How to Dress Correctly For Royal Ascot
Created in partnership with The Royal Ascot
Royal Enclosure
This is where the dress code of ‘formal daywear’ is taken seriously, and the rules are at their most rigorous.
Dresses and skirts should be of a modest length falling just above the knee or longer.
Shoulder straps should be at least 1 inch (2.5cm), spaghetti straps are not permitted.
Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the shoulder strap requirements.
Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour.
Jumpsuits are welcome but they should fall below the knee and comply with shoulder strap requirements.
Hats should be worn – however a headpiece with a solid base of at least 4 inches (10cm) in diameter is an acceptable alternative. Fascinators are not permitted.
Girls aged between 10-17 should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ Dress Code, however, they may wear a headpiece or a fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restriction.
Strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, halter neck and bardot styles are not permitted.
Sheer fabrics are not permitted.
Visible midriffs are not permitted.
Queen Anne Enclosure
Ladies within these enclosures are required to dress in a manner ‘befitting of a formal occasion.’
A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps are permitted.
Lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length.
Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour.
Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements.
A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
Strapless and sheer dresses and tops are not permitted. This includes dardot, one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder styles.
Sheer fabrics are not permitted.
Visible midriffs are not permitted.
Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal daytime occasion. Hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.
The Village Enclosure
Ladies within the Village Enclosure are required to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion.
A dress or top and skirt with shoulder or halter neck straps are permitted.
Lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length.
Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour.
Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements.
A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
Strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder and bardot styles are not permitted.
Sheer fabrics are not permitted.
Visible midriffs are not permitted.
Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal daytime occasion. Hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.
Windsor Enclosure
Although no official dress code, ladies are encouraged to dress in smart daywear and a hat or fascinator is recommended.
With four enclosures to consider, each with slightly different rules, here's some outfit inspiration…
Elegant and chic, this ticks all the right boxes. The puff sleeves deliver just the right amount of drama, while the pink accessories add a fun pop of colour.
Noon Cream Satin Midi Dress, £350 | Rotate Birger Christensen
Whiteley Hats Jackie O Straw Pillbox Hat, £116.95 | Village Hats
Holli Groovy Crystal-Embellished Chainmail Bag, £845 | Rosantica
Camellia 90 Pleated-Lamé Sandals, £335 | Loeffler Randall
For a cool and effortless look that’s still Ascot appropriate, Anine Bing’s suit is spot on. Style it with a wide brimmed hat and elevated high-street accessories.
Donne Blazer, £660 | Anine Bing
Carrie Pant, £440 | Anine Bing
Blanche Straw Hat, £485 | Maison Michel
Pearl Bead Shaped Minaudiere, £45.99 | Zara
Mother Of Pearl Covered Leather Mules, £110 | & Other Stories
This Vampire's Wife dress nails the dress code but in a fashion-forward way. Tonal and gold accessories complete this polished look.
The Falconetti Metallic Wool-Blend Midi Dress, £1,695 | The Vampire's Wife
The Carrie Earrings, £120 | Heavenly London
Beulah Headband, £445 | Emily London
Athena Sunglasses, £175 | Aspinal Of London
Rope 80 Leather Sandals, £445 | Le Monde Beryl
Monochrome is timeless, sophisticated and always looks pulled together. A hint of silver ensures this look feels modern and cool.
Bouclé-Knit and Chiffon Midi Dress, £450 | Self Portrait
Cameron Small Crystal-Pavé Hoop Earrings, £530 | Amina Muaddi
Mirage Picture Hat, £1,250 | Hatters
Slingback Court Shoes, £59.99 | Mango
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