The countdown to racing’s chicest meet is on, and the Royal Ascot official style guide has been released to offer a helping hand for those wanting to get ahead with their outfit.
Cool-girl stylist Rachel Bakewell and fashion photographer Tung Walsh have come on board to help with suggestions on how to insert some personality into your look for this year’s event, which runs Tuesday 14– Saturday 18 June 2022.
And Bakewell has given us a who’s who of British designer brands to hit the race track with high-fashion flair.
“Royal Ascot is such an iconic moment in the fashion and sporting calendar,” she says. “This year we’ve really tried to shift the perception of what occasion dressing can be, using it as a form of self-expression, and pushing the boundaries in a more fashion forward direction.”
Your options will depend on the enclosure you’re visiting. For the Royal Enclosure, rules are strictest. Women are asked to wear dresses and skirts of modest length, meaning just below the knee or longer. Straps need to be inch or bigger (leave any slinky spaghetti tops behind), and trousers suits are accepted so long as they come in coordinated colour and fabric. And don’t forget the main event – you’ll need a hat or headpiece with a solid base of four inches plus.
For the men attending the Royal Enclosure, a black, grey or (as per last year’s rule change) navy morning dress must worn – which means the three piece suit and tie, black shoes (with socks!), and a black or grey top hat.
“With men’s dressing for the Royal Enclosure, it’s all about the top hat,” says Kristian Ferner-Robson of luxury tailor and hat retailer Oliver Brown. “Never tilted back, avoid tilting it forward, and it’s very polite to take it off when saying hello.” Take note.
Other enclosures include the Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure to the Windsor Enclosure, where there is no official dress code but attendees are encouraged to wear in smart daywear. To check the details of them all, see the full dress code rules here.
With the announcement of the new style guide a new photos come to spark inspiration. Actress and model Greta Bellamacina takes centre stage, wearing the wares of some of London Fashion Week’s big hitters. Lilac Simone Rocha gowns come with statement collars and tulle frills, while Bakewell says go bold with bit of evening wear in the day. “There are no rules as to why you shouldn’t wear metallic during the day,” she says. Her choice is a super sleek, silver The Vampire’s Wife dress, paired with some Roger Vivier pumps.
Last year, the racecourse requested all attendees to try second-hand garments for sustainable style. Despite the fact it has not been asked this year, it remains chic to stay conscious. The best way to get in on Bakewell’s catwalk suggestions on a budget is to go rental – and you will keep waste down too.
Head to the likes of By Rotation, Rotaro and Selfridges Rental to find a host of options counting Paco Rabanne, Rejina Pyo, Ganni and Rixo . “Occasions like Royal Ascot lend themselves perfectly to rental. Often occasion wear pieces are only worn once so a four day rental means you can enjoy an outfit without the environmental impact,” says Victoria Prew, founder of Hurr, another online go-to for borrowing. “Renting is a great way to discover new brands and experiment with styles without committing to purchase, whilst also accessing incredible luxury brands."
Time to have a browse, and get set for a special day.
