Dressing for Royal Ascot: Elegant Outfits Suggestions for Each Dress Code Type
Royal Ascot 2025 Dress Codes: A Guide for Each Enclosure
Royal Ascot, a celebrated racing carnival set to take place from 17th to 21st of June, is known for its elegant and traditional attire. The event's different enclosures each have unique dress codes, ensuring a diverse and stylish atmosphere.
Royal Enclosure (most formal):
For women in the Royal Enclosure, dresses or skirts must be of modest length, no shorter than just above the knee, with straps at least one inch wide. Sleeveless dresses are allowed if the strap width is met. Jackets or pashminas can be worn, but undergarments must comply with the dress code. Trouser suits or jumpsuits are permitted if they are matching and full-length. Headwear is mandatory, with hats or headpieces requiring a minimum base of 4 inches (10 cm). Hats tend to be large and elaborate, and dress code assistants enforce compliance at entry.
Men in the Royal Enclosure are required to wear traditional morning dress, including a waistcoat, tie, top hat, and black shoes.
Queen Anne and Village Enclosures:
In these enclosures, dresses should be just above or below the knee—midi dresses are encouraged and on-trend. Spaghetti straps are not allowed; straps must be at least one inch wide. Avoid sheer, midriff-baring, cut-outs, or miniskirts. Hats or fascinators are expected, typically more flamboyant than in Windsor. Colourful and celebratory outfits are encouraged over all-black looks. Fascinators are permitted in addition to hats.
Men in the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures are required to wear a suit and tie, but top hats are not required.
Windsor Enclosure (most relaxed):
The Windsor Enclosure has a more relaxed dress code, allowing for more casual suits or smart daywear. Hats or fascinators are encouraged but not mandatory. A straw boater offers a summer-ready twist on race day headwear, while a waistcoat suit is an option instead of a traditional blazer. Sleek tailoring or a chic summer dress is suggested to tap into the elevated race day feel.
In all cases, hats and refined attire are important traditions at Royal Ascot. The Royal Enclosure demands the highest formality and strictest compliance, while Windsor is more casual. The dress code emphasizes elegance, modesty, and tradition, especially in the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
[1] Royal Ascot Official Website
[2] The Telegraph
[3] Vogue
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts can find advice on appropriate attire for Royal Ascot on websites like the Royal Ascot Official Website, The Telegraph, and Vogue.
- Shopping for a outfit fit for the Royal Enclosure, the most formal enclosure at Royal Ascot, requires following specific dress codes, such as modest length dresses or skirts and hats with a minimum base of 4 inches.
- For those looking to make a fashion statement at the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, midi dresses are encouraged, providing an opportunity to merge on-trend styles with the enclosure's dress code, which restricts sheer, midriff-baring, cut-outs, or miniskirts.
- The Windsor Enclosure's more relaxed dress code offers an opportunity to explore different styles, such as sleek tailoring, chic summer dresses, or even a straw boater, while still maintaining the tradition of refined attire at Royal Ascot.
