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Ascot made easy: Your no-fuss guide to race-day dressing
Master the art of following the dress code in style
Heading to Royal Ascot is just as much about fashion as it is racing. Over the years, the racing ground has become a catwalk for stylish dresses, sharp suits and showstopping hats.
Racing aside, Ascot is a fashion event in its own right and is a great opportunity to wear something fabulous. However, there are certain rules that Ascot-goers must abide by (and it can often feel overwhelming!).
But don’t worry, we’ve made Ascot dressing simple. Here, we run through the rules you should follow when attending the races — and how to look great while doing so. From Next to Hobbs, we’ve handpicked the 10 chicest Ascot-friendly pieces that you can buy today.
Be aware of Ascot’s strict dress code
While race-day fashion has taken the reins at Ascot, the venue still retains a strict dress code. Regulations range from skirt lengths and strap widths to hat diameters, which all have their own guidelines.
The official Royal Ascot dressing guide states that dresses and skirt ‘should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer’, while straps on dresses and tops should have ‘straps of one inch or greater’. Meanwhile, trouser suits are welcome but should be of ‘full length and of matching material and colour’, while jackets and pashminas can be worn.
The dressing guide adds that strapless, off-the-shoulder and halterneck dresses or those with spaghetti straps are not permitted, and midriffs must be covered.
These rules vary from arena to arena, to keep it simple we’ve put together a fuss-free guide for each venue.
Royal Enclosure
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater; jackets and pashminas may be worn; trouser suits are welcome. Hats should be worn – a headpiece which has a base of 4in (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
Queen Anne Enclosure
A hat or headpiece should be worn at all times. Strapless or sheer-strap dresses and tops are not permitted. Trousers must be full-length. Midriffs must be covered. Shorts are not permitted.
Village Enclosures
Ladies should dress for a smart occasion. A hat or headpiece should be worn at all times. Strapless or sheer-strap dresses and tops are not permitted. Trousers must be full-length. Jumpsuits must fall below the knee and adhere to strapline regulations. Midriffs must be covered. Shorts are not permitted.
Hats
Hats are a major talking point of Ascot. The official dressing guide states that hats ‘should be worn’; however headpieces with a ‘solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat’.
When you’re shopping for your hat, we’d recommend taking your outfit with you (including shoes) and trying it all on in front of a full-length mirror to see how the outfit looks as a whole.
The best dresses to wear to Ascot this year
As it’s an official sponsor of Royal Ascot, you can’t go wrong with LK Bennett. Modern yet timeless, this dress pairs a vintage floral pattern with a luxurious silk blend shimmer fabric.
Elegant, effortless and surprisingly affordable – you’d never guess that this dress is under £100. The stunning cape detail is sure to steal the show. Available in five rich colours.
Whenever you’re on the hunt for a dress, you can always count on Nobody’s Child. With an elegant V-neck, balloon sleeves, a beautifully fitted waist and a body-skimming A-line skirt, what’s not to love?
Crafted from pure silk, this dress looks and feels like luxury. Lightweight and fluid, it’ll glide with your every step. Plus it comes with a matching tie for a chic finishing touch.
Not a dress person? Try opting for an elegant jumpsuit instead. Phase Eight’s tux-inspired jumpsuit would make for a perfectly tailored look at Ascot.
Romantic florals, a high neckline, a fitted bodice and a full skirt make this dress a beautifully flattering but modest choice for Ascot.
Marks & Spencer Linen-Rich Printed Square-Neck Midaxi Dress
You can always count on M&S. This linen-rich dress feels charming and effortless. The square neckline and voluminous puff sleeves create a feminine and romantic flair.
Another alternative option to a full-length gown is a three-piece suit. Reiss’s linen-blend option feels fresh and summery: laid-back elegance personified. Complete the look with the matching suit trousers and waistcoat.
Butter yellow has made its way into all of our wardrobes this year, so why not Ascot, too? With structured shoulders, a flattering V-neck and a body-skimming silhouette, the beauty of this dress lies in its simplicity.
Cefinn’s sellout Mirabel dress is back, and you don’t want to miss it. The contoured cut and carefully positioned frills make for a flattering fit on everyone. Plus, the subtle gold fil coupé detailing will be sure to catch the light with every step.
Hobbs always delivers timeless and elegant styles that are perfect for events such as Ascot. With this dress, the florals are cleverly placed to shape and flatter the silhouette. Genius!
Monsoon perfectly describes this dress as ‘tiers of joy’. The body-skimming silhouette feels sophisticated, while the delicate ruffles add a touch of whimsy.
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