Royal Ascot is one of the most famous events in the British summer calendar, with thousands flocking to the racecourse each year for the highlight of ‘the season’. There are multiple grandstands and enclosures, and of course corporate boxes too, but the only one worth going to is the Royal Enclosure.
The enclosure is an exclusive haven of refinement away from the strapless dresses more suited to a night out, and therefore naturally comes with a very strict dress code. Gentlemen have it slightly more easy when it comes to what to wear to the Royal Enclosure – a mourning suit and top hat is the only option. Women, however, have a trickier time choosing an outfit, and so we’re here to help you decide on what to wear to the Royal Ascot Royal Enclosure with our complete guide.
Royal Ascot Dresses
Formal day-wear is required for ladies. Dresses and skirts must fall at the knee or past the knee, and dresses and tops should have a strap of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder/bardot, one shoulder, halter neck, and spaghetti straps are not allowed.
1. Botanical Patterned Dress – Alexander McQueen
2. Lace Pleated Shirt Dress – Burberry
3. Sleeveless Lace Pencil Dress – Karen Millen
4. Marlina Black and White Dress – LK Bennett
5. Felino Fitted Woven Dress – Max Mara
6. Isabel Yellow Silk Dress – LK Bennett
7. Reona Pleated Midi Dress – Maje
8. Floral Jacquard Midi Dress – Amanda Wakeley
Royal Ascot Jumpsuits
Trouser suits and – as of 2017 – jumpsuits are allowed, but must be full-length to the ankle, be of matching colour and material in the case of a trouser suit, and follow the same regulations as dresses and tops in regard to the straps.
1. Jacquard Floral Jumpsuit – Dolce & Gabbana
2. Dumbo Silk And Crepe Jumpsuit – Max Mara
3. Regina Crepe Jumpsuit – REISS
Royal Ascot Millinery
Hats must be worn at all times, 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 without a solid base are not allowed.
Rachel Trevor-Morgan is the milliner to the Queen. Need we say more?
Royal Ascot Handbags
If you’ve chosen a plain-ish dress, brighten it up with a beautiful handbag. The Dolce and Gabbana mini-tote is elegant and a piece of artwork in its own right, while the JW Anderson bag brightens up a paler dress.
1. Pierce Mini Leather Cross-body Bag – JW Anderson
2. Pandora Leather Cross-body Bag – Givenchy
3. Medium Sac De Jour Tote – Saint Laurent
4. Sicily Floral Print Leather Mini-Tote – Dolce and Gabbana
Royal Ascot Shoes
Most of the ground at Royal Ascot is grass and mud, so unless it’s been very warm and sunny, you’ll want to leave the stilettos at home and wear a block heel or wedge shoe. If it’s raining, choose a patent shoe rather than a suede or leather shoe.
1. Billie 100 Suede Courts – Jimmy Choo
3. Ally Wedge Sandals – Kurt Geiger
3. Lauren Patent-leather Pumps – Chloe
4. Dakota 120 Leather Wedge Sandals – Jimmy Choo
5. Savio II Suede Heeled Courts – Ted Baker
6. Patent So Noir Pumps 100 – Valentino
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Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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