United Kingdom · 22 outfits
What to wear to Royal Ascot
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, one enclosure at a time, with the reason each one passes.
Royal EnclosureQueen Anne EnclosureVillage EnclosureWindsor Enclosure
where you are standing
Royal Enclosure
Women
The dress code
Dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer; shoulder straps at least 1 inch (2.5cm) wide; no strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, bardot, halter neck, spaghetti straps, sheer fabric or visible midriff. Trouser suits must match in material and colour; jumpsuits must fall below the knee. A hat must be worn, or a headpiece/hatinator with a solid base of at least 4 inches (10cm); fascinators are not permitted (over-17s). A jacket or pashmina may be worn but what is beneath must still comply. No trainers, denim, leggings, shorts, novelty or branded clothing.
Outfit 1
Classic coat-dress and brim
- Dresses
- Midi coat-dress in pale blue silk-wool, elbow sleeves, hem mid-calf
- Headwear
- Wide-brim sinamay hat on a full crown, tonal trim
- Shoes
- Nude leather block-heel court, 7cm
- Bags
- Small structured top-handle bag
- Jewellery
- Pearl studs
Why it passes. Sleeved, so the 1 inch strap rule is met; hem is well below the knee; a full hat satisfies 'hats must be worn'.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. Regulars favour a British milliner from Ascot's Millinery Collective, e.g. Rachel Trevor-Morgan or Edwina Ibbotson.
Outfit 2
Wide-strap sheath and percher
- Dresses
- Sleeveless crepe sheath, 5cm-wide shoulder straps, square neck, hem just below the knee, emerald
- Headwear
- Percher hat on a solid 12cm base with quill
- Outerwear
- Matching cropped jacket for the morning
- Shoes
- Slingback block heel
- Bags
- Box clutch
Why it passes. Straps are double the 2.5cm minimum; hem covers the knee; base is over the 10cm minimum so it counts as a hat, not a fascinator.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. A percher or 'hatinator' is the usual way to stay under a brim-free silhouette while keeping the 4 inch base - measure the base before buying.
Outfit 3
Matching trouser suit
- Suiting
- Single-breasted jacket and wide-leg trousers in the same ivory wool-crepe
- Suiting
- Silk shell top with capped sleeve beneath
- Headwear
- Structured boater, 10cm+ crown base
- Shoes
- Pointed block-heel pump
- Jewellery
- Gold collar necklace
Why it passes. The code allows a trouser suit only 'of matching material and colour'; the top beneath has sleeves so it complies if the jacket comes off.
On the day. Trousers protect against a cool breeze on the stands; hem them for a block heel so they clear damp grass.
What regulars wear. Stephen Jones OBE and Emily London are both in Ascot's 2026 Millinery Collective.
Outfit 4
Full-length jumpsuit
- Suiting
- Tailored navy crepe jumpsuit, full length, short sleeves, high neck
- Headwear
- Pillbox on a 12cm solid base with veil trim
- Shoes
- Wedge sandal in tan
- Bags
- Clutch with wrist strap
- Accessories
- Pashmina in case of rain
Why it passes. Jumpsuits must 'fall below the knee' - full length passes; sleeves replace straps; no midriff shown; pillbox base exceeds 10cm.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. Pillboxes featured twice in the 2026 Millinery Collective (Emily London, Filipa Cardoso).
Common mistakes
- Arriving in a fascinator on a comb or thin band (refused unless the base is 10cm solid)
- Halter neck or spaghetti straps hidden under a jacket - the dress beneath must still comply
- Hem that rides above the knee when seated
- Jumpsuit cropped above the knee, or a two-colour trouser suit
- Sheer panels at the waist or back
Men
The dress code
Morning dress of black, grey or navy material with a waistcoat and necktie; a black or grey top hat (not customised with ribbons or feathers); black dress shoes with socks covering the ankle. No cravats, bow ties or neckerchiefs. Top hats may come off in restaurants, Private Boxes and enclosed terraces, balconies and gardens. Tartan trews with morning coat and top hat are acceptable.
Outfit 1
Black morning coat, the standard
- Suiting
- Black herringbone morning tailcoat
- Suiting
- Grey-and-black striped morning trousers
- Suiting
- Dove-grey double-breasted waistcoat
- Accessories
- White collared shirt, woven silk necktie in pale blue
- Headwear
- Black silk-finish top hat, plain band
- Shoes
- Black Oxford, black over-the-calf socks
Why it passes. Black is one of the three permitted colours; waistcoat and necktie are both required; hat is plain; shoes are black with socks.
On the day. Wool tailcoats are hot by 3pm - choose a lightweight cloth; an umbrella doubles as a walking stick.
Outfit 2
Grey morning suit
- Suiting
- Mid-grey three-piece morning suit (coat, waistcoat, trousers)
- Accessories
- Pale pink shirt with white collar, navy patterned tie
- Headwear
- Grey felt top hat
- Shoes
- Black cap-toe Oxford, grey socks
Why it passes. Grey material and grey top hat are both expressly permitted; tie not cravat.
