Royal Ascot Dress Code

What is the Ascot dress code?

Although other racing events encourage a refined sense of style, Ascot is renowned for its strict dress code. Woven into the fabric of the event, Regency fashion arbiter Beau Brummel dictated the dress code for men in the 19th Century, and the formal tradition continues to this day.

Royal Enclosure
The most prestigious enclosure at Ascot demands a dress code to match. Women are required to wear dresses of modest length with straps at least 1 inch wide. Jumpsuits and trousers suits are welcome but must be of a matching colour. Hats or larger headpieces are also a requirement. Men must wear a black or grey morning dress, with a top hat.

Queen Anne Enclosure
Named for the event’s founder, steeped in pedigree and featuring such luxurious facilities as the Royal Ascot Pavilion, this enclosure’s dress code follows similarly. Women are required to wear formal attire; strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses are not permitted. Rules on headwear are relaxed, however, with guests allowed to express themselves with all manner of hats, headpieces and fascinators. Men must wear a full-length suit with a tie at all times.

Windsor Enclosure
A more casual experience but no less befitting of the style and elegance Ascot is known for, the Windsor Enclosure requires women to wear formal dress but offers more opportunities for guests to express themselves through different cuts and headwear. Men may also forgo a suit and tie, with a jacket, shirt and long trousers being the only necessities.

Village Enclosure
The dress code for the glamorous enclosure is similar to those above. Guests are expected to resemble the elegance and formality of the Royal Ascot whilst attending the village enclosure. Ladies must always wear a suitable headpiece, whilst strapless or sheer tops/ dresses are not permitted. The Village enclosure is a grassed area; therefore, guests are encouraged to consider this when deciding on suitable footwear. Gentlemen are required to wear full-length suits and ties.

Royal Ascot Dress Code FAQs

Does the dress code differ between different enclosures?

Yes – the dress code will differ slightly from enclosure to enclosure, whether you find yourself in the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure, or indeed any other enclosure with hospitality at Royal Ascot, located at the iconic and historic Ascot Racecourse.

What is the dress code for the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot?

Starting with Gentlemen, they are to wear morning dress in black, grey or navy, whilst they must also wear a waistcoat and necktie (cravats are not allowed). Gentlemen are also to wear a black or grey top hat and black shoes.

Ladies in the Royal Enclosure are to wear a dress or skirt (just above the knee or longer), whilst shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 1 inch/2.5cm. Jackets and pashminas are allowed (as long as the tops and dresses beneath comply)

Any trouser suits must be full-length and match the fabric and colour, whilst jumpsuits must be below the knee and follow the rules for straps.

Hats are also required – a headpiece has to have a base of at least 4 inches/10cm.

What is the Queen Anne Enclosure’s dress code at Royal Ascot?

In the Queen Anne Enclosure, Gentlemen are to wear a full-length two or three-piece suit, with all jackets and trousers being of a matching colour and material, whilst morning dress is also permitted. A collared shirt is to be worn, whilst socks must cover the ankle.

Ladies will need to wear a dress, top, or skirt with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are allowed with no minimum length). Additionally, jumpsuits must fall below the knee and comply with the requirements for shoulder straps. A hat, headpiece, or fascinator needs to be worn as well.

What is the dress code for the Village Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse?

In the Village Enclosure, Gentlemen are to wear a suit jacket and blazer (which may be of a different material to their trousers), full-length trousers or chinos, a collared shirt, a necktie, a bow tie, or a cavat, as well as socks, which are to be worn whilst covering the ankle.

As for Ladies, they are required to wear a dress or a top with a skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (fabrics like lace and chiffon are allowed; there is no minimum length). Trousers suits are allowed and can be of matching material and colour, whilst jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the strap requirements.

Hats, headpieces, and fascinators can all be worn.

What are the dress code requirements for the Windsor Enclosure at Ascot?

In the Windsor Enclosure at Royal Ascot, there is no official dress code for guests. You are, though, encouraged to attend in smart daywear, with hats, headpieces, and fascinators all encouraged, as are jackets and collared shirts.

What is the dress code for children at Royal Ascot?

Below are the dress code requirements for children for each enclosure at Ascot Racecourse.

In the Royal Enclosure, anyone aged 10 to 17 should follow the dress code, whilst morning dress is also allowed in accordance with the dress code. Dark-coloured lounge suits are also allowed, whilst headpieces and fascinators can be worn without any size requirement.

As for the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, the dress code requirements for kids are the same, though hats, headpieces, and fascinators are not required. A child aged 9 or below must be dressed smartly, but does not need to wear a jacket or tie with trousers and a shirt.

Finally, in the Windsor Enclosure, anyone aged 10 to 17 must dress in accordance with the dress code.

What is not permitted in the dress code at Royal Ascot?

You are not allowed to wear fancy dress, novelty, branded, or promotional clothing, which are all not permitted at Ascot Racecourse.

How do I contact Eventmasters about the dress code at Royal Ascot?

There is more than one way you can get in touch with us at Eventmasters regarding the dress code at Royal Ascot. You can fill in the form at the bottom of this page, or, if you prefer, call our dedicated sales team on 020 7989 6500.