One of my favorite scenes in all of musical theater is Ascot opening day from My Fair Lady in which all the posh members of society don black-and-white gowns and matching over-the-top hats to watch the historic annual horse race in impeccable style. And after seeing Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s outfit choice for this year’s Royal Ascot, all I could think of was Eliza Doolittle—in the best way possible.
Duchess Sophie Turns Heads in Stunning Sheer White Dress and Sky-High Heels
Plus a Kate Middleton-approved handbag
Published Jun 21, 2024
•3:02pm
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Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
To celebrate the occasion, Duchess Sophie, wife of Prince Edward, opted for a sheer, long-sleeve gown by British designer Suzannah London. The dress featured a sheer tulle overlay dotted with lace applique flowers that add a touch of sweetness to the otherwise rather simple silhouette. Add to that a pair of nearly 4-inch heels and you’ve got yourself a pretty daring combination—at least by royal standards.
For her handbag, Sophie opted for a two-tone shoulder bag from the Kate Middleton-loved brand Strathberry. (P.S. The Crescent shoulder bag is currently 20 percent off, down from $795 to $636.) And, of course, what Royal Ascot outfit would be complete without a statement hat to top it all off?
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
The couple’s attendance at the Royal Ascot happened to land on same day as her and Edward’s 25th wedding anniversary, which perhaps explains the Duchess’s choice to dress in head-to-toe bridal white. In a message posted to the royal family’s official Instagram account the couple wrote, “We are so grateful for the many kind and lovely messages we have received on our Silver Wedding Anniversary. Wishing everyone who is celebrating their own anniversaries a special day too.” Cheers to the happy couple!
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