Ascot's strict 2020 dress code is here
As the racing season begins to rear up, ensure you don’t fall at the fashion hurdle with help from Royal Ascot and all the style inspo you need in the form of their annual style guide.
The height of the British racing calendar, Ascot (which this year falls between Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th June) is the event by which all others are measured against in terms of style. And with the well-to-do in racing circles, celebrities and royal family in attendance, it’s important to avoid those fashion faux pas.
Sustainable fashion is laced throughout the style guide, from brands that put ethical and green values at the heart of the business or reselling sites breathing new life into pre-loved garments and accessories. Featured looks in this year’s style guide include designs from Rouland Mouret, Christopher Kane, Temperley London and Ted Baker.
Pastels and florals are some of the key trends, with hats and headpieces remaining the crowning accessory everyone will talk about. For gentlemen, classic tailoring can take you anywhere, with light summer suits and playful ties come to the forefront of formal wear and new for 2020 navy morning dress is now acceptable in all Enclosures.
If Royal Ascot is down on your social calendar this year, read over the below style rules to ensure you’re the style icon your Instagram photos deserve.
GENERAL STYLE RULES
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer
Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater
Jackets and pashminas are permitted but must be worn over dresses and tops to comply with the dress code inside the Royal Enclosure
Trouser suits are allowed but should be of full length and matching colour and material
Jumpsuits are welcome but should be of full-length to the ankle, with regulations matching that for dresses
Hats should be worn; but a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or greater in diameter is an acceptable alternative
Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted
Midriffs must be covered
The Royal Ascot Style Guide is well-known for predicting some of the key trends for summer, so get your pens (/screenshots) at the ready as you peruse the style guide and read up on each specific enclosure's dress code...
THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer
Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater
Jackets and pashminas are permitted but must be worn over dresses and tops to comply with the dress code inside the Royal Enclosure
Trouser suits are allowed but should be of full length and matching colour and material
Hats should be worn; but a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or greater in diameter is an acceptable alternative
Halter neck, strapless, off the shoulder and spaghetti straps are strictly not permitted
Midriffs must be covered
Fascinators and headpieces without a base of 4 inches (10cm) are not permitted
QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer
Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater
Jackets and pashminas are permitted but must be worn over dresses and tops to comply with the dress code inside the Royal Enclosure
Trouser suits are allowed but should be of full length and matching colour and material
Hats should be worn; but a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or greater in diameter is an acceptable alternative
A hat, fascinator or headpiece should be worn at all times
Strapless/sheer strap top or dresses are not permitted, this includes off-the-shoulder, bardot and one shoulder items
Trousers must be full length and comply with the above guidelines
Midriffs should be covered
Shorts are not permitted
VILLAGE ENCLOSURE
Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer
Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater
Jackets and pashminas are permitted but must be worn over dresses and tops to comply with the dress code inside the Royal Enclosure
Trouser suits are allowed but should be of full length and matching colour and material
A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be worn at all times
Strapless, sheer dresses and tops are not permitted
Trouser suits must be full-length, jumpsuits must fall below the knee and should adhere to the strap line regulations above
Midriffs must be covered
Shorts are not acceptable
WINDSOR ENCLOSURE
Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, you are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. It is recommended that ladies wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
1. Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
2. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn.
3. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
4. Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
5. Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses.
6. Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
1. Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
2. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn.
3. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
4. Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
5. Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses.
6. Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
1. Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
2. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn.
3. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
4. Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
5. Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses.
6. Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.
QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE
1. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
2. Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder.
3. Trouser suits must be full-length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above.
4. Midriffs must be covered.
5. Shorts are not permitted.
QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE
1. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
2. Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder.
3. Trouser suits must be full-length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above.
4. Midriffs must be covered.
5. Shorts are not permitted.
VILLAGE ENCLOSURE
1. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
2. Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder.
3. Trouser suits must be full-length, and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above.
4. Midriffs must be covered.
5. Shorts are not permitted.
VILLAGE ENCLOSURE
1. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
2. Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless necklines include off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder.
3. Trouser suits must be full-length, and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above.
4. Midriffs must be covered.
5. Shorts are not permitted.
WINDSOR ENCLOSURE
Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, you are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. It is recommended that ladies wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator.
WINDSOR ENCLOSURE
Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, you are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. It is recommended that ladies wear smart attire with a hat or fascinator.
