Have you ever been to Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot races? Once known for their stylish and demure outfits and outrageous hats, the dressing standards have slipped in the last few years. Last year when I attended, I saw more people dressed for a night out at Faces nightclub in Essex then for a glamourous day at the races. Mini skirts, playsuits and even jeans were seen everywhere. Which, considering we don't get a lot of chances to get really dressed up, seemed a little sad.
So I'm quite pleased that Ascot has tightened up their dress code. Some people might resent being told what to wear, and I'm sure there will be problems at the gate if they decide to turn people away who don't meet the dress code, but it is a formal event. Interestingly, they've also stipulated that fascinators are now banned in the Royal Enclosure (what will Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugine do?)
Want to see what the dress code is now? Have a read below, and then let us know what you think about their style guide!
Royal Enclosure Dress Code
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer
- Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code
- Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour
- Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:
- Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
- Midriffs must be covered
- Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).
Grandstand Admission Dress Code
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
- Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
- Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted)
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code
- Midriffs must be covered
- Shorts are not permitted.
