COMPLYING WITH THE DRESS CODE: ROYAL ASCOT RACES

Bookmarked as one of the summer’s most prestigious sporting occasions, Royal Ascot is a flurry of racing competition and impeccable dress. The four-day event is loved for its fashion as much as its horse racing and is not one to take lightly when it comes to choosing what to wear. Traditionally, a strict dress code ensued, with women expected to wear a hat as well as complying to regulatory dress requirements. Today, this still stands for certain ticket holders, but there are varying degrees of expectation depending on your entry pass. Here, we look at the rules surrounding each and offer suggestions on how best to ensure you’re styled appropriately on the day. Here, we look at the rules surrounding each and offer suggestions on how best to ensure you’re styled appropriately on the day.

Heather dress, Kami dress, Rebbie dress

THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE

THE RULES:

Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling no higher that just above the knee

Shoulder straps should be at leach an inch wide

Trouser suits are welcome but should be full length

Hats or headpieces with a solid base should be worn

THE STYLE:

Dresses are the clear favourite when it comes to appropriate Royal Enclosure attire as this is the area and dress code that continues to stay true to tradition, even now. Demure yet contemporary, our picks from the SS16 collection tick all the requirements whilst also referencing the season’s colour and texture trends. The result is sure to be something ladylike enough to slot into your surroundings but that you’ll also want to wear to summer’s other upcoming red letter days.

Tarquin dress, Reale blazer, Reale trousers

THE QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE

THE RULES:

A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times

Strapless or sheer strap dresses are not permitted

Trousers must be full length

Midriffs must be covered

Shorts are not permitted

THE STYLE:

Those dressing for the Queen Anne enclosure will enjoy slightly more relaxed style notes than the Royal Enclosure guests, perhaps allowing for a little more creativity when it comes to styling. Suiting makes for a modern alternative to the dress and will prove to be a particularly impactful choice when cut to a sharp, tailored silhouette. Soft, pastel hues keep the look feminine and strictly out of office.

Lola silk shirt, Stary skirt, Haidee dress

THE WINDSOR ENCLOSURE

THE RULES:

Sports shirts are not permitted

Formal dress code is encouraged

THE STYLE:

If you’re entering the Windsor Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse this year, you’re entitled to almost complete freedom with what you choose to wear. Formal dress is encouraged, however, and you may be somewhat out of place if you choose casual styling, as in general, guests still make an effort to embrace the formal attire expected elsewhere. Try a skirt and top combination and don’t shy away from baring a little shoulder as the inch-wide strap doesn’t comply here.

Read more about the Royal Ascot Races dress code here