Royal Ascot kicks off on June 18, and with it comes five days of horse racing, star-spotting and elegant style.
Attended by the royals, Ascot is a highlight of both the racing and the social calendars, and it’s a major fashion event in its own right – with an infamously strict dress code.
Rules on attire vary depending on which enclosure you have tickets for (from the ultra-smart Royal Enclosure where morning suits are mandatory, through to the Windsor enclosure where dress codes are only a “recommendation”) and each year Ascot make revisions to its requirements.
In 2017 women were permitted to wear jumpsuits for the first time, and last year it was decreed that all men must wear socks.
This year no such major changes have been made (although there are some small tweaks to the rules), but if you are planning on attending, might we suggest a refresher?
Read on for our highlights from this year's Ascot style guide, so that whether you’re in the Royal or the Village enclosure, you’ll avoid any awkward 'you can't come in here' moments at the door.
Women
Dresses and skirts must be knee length
No matter which enclosure you're in, to be safe, make sure your ensemble falls below the knee, or just above.
This is a must for the majority of the enclosures, but the more casual Windsor Enclosure does state: "While no formal dress code applies here, we encourage racegoers to dress for the occasion". In plain speak, dress smart and maybe throw on a hat for good measure.
It's also worth stating that fancy dress, replica shirts, novelty and branded clothing are also not allowed.
Jumpsuits are a go-go
Back in 2017, Ascot made the surprising decision to add jumpsuits to the bill for the first time.
"The inclusion of jumpsuits as part of the Royal Enclosure dress code recognises our customers’ fashion-forward taste and reflects our awareness of seasonal trends," said Julie Slot, Commercial Director at Ascot at the time.
For 2019, they're also allowing shorter, culotte-style jumpsuits, provided they come below the knee. Whichever style you go for, no midriff should be on show.
Suits are also allowed (yay!)
"Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length to the ankle and of matching material and colour."
Shorts however are not permitted in any enclosure.
Do not wear strapless styles
Yep, all those trendy off-the-shoulder styles are a no-no.
Ascot has strict policies about straps, and whether it's a top, jumpsuit or dress, it cannot be a strapless silhouette. This includes all off-the-shoulder, bardot and one-shoulder styles.
If you're in the Royal Enclosure, then the dress code stipulates that "dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater," and halter necks and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
Fascinators are NOT allowed
This year Ascot has stepped up its hat game, meaning that most fascinators will no longer be allowed in the Royal Enclosure.
The rules state that those in the top tiered enclosure must wear a headpiece "which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more".
However, if you are in the Village or Queen Anne enclosure, there is no stipulation on headgear size. However, whatever is on your head still has to be worn at all times. If you're in the Windsor enclosure then a hat or fascinator is "recommended" but not a requirement.
Men
Colour is not allowed
You can wear colour in abundance in the Queen Anne and Village enclosures but, it should be noted that "gentlemen are required to wear a full-length trouser suit with collared shirt and tie. In the Queen Anne enclosure your jacket and trousers must be of the same colour and pattern, and you can only wear a tie. In the Village enclosure there is no stipulation that your jacket need match your trousers, and bow ties and cravats are also permitted.
If you're in the Royal Enclosure, it's a colour-free zone and only grey or black morning suits and grey or black top hats are allowed. These must be accessorised with black shoes worn with socks.
Don't want to splash out on an ensemble? We recommend hiring a morning suit or top hat from Oliver Brown in Chelsea.
Jeans are not allowed
Jeans are best avoided whatever enclosure you're in. If you're in the Village or Windsor enclosure you can get away with cotton trousers, but note that if you're in the Queen Anne enclosure, chinos are forbidden. Only suits allowed.
Socks are a must
The rules at Royal Ascot get stricter each year, and 2018 was the year that Ascot's powers that be decreed that all men must wear socks.
Yes, you heard correctly: no socks, no entry. Regardless of whether you're in the Royal Enclosure or not, you can be refused entry if you turn up with bare feet inside your shoes.
And don't go thinking you'll get away with trainer socks... the guidelines state that "socks should cover the ankle."
Should you forget, Ascot has a selection on socks on-hand to lend if needs be.
