The Official Dress Code Rules You MUST Follow At Royal Ascot 2025
2025.06.04 18:48
Royal Ascot may not be until June, but this week sees the release of the official look book curated by menswear specialist Daniel Fletcher, who has previously designed for the likes of Louis Vuitton, ดูบอลสด7m JW Anderson and Victoria Beckham.
Celebrating versatility, inclusivity and innovation whilst honouring Royal Ascot's timeless dress codes, the look book outlines the dos and don'ts of dressing for this annual highlight in the sporting calendar.
Whilst no rules apply in the Windsor Enclosure, although the majority of guests choose to dress up regardless, a strict dress code operates across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
Consider this your official guide to Race Week dressing.
Headwear
A headpiece or ‘hatinator' with a minimum base diameter of four inches is accepted
Hats are a must in both Royal enclosures. Alternatively, a headpiece or ‘hatinator' with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches (10cm) is also acceptable. If you're petite, stick to delicately feathered fascinators or smaller designs, whilst taller ladies can pull off wide brimmed styles. Bright bold colours are recommended but if in doubt, match it as closely as possible to your dress or jumpsuit. If you can splurge, look no further than Lock & Co Hatters for absolute head turners. On the high street, Karen Millen and Phase Eight stock statement styles. Or try the official Ascot sponsor, LK Bennett, for its go-with-everything ecru Lucy style (£149, lkbennett.com). Or Accessorize for its popular corsage design (£70, accessorize.com). Top tip: dial back your jewellery - a statement necklace or chandelier earrings will overpower your headpiece.
LK Bennett fascinator £149
Shop
Accessorize fascinator £70
Shop
Dresses
Dresses must be knee length or longer
Dresses must be knee length or longer and forget spaghetti straps - all shoulders must be a minimum width of 1 inch (2.5cm). Strapless, off-the-shoulder and one shoulder items are also banned. I have my eye on Monsoon's green puffball dress and matching jacket co ord, which will cost you £200 all in (dress £140, jacket £70). And if you're after a frock with a sustainable edge, try Nobody's Child for its selection of lightweight, billowing designs.![]()
Monsoon dress
£140 Shop
Trouser suits
Shorts of any kind are not permitted. But having been included in the dress code since 1971, trouser suits remain a popular choice - although they mustn't be mismatched. Consider The Fold your one stop shop for contemporary tailoring in bold block colours. On the high street Reiss stocks a wide range of styles in handy petite and long lengths. But to get the most for your money see Jaeger at M&S for its linen cerulean bow back blazer, with matching waistcoat and trousers (blazer £165, waistcoat £89, trousers £115).
Jaegar blazer £165
Shop
Jaegar trousers £115
Shop
Suits must be worn in matching sets
Jumpsuits
From 2017 onwards, jumpsuits have also been accepted as Ascot worthy. Sophie, Countess of Wessex is a big fan of the all-in-one look - her wide leg designs come from Emilia Wickstead. French Connection's blouson legged Arlette style in poppy red will give you a royally similar effect - but at a smaller cost (£155, frenchconnection.com). And other haunts to consider include Hobbs and Reiss.
French Connection Arlette Wide Leg Jumpsuit
£155 Shop
Footwear
Men must stick to black dress shoes worn with ankle socks, but there are no specifications for women. If you opt for a heel, stick to relatively low block shaped designs that will allow you to walk freely on grass. Russell & Bromley's Harker slingback in on-trend butter yellow is perfect (£245, russellandbromley.com). Or for a metallic Mary Jane, try the Matilda heels at Whistles (£159, whistles.com). Ballet flats are also a comfortable option to consider. My summer favourites come from the French It-girl brand Bobbies.
Russell & Bromley slingbacks £245
Shop
Whistles Mary Janes £159
Shop
Royal AscotVictoria Beckham