Maura Higgins has swapped her signature bombshell glamour for a more refined couture moment, stepping out at Royal Ascot 2026 in a custom Sabina Bilenko Couture gown that showcased a softer side of her style.
The Irish television personality, known for her confident red carpet looks and body-conscious silhouettes, became one of the standout fashion moments of Day 3 at Ascot Racecourse. Her ivory gown, dramatic hat and elegant gloves transformed her usual high-impact aesthetic into a sophisticated display of traditional occasion dressing.
Channelling the elegance of classic British fashion with a touch of My Fair Lady inspiration, Higgins proved that she can embrace timeless glamour while still maintaining the confidence and personality that have defined her public image.
Maura Higgins' Couture Transformation
Higgins' custom Sabina Bilenko Couture gown was built around structure, movement and drama. The ivory design featured a sculpted bodice, statement puff sleeves and a flowing skirt, creating a graceful silhouette that suited the formality of Royal Ascot.
She completed the look with over-the-elbow gloves and a wide-brimmed hat, two accessories that immediately elevated the outfit and reflected the traditional glamour associated with race-day dressing.
Rather than choosing the figure-hugging styles she is often known for, Higgins embraced a fuller, more romantic silhouette that focused on craftsmanship and shape. The result was a look that felt elegant and unexpected, marking a noticeable shift in her fashion evolution.
The choice of Sabina Bilenko Couture was also significant. The London-based couture house is recognised for its feminine designs, sculptural silhouettes and occasionwear creations that celebrate craftsmanship and individuality, qualities that perfectly align with Royal Ascot's fashion heritage.
From 'Love Island' Glamour to Couture Sophistication
Since rising to fame on Love Island in 2019, Higgins has become known not only for her television career but also for her evolving personal style.
Her early fashion identity was built around bold glamour, statement dresses and confident looks designed to command attention. Over the years, however, she has experimented with more polished tailoring, elegant gowns and designer pieces, gradually developing a more versatile approach to fashion.
Her Royal Ascot appearance highlighted that progression. Instead of relying on the revealing silhouettes often associated with her earlier style, Higgins embraced a more traditional form of elegance, one centred around proportion, detail and timeless dressing.
The transformation felt particularly fitting for Royal Ascot, an event where fashion plays almost as important a role as the racing itself. The annual event is famous for its strict dress codes, dramatic headwear and celebration of British occasionwear, making it one of the few places where bold couture dressing remains part of the tradition.
A Modern Take on Ascot Style
Before revealing her full outfit, Higgins teased fans with a black-and-white preview of her custom look, keeping the details hidden beneath her oversized hat.
When the final look was revealed, the styling created a strong contrast with her usual glamorous appearances. The combination of the ivory gown, gloves and statement headpiece gave her a classic, almost cinematic quality while still feeling modern.
The accessories played a major role in completing the transformation. The gloves added vintage sophistication, while the oversized hat provided the drama expected at one of Britain's most photographed fashion occasions.
Rather than simply following the traditional Ascot formula, Higgins balanced heritage dressing with her own confident style. The result was a look that felt polished, feminine and memorable without appearing costume-like.
A New Chapter in Maura Higgins' Fashion Journey
Higgins' Royal Ascot appearance reflects the wider evolution of celebrity fashion, where public figures are increasingly recognised for creating memorable style moments alongside established fashion personalities.
For Maura, the Sabina Bilenko Couture gown represented more than just a standout event outfit. It showed her ability to move beyond the glamorous image that first made her famous and embrace a more sophisticated fashion identity.
Her appearance at Ascot demonstrated that elegance can be just as powerful as glamour. By choosing couture craftsmanship, classic accessories and a dramatic silhouette, Higgins delivered a fashion moment that felt both respectful of tradition and true to herself.
At Royal Ascot 2026, Maura Higgins proved that style evolution is not about leaving behind the past—it is about showing there are many different ways to make an impact.
