Royal Ascot Racecourse is one of the most iconic sporting events that has been part of British culture for hundreds of years. This five-day event combines sport, tradition, and fashion in a royal manner implementing a dress code to enhance the sense of the occasion and entice people to dress up for the event.

 The dress code is the number one rule that everybody should know when attending the Royal Ascot racehorse event. At Royal Ascot, the attire is strict, and a woman should not apply the concept of look-your-best, but she must follow the dress etiquette for this special event.

Royal Ascot dress code

Formal Daywear

Dresses & skirts

• Modest cut and length above or past the knee
• Bright colors, floral prints with long, flowy dresses

Dresses & Tops

• Modest necklines with straps wider than one inch
• Sleeves to cover the shoulders
• Cap sleeves are the most acceptable sleeve length

Headpieces

A hat, fascinator, or headband is a must-accessory.

Not permitted

• See-through fabrics or sheer materials
• Strapless, off-the-shoulders/Bardot, spaghetti straps, halter neck
• Crop tops, shorts, cut-outs, plunging necklines, and slits

Royal Enclosure

Formal Attire – Dress & Hat

Dress code

• The hem of the dress must be knee-length or longer, and the shoulders should be covered and must have a strap greater than one inch.
• The headpiece must be worn all the time and should have 4 inches in diameter.
• Do not wear strapless, halter-neck, off-the-shoulders dresses.
• Fascinators are not allowed in the royal enclosure.

Queen Anne Enclosure

Formal Daywear

Dress code

• Dress and hat uniform
• Trouser suit or separates but they should match color and pattern
• Jumpsuit should fall below the knee

Village Enclosure

Smart Attire

Dress code

• You can opt for the dress and hat uniform, ensuring that you do not have plunge décolleté and your shoulders are covered.
• The hem of the dress can be one inch above the knee.
• You can wear a trouser suit but must be full length, and make sure that the midriff region is covered.
• Smaller size hats are preferred.
• Do not wear dresses or tops with sheer straps or sleeves.

Windsor Enclosure

• No dress code is required, but the ideal is to adopt smart attire with a hat, fascinator, or headband.
• Do not wear sports clothes, or extravagant dresses, clothes with logos, trendy clothes.

Accessories

Headpieces

• Hats, fascinators, headbands are the essential pieces that can make or break the outfit.

• Wear stand-out pieces but make sure they coordinate with the outfit.

• Oversize hats and quirky headpieces are the centers of attention if you want to race for the best-dressed category.

Shoes – combine style with comfort

• Dressy shoes are a must, especially for Royal and Queen Anne enclosures. Opt for lower or chunkier heels.
• Shoe style: pumps, ankle strap with closed-toe or peep-toe.
• Sandals and wedges are the perfect choices for village and Windsor enclosures.
• Do not wear loafers or stilettos.

Handbags

• The Clutch is the most elegant and royal finishing touch.
• Preferably, the bags should be in small sizes.
• Styles: handle bag with removable strap that you can use when you need your hands to be free.

Layers

• Duster coats, boxy jackets add a chic and formal look while keeping your outfit dressy.
• Do not wear sporty jackets, denim, or leather that add a casual tone.

This event is all about elegance and refinement.

Find more information about hat etiquette here.

Related Articles

Sympathy card etiquette

Look your best while working from home

Style & Etiquette Training

How to Master the Art of Tonal Dressing