It’s the biggest horse racing event in the British sporting calendar and it comes with a notoriously strict dress code. But don’t panic; enjoy your day at the races with our failsafe fashion guide – all available in SW1X
Words: Francine HeathWhat to wear to Royal Ascot
Famously fancy and oh-so-particular, the Royal Ascot dress code strikes fear into the hearts of even the most sartorially savvy. In case it wasn’t enough that planning what to wear to a special event involves navigating a sea of colours, cuts, trends and fabrics, a ticket to the most glamorous event in the racing diary comes with a strict set of rules for each different enclosure.
Heading to The Royal Enclosure this year? Ladies should measure their shoulder straps (one inch or thicker) and the base of their hats (at least four inches), while gents will need to don full morning dress. The Queen Anne and Village Enclosures are a touch more relaxed, giving the thumbs up to halter ties and dropping stipulations around minimum lengths, though socks covering bare ankles remain a requirement for men unless they’re in the Windsor Enclosure, which has no official guidelines except to promote generally smart daywear.
On top of ticking all the right boxes for your section, it’s more important than ever to consider whether you can sustainably wear your new purchases more than once – admittedly, this is tricky with occasionwear, but there’s always the rental route. Lastly, will your spree stand up to the unpredictable British weather? Sadly, we can’t guarantee glorious sunshine for the Royal Meeting, but the odds of dressing the part are firmly in your favour with our styling suggestions.
For the Ladies
Fancy wearing something other than a dress? Good news: jumpsuits were officially given the green light in 2017 and can even be worn in the Royal Enclosure as long as they fall below the knee and meet the shoulder strap requirements. Soft, glossy and lightweight, this one from the high street has an elegantly draped neckline and handy pockets. It also comes in a bright orange version called Riley if some of the late Queen’s most iconic and joyful Royal Ascot looks are on your mind.
Rose jumpsuit, £228, Reiss; 163 Brompton Road, SW3 1PY
Hats are a great way to have some real fun with fashion and they’re a style staple at Royal Ascot. Handmade by a specialist team, this tilted boater by Emily-London is available at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, where the brand also offers a bespoke headwear service. Fittingly, founder Emily Baxendale trained with the Royal Milliner and her pieces were spotted at the recent coronation of King Charles III.
Coco hat, £745, Emily-London at Harvey Nichols; 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Stay on time for the Royal Procession with a little help from Ted Baker. Part of the “Ticket to Ride” edit for Spring/Summer ’23 that features cases made using 85 per cent recycled stainless steel, this watch has a floating magnolia dial and twinkling crystals.
Ted Baker Lilabel Jewel Watch, £195, Ted Baker; 75 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB
Trust us, a block heel will be your best friend during long days at the races. These sandals are made from buttery white leather that will go with plenty of your existing wardrobe favourites and have a glossy logo plaque to match the gold in the watch.
Monogram Motif sandals, £650, Burberry; 1 Sloane Street, SW1X 9LA
For the Gentleman
Richard Gere put Giorgio Armani’s tailoring on the map when the Italian designer wardrobed the ’80s thriller American Gigolo and the rest is history. Made in Italy from 100 per cent linen, this suit will keep you cool if the weather in June is kind and it’s an investment that can be worn again for years to come at fancy summer events and weddings abroad.
Napoli Line double-breasted suit, £3450, Giorgio Armani. Available at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
The backbone of formal looks, there’s a place for a classic dress shirt in every guy’s closet. Cut for a slim fit with some stretch in the blend to keep it comfy, this cotton-poplin one has double cuffs. The crisp white will act as a blank canvas for ties or bow ties in different prints and fabrics, too.
Dress shirt, £99, BOSS; available at Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Dress for the sunshine you’d like to see with these timelessly cool frames. Part of JW Anderson’s collaboration with Italian heritage brand Persol, they originally debuted in 1957 as the 649 aviator and have tinted lenses to mask any tears should you back the wrong horse.
Aviator sunglasses, £243, JW Anderson x Persol at Harrods; 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL. Also available at Sunglasses Hut, 155 Brompton Road, SW3 1QP
Since 1879, Crockett & Jones’ shoes have been proudly made in England by “real people with skilled hands”. Not only do these Oxfords look good, the intensive eight-stage production process ensures that each pair feels strong, comfortable and will really last if they’re looked after. Our tip? Once you’ve unlaced them after the races, use a shoe tree to keep creases at bay.
Connaught shoes, £520, Crockett & Jones; 155 Brompton Road, SW3 1QP
Francine Heath is a fashion journalist who has written for Vogue, i-D and Refinery29
