Bet on the right dress for Royal Ascot
What you wear to Royal Ascot is as important as what you win at this world-famous race meet. This key social event in the British sporting calendar is not only a showground for some of the most brilliant racehorses in the world but also a fashion parade for racegoers.
Ascot demands dressy daywear – whatever type of ticket you may have purchased be warned that dress codes must be strictly adhered to. The racecourse does have a right to refuse entry if people are not suitably attired.
So – what should you wear? As usual, for men, it's easy. A smart suit and tie is the norm but top hat and tails ( black or grey morning dress) is required if you are in the Royal Enclosure.
For ladies – it's a whole different matter. For guests entering the Royal Enclosure – there are rules as to how much flesh is exposed. Not a bad thing as the flat landscape of Ascot often allows a chilly wind to whip up across the course. Heed this advice from someone who went last year and only took a pashmina for warmth!
Bear in mind that dresses that are off-the-shoulder, halter-neck or have spaghetti straps or straps thinner than one inch are not considered suitable. Miniskirts are also frowned on as is exposing your midriff!
The answer is a formal outfit – dress and bolero jacket ideally. It is advisable to go to a special occasion boutique to find such outfits. If you buy from the high street, you run the risk of seeing lots of other women in the same dress as you. Nightmare!
Check out modern special occasion designers such as John Charles, Condici, Presen, Veni Infantino or for brilliant value for money ( dress and jacket for under £200) take a look at designers Michaela Louisa and Tina Taylor.
Not only will these outfits tick all the dress regulation boxes but will also look fantastic with a hat or headpiece – another essential part of the Ascot attire. Note that a hat or "substantial" fascinator must be worn in the Royal Enclosure. Forget about just a few feathers on your head and consider hatinators – a hybrid between a hat and a fascinator. Designers such as Nigel Rayment, LJ Designs and Vivien Sheriff (Princess Kate wears a lot of her headpieces) make some amazing headwear and these are often colour-co-ordinated to special occasion outfits.
Rules also apply as to when you take your hat off in the Royal Enclosure. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility's terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
If you're not in the Royal Enclosure, dress codes still apply. Smart daywear is a must for Premier admission ticket holders and although no formal dress code applies for Grandstand ticket holders, Royal Ascot encourage people to dress smartly for this major event. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country or Service dress but fancy dress is not allowed during Royal Ascot week. And finally, don't forget – a big handbag to take home all your winnings!
Royal Ascot runs from 14th to Saturday 18th June.
