EXCLUSIVE How I found the perfect outfit for Royal Ascot - with help from Kate Middleton's favourite designers

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Before my first-ever Royal Ascot last summer, I made a beeline for milliner Jess Collett in search of the perfect hat.
As someone who doesn't usually wear hats, I've never felt entirely comfortable in them - they rarely suit me, and I often feel self-conscious. But I knew Jess was the one to see.
After all, she's the creative force behind the exquisite headpieces worn by the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte at King Charles III's coronation. I was in expert hands.
Jess didn't just help me find the right design - she gave me a mini masterclass in styling, helping me understand which shapes and colours actually work for me.
So, ahead of this year's Ascot, returning to her Notting Hill studio was a no-brainer.
Jess recommends starting with your outfit, and I had already chosen the Liliana dress from Samantha Cameron's brand, Cefinn - a label also favoured by Catherine.
It has a demure silhouette with a flattering V-neckline, skimming fit and delicate ruffle details. However, it was the pale pink and red palm print - my most-loved colour combination - that really won me over.
Jess has teamed up with Cefinn on a capsule collection of hats designed to pair effortlessly with the clothing range.
The beauty of the collaboration is that the styling is already done for you - just choose your pieces and you're good to go.
We all know how daunting it can be to pull together a polished look for a high-profile event, particularly one with a strict dress code.
That's part of what drew me to this collection - it's made for women who want to feel confident and stylish without spending hours hunting for the right ensemble.
Jess' studio was just as magical as I remembered. A bright, welcoming space brimming with dreamy headpieces - from embellished headbands and chic pillboxes to dramatic feathered creations. A real treasure trove.
Her calm, easygoing nature instantly put me at ease, and she quickly pulled several styles she knew would complement my dress.
The standout? A piece she designed specifically for the Liliana: Rita. A scarlet polybraid straw boater with a red flower and burgundy trim. I was smitten.
It sits comfortably on a discreet hairband and is so lightweight, I barely noticed it.
We also tried on the Carmen, a wide-brimmed straw fedora adorned with a red flower that echoes the colours in the dress. Jess highlighted how the shape framed my face.
Other contenders included the Ingrid, a romantic veiled headband featuring floral details, and the Scarlet, a straw pillbox finished with a delicate veil and velvet blooms.
Jess shared a helpful tip: take photos and review them before making a final decision, which is exactly what we did.
While we both liked the Carmen, it didn't quite pop against the dress in images. There was a clear winner - and it had to be Rita.
Accessorised with a red pair of Steve Madden shoes, the entire outfit felt cohesive.
For this collection, Jess was keen to create hats with simple, wearable shapes that offer maximum versatility.
As she put it, her designs are intended to work across multiple outfits. For example, an emerald green lace boater pairs perfectly with a matching Cefinn dress, but would also add a striking contrast to my pink one.
It's all about giving women options. Jess and Samantha both understand their clientele - women who want elegance, ease and a little something special.
Styling, Jess says, is personal. Two women in the same dress may need completely different hats based on their face shape, complexion, hair or simply their personality.
That instinct is something she's honed - and this collection makes it easier than ever to find your match.
Outside of this collaboration, Jess' wider summer edit includes floppy sun hats and standout straw Baker boy caps - ideal for off-duty dressing or chic holiday lounging.
Whether you're heading to Royal Ascot or just in the mood to treat yourself, a visit to Jess' studio is as fun as it is fashionable.
Samantha Cameron's styling tips for Royal Ascot
Inspiration behind Cefinn's spring/summer 2025 collection
For Samantha Cameron, Founder and Creative Designer of Cefinn, every collection starts with one central figure in mind: the customer.
'I consider how she wants to look and feel and the stress points of her seasonal dressing,' Samantha explains. 'Summer can be so busy with weddings and parties as well as school, sporting or corporate events to navigate.'
This season, Cefinn responds with a versatile capsule of occasionwear - elevated, thoughtfully designed pieces that are easy to wear and style for a wide range of events.
The SS25 collection takes creative cues from the 1930s, a period Samantha describes as 'a gorgeous design era that embraced feminine fabrics, romantic silhouettes and vintage touches like a puffed sleeve or delicate frill detail.'
Expect flattering hemlines, bias cuts that drape beautifully over the body, and timeless prints that nod to old-world glamour with a modern edge.
Samantha's outfit formula for Royal Ascot
When dressing for high-profile, dress-coded events like Royal Ascot, Samantha relies on instinct and switches between two go-to outfit formulas:
A structured dress or co-ord in a luxe texture like lace or bold colour blocking.
A soft, feminine silhouette in a pretty floral or graphic print.
'To alleviate any 'do I look ok?' type anxiety, you must feel like yourself in your outfit,' she advises. 'And kitten heels are essential to be comfortable all day.'
Standout pieces from the collection
One of this season's bestsellers is the Rosie dress, offered in a vibrant hot pink and crimson colourway.
'The epitome of understated modern dressing,' says Samantha. 'It would work effortlessly for summer weddings or a corporate event.'
Made from Cefinn's signature drapey, machine-washable techni voile, it's crease-resistant and promises to look as polished at the end of the day as at the start.
Another hero look is the Jacquie blouse and skirt in corded lace, available in classic navy or emerald green.
'The boxy cut blouse with sheer elbow-length sleeves creates an easy but elegant silhouette when paired with the matching pencil midi skirt,' she notes. 'The beauty of a co-ord is that the pieces can be worn again separately for lots of other occasions!'
Then there's the Vivienne dress in green palm floral, crafted in floaty georgette with a cape sleeve and delicate ruffle details.
'An unashamedly feminine dress that ticks all the boxes,' Samantha says.
How to approach colour and print choices
When it comes to dressing for seasonal celebrations, Samantha says mood and setting should guide your choices - with a healthy dose of British weather realism.
'My own approach will be governed by my mood, but also with consideration to looking appropriate - and of course you need to think about the unpredictability of the British weather.'
Samantha's top tips for accessorising an outfit
Match accessories to fabric
'Consider the fabric of the dress when choosing accessories - a lighter fabric will pair better with daintier jewellery, while more graphic pieces can take bolder accessories.'
Keep footwear practical and polished
'I like to wear a heel for an evening event, but for all day it's definitely a pretty flat or a kitten heel.'
Let the print lead your palette
'Our prints usually have a white or black base to make them really easy to style with a co-ordinating bag or shoe that's already in your wardrobe.'