On the day. Lighter in colour and cooler in sun.
What regulars wear. The all-grey suit is the traditional Ascot choice of older members.
Outfit 3
Navy coat with pastel linen waistcoat
- Suiting
- Navy morning coat
- Suiting
- Houndstooth trousers in grey
- Suiting
- Pastel linen waistcoat, buff or pale blue
- Accessories
- Collared shirt, patriotic-motif necktie permitted
- Headwear
- Black top hat
- Shoes
- Black Oxford with socks
Why it passes. Navy is one of the three permitted colours; waistcoat colour is free; tie patterns of a patriotic nature are acceptable.
On the day. Linen waistcoat breathes on a hot day.
Common mistakes
- Cravat or bow tie (both banned here)
- Brown shoes or loafers without socks
- A feather or coloured ribbon in the top hat
- Lounge suit (under-17s only may wear a dark lounge suit)
- Removing the top hat on the open lawns
where you are standing
Queen Anne Enclosure
Women
The dress code
A dress or top and skirt with shoulder or halter-neck straps (no minimum length; lace and chiffon allowed), a trouser suit of matching material and colour, or a jumpsuit falling below the knee. A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be worn. Not permitted: strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, bardot, sheer fabric, visible midriff; and site-wide no trainers, denim, leggings, shorts, novelty or branded clothing.
Outfit 1
Floral midi and fascinator
- Dresses
- Printed chiffon midi with flutter sleeves, lined
- Headwear
- Sinamay fascinator on a band
- Shoes
- Block-heel sandal
- Bags
- Raffia clutch
Why it passes. Sleeved and lined (not sheer); a fascinator is allowed in Queen Anne; no length rule.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. Queen Anne racegoers gather to sing around the Bandstand after racing - shoes you can stand in until 6pm.
Outfit 2
Halter-neck column
- Dresses
- Halter-neck satin column dress, covered waist, calf length, cobalt
- Headwear
- Crown-style headpiece
- Shoes
- Metallic wedge
- Accessories
- Light wrap
Why it passes. Halter straps are permitted here (banned in the Royal Enclosure); midriff covered.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. Bold single colours photograph well against the Grandstand.
Outfit 3
Co-ord skirt and top
- Dresses
- Matching high-waist midi skirt and short-sleeve top that overlaps the waistband, pink jacquard
- Headwear
- Disc hat
- Shoes
- Court shoe with block heel
- Jewellery
- Drop earrings
Why it passes. 'Top and skirt' is allowed provided no midriff shows - the top overlaps the waistband.
On the day. Lawns and paddock are grass: block heel or wedge, not a stiletto. Carry a compact umbrella; June can swing from 14°C showers to 28°C sun.
What regulars wear. Co-ords are the easiest pass for a first visit.
Common mistakes
- Bardot or strapless neckline
- Cropped top showing midriff with a skirt
- No headwear at all (compulsory for adults)
- White trainers with a dress
Men
The dress code
A full-length two- or three-piece suit (morning dress also permitted), a collared shirt and a necktie; socks must be worn and cover the ankle. Cravats, bow ties and neckerchiefs are not permitted. No trainers, denim or shorts.
Outfit 1
Navy three-piece
- Suiting
- Navy wool three-piece suit, full-length trousers
- Accessories
- White shirt, silk tie in a summer pattern, pocket square
- Shoes
- Brown or black Oxford with mid-calf socks
Why it passes. Matching suit, collared shirt, necktie and socks - every listed requirement.
On the day. Lightweight wool; remove the jacket only when seated.
What regulars wear. Three-piece without a hat is the Queen Anne norm.
Outfit 2
Light summer suit
- Suiting
- Stone or pale-grey two-piece in wool-linen blend
- Accessories
- Pale blue shirt, knitted tie
- Shoes
- Tan Derby, patterned socks covering the ankle
Why it passes. A two-piece suit is allowed; trousers and jacket match.
On the day. Cooler for a 25°C+ day.
What regulars wear. Patriotic-flag ties are expressly acceptable.
Common mistakes
- Blazer with odd trousers (suit must match here)
- Bow tie or cravat
- No-show socks or bare ankles
- Open-neck shirt
where you are standing
Village Enclosure
Women
The dress code
Same rules as Queen Anne. A dress or top and skirt with shoulder or halter-neck straps (no minimum length; lace and chiffon allowed), a trouser suit of matching material and colour, or a jumpsuit falling below the knee. A hat, headpiece or fascinator must be worn. Not permitted: strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, bardot, sheer fabric, visible midriff; and site-wide no trainers, denim, leggings, shorts, novelty or branded clothing.
Outfit 1
Garden-party maxi
- Dresses
- Tiered cotton-silk maxi with wide straps, lined
- Headwear
- Straw boater with ribbon
- Shoes
- Espadrille wedge
- Bags
- Cross-body bag
Why it passes. Strapped (shoulder straps permitted), lined, with a hat.
