Nothing makes an impact on the British social calendar quite like Royal Ascot, the world-renowned horse racing event held in Ascot, Berkshire. This year, it will be held between Tuesday 17th and Saturday 21st June 2025, and if you’ve already got your tickets, you’re probably wondering what to wear. Much more than a sporting event, Ascot is as much about fashion as it is about horse racing, and here’s how to look the part.
Royal Ascot fashion rules
Royal Ascot is the chance to go all out with your outfit, but there is a strict dress code to follow, which is different for each enclosure. Ascot Royal Enclosure outfits require a dress or skirt that falls just above the knee or longer, straps that are a minimum of 1 inch wide, and jumpsuits or suits are allowed if they follow those same rules. Hats or headpieces with a minimum base of 4 inches are required. Gentlemen are asked to wear morning dress in black, grey or navy, complete with waistcoat, necktie, top hat in grey or back, black dress shoes and socks covering the ankle.
In the Queen Anne and Village enclosures, the code is slightly less strict, as you can wear a dress or skirt of any length, with shoulder or halter neck straps. Fascinators are also allowed. In the Queen Anne enclosure, men can wear a two or three-piece suit, though jackets and trousers should be of matching material and colour. A collared shirt, necktie and socks covering the ankles are also a must. In the Village enclosure, they can wear a suit jacket or blazer with Chino trousers, with a collared shirt, bow tie or cravat.
There is no official dress code in the Windsor enclosure, however guests are still encouraged to dress in smart daywear.
Ascot ladies day dresses
While jumpsuits and suits are allowed, Ascot dresses are without a doubt the most popular choice, especially for Ascot ladies day, which falls on Thursday 19th June. As mentioned in the dress code, rules vary per enclosure, but if you want to play it safe, a knee-length dress with straps or shoulders is a safe bet. But make no mistake, this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of styles that will make you stand out from the crowd, including the below, which you can pick up on Oxford Street.
Ascot outfits
If you really aren’t a dress person, there are still plenty of stylish Ascot races outfits to choose from, including trouser suits and jumpsuits, which you can easily dress up with a blazer jacket or pashmina. That said, we’ve found some standout Ascot outfits that will be the stars of the racecourse, including this purple Mango jumpsuit, this red button up jumpsuit from River Island (though it won’t be suitable for the Royal enclosure), this satin cape suit from Reiss and an elegant yet fashion-forward two piece ensemble from Stradivarius.
Ascot hats
If you’re enjoying Ascot horse racing from the Windsor enclosure, you aren’t required to wear a hat, though a fascinator or headpiece are encouraged (we love this flower clip from Zara, which you can easily re-wear afterwards). For the other enclosures, you’ll have to wear a fascinator or hat with a minimum base of 4 inches. Here are some great styles, which you’ll also be able to wear for weddings and other summer occasions.
Ascot suits
Ladies may often steal the show at Ascot with their colourful dresses, but men needn’t be left behind. Morning suits, three-piece suits, smart shirts and neck ties… there are plenty of great Ascot outfits for them to choose from too. Here are some of our favourites, from the likes of Reiss, Moss and Hawes & Curtis.
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