There will always be bastions of tradition in UK horse racing and somewhere that will never bow down to external pressures is Royal Ascot.
Formal dress, as well as horse racing betting, is an integral part of the whole pomp and ceremony of the Royal meeting and scenes from its five days of hobnobbing are beamed around the world.
Foreign audiences cannot get enough of it and the socialites thrive on it. You do have to admit though, it does look good and is all incredibly British, even if a tad eccentric in many respects.
Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different dress code. While the fashion rules and regulations won't impact Royal Ascot tips at all, we're here to explore the Royal Ascot dress codes below:
Royal Enclosure (Exclusive Area)
Do patrons have to wear a hat?
A hat or headpiece with a solid base of 4 inches in diameter is mandatory in the Royal Enclosure.
Fascinators are not permitted. Novelty hats (i.e. ones which are excessively oversized, or are promoting or marketing any product or brand) are not permitted.
What constitutes a novelty waistcoat or top hat?
Novelty waistcoats are defined as including slogans, phrases or promotional messaging, or featuring the likes of cartoon imagery. Although such designs are not permitted, patterned waistcoats and those of a patriotic nature are welcome.
Any top hat that is customised, for example with coloured ribbons, feathers or bands, or is any colour other than black or grey is not permitted within the Royal Enclosure.
Can top hats be removed?
Top hats may be removed within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s private betting terrace, balcony or garden.
Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
Queen Anne Enclosure
Do you need to wear a tie?
Yes, a standard necktie must be worn. Bow ties and cravats are NOT permitted.
How long is a skirt or dress required to be?
There is no maximum length required in this enclosure.
Do socks need to be worn?
Yes, socks covering the ankle must be worn when wearing a full length trouser.
Village Enclosure
We are attending as part of a stag/hen party, can we wear sashes, badges, tiaras and hats etc?
Ascot Racecourse do not allow any items relating to stag and hen parties for Royal Ascot as this would be considered novelty clothing.
How long is my skirt or dress required to be?
There is no maximum length required in this enclosure.
Windsor Enclosure
Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, patrons are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.
A hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged along with a jacket and collared shirt.
Royal Ascot Fashion In The Future
In 2024, for the first time in its entire history, Ascot Racecourse announced the appointment of a creative director.
Cheshire born Daniel Fletcher, 33, is responsible for the creation of the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which often inspires racegoers' outfits.
Fletcher is known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern gender-fluid clothes.
His Spring/Summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women so there may come a time in the near future when the racecourse has to rewrite its own fashion rules.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
