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Gemma Owen wore a high street dress to Ascot and it looked designer with just one small tweak


Former Love Island star Gemma proved you don't have to spend thousands on a races look...


Gemma Owen wearing Karen Millen at ascot© Instagram

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Leanne Bayley
Leanne BayleyDirector of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: June 20, 2025
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Gemma Owen looked ever so regal as she arrived at Royal Ascot races this week, opting for a dress that's a high-street buy AND it's on sale. 

With the heatwave in full swing here in the UK, former Love Island star Gemma dressed for the occasion in a fabulous light coloured dress which she made a small tweak, switching out the belt that's provided with the dress for a designer one - elevating the look even more. 

  • Gemma Owen attended Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2025.
  • She wore the Karen Millen structured midi dress, currently on sale with 20% off.
  • The former Love Island star received praise from fans describing her look as "classy" and "elegant". 

Karen Millen was the brand of choice for Gemma, who opted for the Tailored Structured Crepe Roll Neck Pencil Midi Dress, costing just £159.20. It's currently selling like hot cakes, but it's also available in black and camel as well. 

Gemma Owen at Ascot wearing a Karen Millen dress© Instagram
Gemma Owen showed off her regal outfit for Ladies Day

The 22-year-old posted a video of herself getting dressed for the occasion, accessorising with tan accessories, including a Hermes skinny belt (this £60 Reiss belt is a perfect lookalike), a pair of £189 shoes from Ralph Lauren and a Lalage Beaumont 'Maya Midi Dolomite' bag. Her gorgeous hat was designed by Anna Wang and her £9,700 knot bangle was by Boodles. Just stunning. 

View post on Instagram
 

Gemma had lots of praise on her Instagram account. One fan wrote: "Beautiful Gemma. Love the Karen Millen outfit gorgeous you look a picture of elegance." Another added: "Always the most stylish girl. You look stunning as ever."

EXACT MATCH: Karen Millen Tailored Structured Crepe Roll Neck Pencil Midi Dress

Karen Millen dress© Karen Millen

Gemma's hair and makeup complemented the dress perfectly, and keeping her hair up was weather appropriate too.

Karen Millen is a great destination for occasion wear dressing - in fact, Carla on the team has compiled her list of top occasion dresses you can find on the website right now. If you love bright colour or cool prints, you'll definitely find a dress that's perfect for you. 

Gemma Owen's bag for the occasion is medium size and is perfect for anything from everyday to special occasions© Instagram
Gemma Owen's bag for the occasion is medium size and is perfect for anything from everyday to special occasions

How to style Gemma's dress in real life

Gemma proves that little tweaks make a big difference when it comes to occasion dressing. I love that she switched up the belt provided for a designer belt instead - something we can all do (even if we just swap it for a cheaper alternative!). 

Switching out the belt made a huge difference© Instagram
Switching out the belt made a huge difference

It also turned into the perfect opportunity to add tan to her look, matching her shoes and her handbag. Gemma is a fan of matching her accessories, and so am I. 

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