and we are so ready for some sunshine.

Dressing for a heatwave is no mean feat; it can be particularly hard if you have a formal event to go to, like a wedding or party.

Someone who knows about this fashion problem is the Princess of Wales, who often frequents outdoor events in the blistering heat, from overseas royal tours to Wimbledon.

One event that the future Queen always looks resplendent at is Royal Ascot, and on two occasions, she sported strikingly similar lace dresses that may appear rather constricting but actually aren’t, due to a slightly see-through hem.

A ‘naked’ dress or hem gives the illusion of bare skin with panelling, transparent fabric, or tasteful touches of detail such as appliqués or lace.

In 2016, Kate looked ethereal in white for her Ascot debut. The then-Duchess of Cambridge played it safe, donning a simple yet stunning Dolce & Gabbana lace ensemble.

It wasn’t the first time the royal had worn the Italian fashion house, having worn the same dress at the Royal Windsor Horse Show just one month before. Ensuring her look fitted with the festivities, the brunette royal added a £1,050 Una hat by Jane Taylor millinery. She paired her look with a cream clutch and delicate pearl drop earrings.

The midi dress fell just past the knee, and when she was photographed, the lace inserts revealed her legs, allowing air ventilation to ensure she kept cool.

One year later, the Princess paid homage to her fairytale wedding gown in a bridal-white lace dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

She paired it with a feather-adorned cocktail hat and pearl earrings, keeping it simple, much like her look the year before. It’s the only time the royal has worn a knee-length dress to Royal Ascot, preferring full-length options in the years to come. This dress had a slightly graduated hem that looked slightly transparent in certain lights.