Kara Goodley is one half of fashion and lifestyle agency Goodley Bullen PR, along with Nazer Bullen. Following a job in advertising and a brief stint at British Vogue, she founded the eponymous agency in 2002. She has been working with Royal Ascot for the past six years, helping to define and modernise the annual event’s revered dress code. Few are as well versed in hats, hemlines and social etiquette as Goodley, whose own style is wonderfully eclectic with a penchant for prints and bold accessories.
Kara Goodley is one half of fashion and lifestyle agency Goodley Bullen PR. Following a job in advertising and a brief stint at British Vogue, she and Nazer Bullen founded their eponymous agency in 2002. She has been working with Royal Ascot for the past six years, helping to define and modernise the annual event’s revered dress code. Few are as well versed in hats, hemlines and social etiquette as Goodley, whose own style is wonderfully eclectic with a penchant for prints and bold accessories.
Why do you love this look? This suit is so chic and easy to wear. When I am working, I need clothes that not only look fantastic but allow me to be comfortable and at ease. You can also wear each piece separately, making it hugely versatile, while the colour really lifts you.
Why do you love this look? This suit is so chic and easy to wear. When I am working, I need clothes that not only look fantastic but allow me to be comfortable and at ease. You can also wear each piece separately, making it hugely versatile, while the colour really lifts you.
How do you select your accessories? I love all accessories and they help elevate an outfit to occasionwear level. There is that famous quote from [the film] Steel Magnolias – “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorise”. For this look, I chose bangles by Monica Vinader and a belt by Tara Jarmon, which I reach for time and time again; it is one of my most useful belts. Structured, architectural accessories really enhance this sort of look, which has quite a loose silhouette. I love gold, black and white; it’s very chic and offers a modern interpretation of that seventies, Bianca Jagger vibe.
What footwear do you recommend for an event like Ascot? Wear a block heel because there is a lot of grass, and don’t be afraid to wear flats. A flat shoe can make an outfit really modern, as well as being extremely comfortable.
How do you select your accessories? I love all accessories and they help elevate an outfit to occasionwear level. There is that famous quote from [the film] Steel Magnolias – “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorise”. For this look, I chose bangles by Monica Vinader and a belt by Tara Jarmon, which I reach for time and time again; it is one of my most useful belts. Structured, architectural accessories really enhance this sort of look, which has quite a loose silhouette. I love gold, black and white; it’s very chic and offers a modern interpretation of that seventies, Bianca Jagger vibe.
What footwear do you recommend for an event like Ascot? Wear a block heel because there is a lot of grass, and don’t be afraid to wear flats. A flat shoe can make an outfit really modern, as well as being extremely comfortable.
Why are jumpsuits such a great alternative to a dress? The jumpsuit is the easiest item of clothing known to women and the Walton is the most flattering I have ever worn. I have seen ladies in this jumpsuit in both their seventies and their twenties and it works on every age and body type. You really don’t have to think too much with a jumpsuit, it’s a straightforward, super-chic choice.
Why are jumpsuits such a great alternative to a dress? The jumpsuit is the easiest item of clothing known to women and the Walton is the most flattering I have ever worn. I have seen ladies in this jumpsuit in both their seventies and their twenties and it works on every age and body type. You really don’t have to think too much with a jumpsuit, it’s a straightforward, super-chic choice.
Where do you get your hats? As a nation, we have the finest milliners in the world; nobody makes hats like the Brits. We never get to wear hats these days so I like the excuse to wear a big, beautiful headpiece. I love Stephen Jones and Awon Golding, while stores like Fenwick, John Lewis and Debenhams offer a brilliant selection of hats at varying price points. I have known guests to buy quite a straight-forward hat and embellish it with trimmings from VV Rouleaux. My most memorable hat was a ginormous navy blue feathered hat by William Chambers, worn with a skirt and top by The Fold. I felt like a million bucks.
Where do you get your hats? As a nation, we have the finest milliners in the world; nobody makes hats like the Brits. We never get to wear hats these days so I like the excuse to wear a big, beautiful headpiece. I love Stephen Jones and Awon Golding, while stores like Fenwick, John Lewis and Debenhams offer a brilliant selection of hats at varying price points. I have known guests to buy quite a straight-forward hat and embellish it with trimmings from VV Rouleaux. My most memorable hat was a ginormous navy blue feathered hat by William Chambers, worn with a skirt and top by The Fold. I felt like a million bucks.
I love the silhouette that this dress gives me. It has a defined waist, with a lovely long length that is incredibly sophisticated. It’s not a shape I would usually wear, but for Ascot and formal occasions, I am drawn to a more fitted style.
Kara’s personal style…Day-to-day I wear longer dresses, a lot of patterns and print, and always with plenty of accessories.
On dressing up…We all like an excuse to dress up and as a nation, we like a dress code that is clear. Nothing brings horror like the term, smart casual. Is it smart or is it casual?
I love the silhouette that this dress gives me. It has a defined waist, with a lovely long length that is incredibly sophisticated. It’s not a shape I would usually wear, but for Ascot and formal occasions, I am drawn to a more fitted style.
Kara’s personal style…Day-to-day I wear longer dresses, a lot of patterns and print, and always with plenty of accessories.
On dressing up…We all like an excuse to dress up and as a nation, we like a dress code that is clear. Nothing brings horror like the term, smart casual. Is it smart or is it casual?
Event handbag essentials… A hairbrush, a bright lipstick and multivitamins.
Conversation starters… Being British, you can always talk about the weather. Fashion is also a real talking point, especially at Royal Ascot.
What advice I’d give my younger self… I know it’s such a cliché, but don’t sweat at the small stuff. Do something you love; don’t be afraid to take risks; embrace every opportunity and just enjoy.
Event handbag essentials… A hairbrush, a bright lipstick and multivitamins.
Conversation starters… Being British, you can always talk about the weather. Fashion is also a real talking point, especially at Royal Ascot.
What advice I’d give my younger self… I know it’s such a cliché, but don’t sweat at the small stuff. Do something you love; don’t be afraid to take risks; embrace every opportunity and just enjoy.
Interview: Mhairi Graham
Photography: Kate Booker
Accessories: Kara’s own
Hats worn throughout: Awon Golding
