What to Wear to Royal Ascot

Words by Eleanor Hibberd and Sophia Miller

Dreaming of a My Fair Lady moment at the races? Navigating the Royal Ascot dress codes can be a daunting prospect, but the possibilities are plentiful once you’ve grasped the basic dos and don’ts. From elegant midi dresses by Alessandra Rich and Zimmermann to fashion-forward suiting at Liberowe and sculptural millinery by way of Maison Michel and Rachel Trevor-Morgan, here’s everything you need for a stylish day at the races.

At the historic and most formal heart of the event, hemlines should fall just above the knee or longer, midriffs must be covered and straps should have a width of one inch or greater – any form of strapless or halter neckline is not allowed (though open backs do fall within the rules). If you’re not keen on dresses, full-length jumpsuits and trouser suits of matching material and colour are welcome, too. And let’s not forget the headwear; Royal Ascot’s unofficial millinery show garners as much interest as the races themselves. Hats, headpieces or hatinators with a solid base diameter of at least four inches must be worn – meaning certain fascinators are not permitted.

At the vibrant, fashion-orientated Queen Anne Enclosure, the dress code is less strict than that of the Royal Enclosure, with no minimum hemline enforced – though a level of formality is still expected from every racegoer. For example, midriffs must still be covered, trousers and jumpsuits should be full-length, and strapless necklines (including Bardot and one shoulder) are not permitted – nor are transparent materials. Hats and headpieces of any size are essential, including fascinators, which are welcome in this area.

This buzzing trackside area adheres to the same dress code as the Queen Anne Enclosure – though the festival-inspired atmosphere and grassy grounds invite a smaller hat size and more practical wedges or kitten heels in place of stilettos.

Stationed at the heart of the action, the Windsor Enclosure benefits from a laid-back approach with no official dress code in place – though attendees are encouraged to dress in smart daywear with a hat, fascinator or headband.