Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious sporting and social events of the year.
The five-day event, offers members of the public the chance to dress up in their finest and enjoy a fun day out – but they can do it all in the company of the royal family.
Visitors can expect to see the finest racehorses and experience the very best in flat racing, glamour and style from 14-18 June 2022
Royal Ascot hosts a choice of four separate enclosures – the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure – each with its own ambience and energy, yet sharing the same magnificent atmosphere and sense of occasion.
Here at Valerie Millinery Collections, I am here to help with the ultimate guide to the Royal Ascot dress code for each enclosure — from the length of dresses, to the width of straps, how big a hat to wear and what young racegoers should be wearing too.
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Royal Enclosure
Official Dress Code
Dress code in the Royal Enclosure is formal day-wear where 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 wide or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, Bardot tops, one shoulder style, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted and midriffs must be covered.
Trouser suits are welcome but the trousers should be of full length to the ankle and of matching colour, pattern and material to the jacket. Jumpsuits are also welcome but should fall below the knee and its straps must adhere to the dress code for tops.
Girls aged 10–17 should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ Dress Code. However they may wear a headpiece or fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restrictions.
The Hat
Royal Ascot is all about the hat, and most ladies will ensure their hat is the focal point of their outfit by choosing an eye-catching creation. Hats or a substantial headpiece (with a solid base of 4 inches/10cm or more in diameter) must be worn at all times.
But remember don’t get too carried away as excessively oversized hats are not permitted.
If possible, it is best to commission a bespoke piece for Royal Ascot. That way, you can be sure to have a hat that no one else has and that matches your outfit perfectly.
Check out designs available at Valerie Millinery Collections.
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Queen Anne Enclosure
Official Dress Code
Within the Queen Anne Enclosure ladies are required to dress appropriate to a formal occasion.
Strapless and sheer dresses and tops including off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one shoulder are no permitted. Sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted and midriffs must be covered.
Trouser suits must be full length and jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Both must adhere to the neckline regulations above. Shorts are not permitted.
Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be worn but are not compulsory.
The Hat
The headpiece is still the main attraction, so whether a hat, headpiece or fascinator , ladies will still make it the focal point of their outfit. Hats should be worn at all times.
Here you can wear some fun & flamboyant or classic & elegant designs in crown head pieces, pillboxes, veiled brims and so much more.
All head-wear is available from Valerie Millinery Collections
The Village Enclosure
Official Dress Code
The dress code is less formal here, however Ladies are required to dress for the occasion. Dress for a formal garden party with practical shoes that can navigate the grass. The same dress rules apply here as it does above for the 'Queen Anne Enclosure'.
Girls aged 17 and under should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. Hats, headpieces and fascinators may be worn but are not compulsory.
The Hat
When wondering what hat to wear the Village Enclosure, remember it is a more relaxed area, and ladies should consider their hat choice accordingly, however can still be eye catching and should be worn at all times. Consider a smaller sized headpiece or fascinator to suit the funky party atmosphere.
All head-wear is available from Valerie Millinery Collections
Windsor Enclosure
Official Dress Code
Ascot’s Windsor Enclosure is more relaxed and informal. There is no formal dress code for this enclosure but attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion.
The Hat
Head wear is still important and in this enclosure, designs range from the simple embellished headband crowning a professional hairdo to the most flamboyant of hats. You can still
Let your creativity run free and experiment with colours and prints
All head-wear is available from Valerie Millinery Collections