On the day. The Village is on the inside of the track, all grass, with music into the evening - wedges or flats.
What regulars wear. A more festival mood than the stands; boaters and flower crowns on bands are common.
Outfit 2
Wide-leg jumpsuit
- Suiting
- Wide-leg full-length jumpsuit, cap sleeve, sage
- Headwear
- Headband-style headpiece
- Shoes
- Flatform sandal
Why it passes. Jumpsuit falls below the knee; headpiece satisfies the headwear rule.
On the day. Comfortable for dancing after racing.
What regulars wear. Pack a light jacket - it cools quickly after 7pm.
Outfit 3
Slip skirt and blouse
- Dresses
- Satin bias midi skirt with a tucked silk blouse
- Headwear
- Fascinator on a comb
- Shoes
- Block-heel mule
Why it passes. Top and skirt with no midriff; fascinator allowed.
On the day. Grass throughout.
What regulars wear. Easy to re-wear after the meeting.
Common mistakes
- Shorts or playsuits (shorts are banned site-wide)
- Denim jacket
- Strapless sundress
Men
The dress code
A suit jacket or blazer (may be a different material to the trousers), full-length trousers or chinos, a collared shirt, and a necktie, bow tie or cravat; socks must cover the ankle. No trainers, denim or shorts.
Outfit 1
Blazer and chinos
- Suiting
- Navy hopsack blazer
- Suiting
- Stone chinos, full length
- Accessories
- Pale pink collared shirt, bow tie
- Shoes
- Suede loafers with socks covering the ankle
Why it passes. Odd jacket and chinos are expressly allowed; a bow tie is permitted in the Village only.
On the day. Unlined blazer for heat.
What regulars wear. The Village is where bow ties and cravats, banned elsewhere, come out.
Outfit 2
Linen suit and cravat
- Suiting
- Tobacco linen two-piece
- Accessories
- White collared shirt, silk cravat
- Headwear
- Panama hat (optional)
- Shoes
- Brown brogues, socks
Why it passes. Jacket, full-length trousers, collared shirt and cravat all listed as acceptable.
On the day. Linen creases but breathes.
What regulars wear. A panama is optional for men here.
Common mistakes
- Trainers with chinos
- Loafers with no socks
- Tailored shorts
- No neckwear
where you are standing
Windsor Enclosure
Women
The dress code
No official dress code. Guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear; a hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged. Fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing is not permitted on site.
Outfit 1
Smart sundress
- Dresses
- Cotton poplin midi sundress
- Headwear
- Fascinator or straw hat (encouraged)
- Shoes
- Wedge espadrille
- Bags
- Basket bag
Why it passes. Smart daywear with encouraged headwear; nothing novelty or branded.
On the day. Picnic enclosure on grass a furlong from the stands; bring a rug and a layer.
Outfit 2
Wide-leg trousers and blouse
Why it passes. Smart daywear; no rule on trousers here.
On the day. Flats are sensible for a long day on grass.
What regulars wear. Colour-matched groups are common.
Outfit 3
Shirt dress
- Dresses
- Belted linen shirt dress, knee length
- Headwear
- Headband
- Shoes
- Block-heel sandal
- Outerwear
- Trench for showers
Why it passes. Smart daywear.
On the day. Open to the weather.
What regulars wear. A step down in formality but most still wear something on the head.
Common mistakes
- Fancy dress or novelty outfits (banned site-wide)
- Logo or promotional T-shirts
- Assuming it is 'anything goes' - smart daywear is the stated expectation
Men
The dress code
No official dress code; smart daywear encouraged, with a jacket and collared shirt. No fancy dress, novelty or branded clothing.
Outfit 1
Blazer, no tie
- Suiting
- Cotton blazer
- Accessories
- Collared Oxford shirt, open neck
- Suiting
- Chinos
- Shoes
- Loafers
Why it passes. Jacket and collared shirt are exactly what Ascot encourages.
On the day. Grass picnic area.
What regulars wear. Tie optional here.
Outfit 2
Summer suit
- Suiting
- Light blue cotton suit
- Accessories
- Collared shirt, knitted tie
- Shoes
- Brown Derby
Why it passes. Exceeds the guidance.
On the day. Showerproof layer to hand.
What regulars wear. Many dress as for Queen Anne anyway.
Common mistakes
- Football shirts or branded sportswear
- Novelty suits
Race days this covers
- Royal Ascot Day 2 (Wednesday) · Wed 16 June 2027
- Royal Ascot Day 3 (Thursday, Gold Cup Day) · Thu 17 June 2027
- Royal Ascot Day 4 (Friday) · Fri 18 June 2027
- Royal Ascot Day 5 (Saturday) · Sat 19 June 2027
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: ascot.com, ascot.com, ascot.com, ascot.com