As a royal fashion writer, I am constantly on the hunt for elevated occasionwear that looks expensive without commanding a hefty price tag. So when I spotted this butter yellow Club L London dress, which immediately reminded me of one of Princess Catherine’s most elegant Wimbledon looks, I knew it deserved a place in my wardrobe. After wearing it to The Grand National last month, I can confidently say it is one of the most flattering and pretty occasion dresses I have tried this season.
With race season in full swing and wedding invitations continuing to land on doormats, finding a dress that feels elegant, chic and genuinely versatile can be easier said than done. But this Club L London design ticks every box. Better still, butter yellow remains one of the biggest fashion trends of the year, and there is no sign of it disappearing any time soon.
The Princess of Wales, 44, has long championed soft pastel shades, and has frequently favoured bouclé-inspired designs from luxury labels such as Self-Portrait, where similar styles often cost several hundred pounds. This dress taps perfectly into that polished, timeless aesthetic, while offering a far more affordable way to recreate the look.
What immediately caught my eye was the beautifully structured bodice. Crafted from premium bouclé-inspired fabric, it feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests and, importantly, doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest. I chose to wear it as a bandeau style for a more contemporary feel, though detachable straps are included for those wanting a little extra support.
Gold button detailing and a matching waist belt elevate the look even further, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette and a polished, tailored finish. The flowing pleated midi skirt is where the dress really comes into its own, moving beautifully as you walk and adding the sort of effortless elegance often seen in the Princess of Wales’s most memorable summer outfits.
I got so many compliments on this look – it’s still in stock now, and available in sizes 6 to 16.
While the butter yellow version feels perfect for race season and summer events, but it also comes in white. For brides-to-be planning a bridal shower, engagement party, hen celebration or all-white event, it offers the same elegant silhouette in a fresh bridal-ready shade.