Britain’s most talked about race meeting kicks off on the 14th of June. Attracting many of the world’s greatest racehorses to compete for more than £6 million in prize money, the Royal Ascot is long seen as a spectacle of fashion and style, concerning itself with what people wear almost as much as the racing. Wonder what to wear to Royal Ascot this year? We have put together a short dress code guide and selected an edit of dresses and accessories that will certainly make you the fashion race winner.
Royal Ascot Dress Code Guide
Royal Ascot:
Ready, steady, go!
But first, a little bit of history… Royal Ascot’s famously inflexible dress code loosened up back in 2017, when jumpsuits were permitted in the Royal Enclosure for the first time. This was a big deal. The last time Royal Ascot bent the rules, it was regarding trouser suits, which were finally permitted for ladies in 1971. Still, there are fashion flash points to look out for: the current rules stipulate that skirt hems must be just above the knee or longer; shoulder straps should be minimum one inch wide; and head pieces must have a solid base of four inches or more.
Our personal piece of advice? Swap your heels for flats - you would rather avoid sinking into freshly cut grass.
Stripe it up
For an event like Ascot, too short doesn’t feel special enough (plus, according to the dress code, it needs to hit the knee) and too long is just impractical; a midi length dress is the perfect option. Add some colour to our Jonathan Simkhai striped dress with the statement fuchsia YSL clutch and matching Chanel sandals. Finish the look with a subtle Chanel hair clip that can be also useful for keeping your hat in place. Voila!
Pinktastic
We are very much into suiting, and our Racil tuxedo in vivid amaranth will work perfectly for a summer’s day. We would pair it with Gianvito Rossi glitter pumps, Christian Dior pink floral silk scarf (that you can tie around your bag) and Chloé tinted shades. Remember - pink is always in fashion.
Classic Enclosure
Sometimes it's better to go the simple route when it comes to the dress at least – in a plain neutral you’re guaranteed to stand out in a crowd of colour and print. Add some fun and character with the accessories: lady-like striped Adean handbag, Gianvito Rossi burgundy heels in suede and classic Chanel costume jewellery pearl necklace.
Let's go mono
Event-dressing-related observation: sometimes you just need to keep it simple. We would keep everything monochromatic with great detailing: pair the light-knit grey Vicedomini dress with the stunning Antonio Berardi embellished black coat with puffy sleeves, white Louis Vuitton pumps and the statement Miu Miu Cloqué bag with crystals.
"When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have"
Winston Churchill
