascot. Straight hair; Neat and muted 'demure and mindful'. But this year? I said nah.
I showed up with coily, afro-textured hair — big, free, and beautiful. I skipped the hat, as well as my usual No sleek straight tresses and went for flowers in the afro, flowers on my dress, and a whole lot of melanin magic.
And the response? Whew. I was not ready.
Compliments. Photos. BBC Berkshire and Oxford even filmed me! (Please don’t ask where to find the footage. Epic moment. Epic fail — I didn’t get the details.)
---
Dolls of Decadence at Ascot
This Ascot was extra special because I wasn’t just there for me.
My brand — Dolls of Decadence — created 12 custom looks for beautiful ladies attending the event. Which is one reason I attended in person; was to capture content of said Dolls of Decadence ladies (because relying on clients to send photos? A prayer and a gamble).
I didn’t manage to catch up with everyone we dressed, but seeing some of our pieces styled so confidently and beautifully was so fulfilling. It made all the late nights, the fabric sourcing, the fittings, and the stress worth it.
Planning your next slay? York Races are coming up this August — now’s the time to get your custom order in! We have limited availability. So don't leave it until last minute — bespoke takes time, love, and detail.
If you're ready to turn heads and be that girl at York, let's get your look started.
➡️ [Get in touch here] https://wa.me/447507164810 or DM us on Instagram @dollsofdecadence
The Wrap-Up
Ascot 2025? 10/10. Would recommend.
The fashion, the joy, the connections, the unapologetic self-expression — it all felt magical.
I’m so proud of my look, proud of every woman who showed up and showed out, and proud of Dolls of Decadence for being part of the fabric (literally) of such a beautiful event.
So have a mooch through the blog — I’m sharing all the custom looks we created, and of course, my look too.
Thanks for stopping by — and remember:
Flat shoes. Water. Shawl. You’re welcome.
P.S. York Races are around the corner (August, babes!).
If you're looking for a custom piece that’s you in fabric form — bold, beautiful, unforgettable — hit me up sooner rather than later.
Our order book for summer is still open — so let’s make magic
➡️ Contact us to start your design https://wa.me/447507164810
➡️ Or slide into our DMs @dollsofdecadence
Until next time xx
Paulinah
