Style scandal alert! Billie Faiers has shocked her social media fans by sharing a photograph of herself at Royal Ascot… in a strapless dress. Her Instagram followers quickly quizzed her on how she managed to dodge the races' style police and slip into Ascot baring her shoulders – after all, the event's fashion guidelines have been widely reported on this year. No dresses above the knee, straps must be wider than one inch, full-length trouser suits only, hats obligatory and midriffs should be covered.
The Duchess of Sussex was pictured abiding by all these rules at Ascot this week in a chic white shirt dress and elegant hat. So how did Billie get away with her Bardot-style dress?
It appears it's all down to which enclosure you have tickets for. On Ascot's website, the event organisers have a detailed dress code for each separate enclosure and the requirements differ for each.
While the Royal, Queen Anne and Village Enclosures have strict style rules, the Windsor Enclosure is slightly more relaxed and requests its guests dress 'in a manner as befits a formal occasion', asking ladies to wear smart attire and a hat or fascinator. Aha! This could well be why Billie got into Ascot minus dress straps.
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Photo credit: Instagram / Billie Faiers
We have to admit, Billie did look glamorous in her Ascot dress by Lavish Alice and matching hat. On Instagram, she posted: "Royal ascot with my sweets @gregory_shep .... you always organise the best day ... whole outfit styled by @emilyrosemoloney #royalascot."
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Ascot 2018
One follower told her: "Looks fab but why Bardot dress, we were told not allowed." Another said: "How did you get away with a strapless dress??? Didn’t think they were allowed. You look stunning though! X"
There were more questions for Billie, as one fan said: "How does she get away with wearing this dress when dress code is so strict." One follower figured it out though, posing: "Must be in a different enclosure! I have seen a lot of shoulders and strappy tops though!!"