One of the most glamorous days in the British social calendar is just around the corner and if you haven’t sorted your outfit yet, don’t panic. We’ve done the hard work for you.
Royal Ascot is in a league of its own when it comes to race day fashion. The crowds are impeccable, the hats are extraordinary and the pressure to get it right is very real. Whether you’re heading to the Royal Enclosure or the Queen Anne, here’s everything you need to know to arrive looking the part.
The Dresses Worth Knowing About
Debenhams has over 300 Royal Ascot-friendly options on its site right now covering dresses, hats and fascinators across every style and budget. A standout is the Coast Petite Lisa One Shoulder Crepe Midi Dress in pale pink at £139. The architectural one-shoulder design with its flowing cape detail is the kind of piece that turns heads for all the right reasons and the crepe fabric keeps you looking polished through a long day on your feet.
If you want a full race day edit in one place, Karen Millen has pulled together a dedicated Royal Ascot collection packed with inspiration. There are plenty of cape shoulder and asymmetric designs throughout but our pick is the Twill Contrast Tux Dress with its elegant V-neckline and a skirt that moves beautifully as you walk. Priced at £229, you can take 15% off right now with the code KMExtra15 at checkout.
Find Your Perfect Look with Hey Savi
Here’s a tip that will save you hours of scrolling. Find images from previous Royal Ascot events that capture the style you’re going for and run them through Hey Savi. The app will find identical pieces and alternatives at every price point so you can get the look whether you’re working with £50 or £500. Screenshot a hat, a fascinator, a dress you’ve spotted on a previous attendee and Hey Savi will do the rest.
Know the Dress Code Before You Go
Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code of the event. Dresses and skirts should fall at or below the knee and strapless, off-the-shoulder or spaghetti strap styles are not permitted. Shoulder straps must be at least one inch wide. Trouser suits and jumpsuits are welcome provided they are full length and in matching fabrics. Hats are non-negotiable and must have a solid base of at least four inches in diameter. Fascinators are generally not accepted in the Royal Enclosure.
Queen Anne and Village Enclosures
The rules are a little more relaxed here. Fascinators are permitted and all guests must wear some form of hat, headpiece or fascinator. Strapless and off-the-shoulder styles are still not allowed and visible midriffs and sheer fabrics are not permitted. Trouser suits and jumpsuits are fine as long as they meet the coverage guidelines.
The Royal Ascot dress code is not about restriction. It’s an invitation to bring your most elegant, creative self to one of the most stylish occasions of the year. Bright colours, beautiful tailoring and show-stopping hats are all very much encouraged.
Search any race day look on Hey Savi to find your perfect outfit before the big day. Royal Ascot waits for no one.
