What to wear to Royal Ascot? - Bee Smith Millinery

Dressing for Royal Ascot: A Millinery Guide.

Royal Ascot is not just a premier horse racing event; it’s also one of the most anticipated fashion spectacles of the year. With its strict dress code, attendees have the perfect excuse to don their finest attire and show off their sartorial prowess. If you’re planning to attend, here are some tips on what to wear to ensure you look the part.

Each of the Royal Ascot enclosures has its own dress code, so let’s break it down step by step…

The Royal Enclosure dress code

Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.
A dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer
(lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
Shoulder straps that are a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
A jacket or pashmina may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
A trouser suit of matching material and colour
A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements

Stefani brim in the Royal Ascot Style Guide

Stefani in Navy tulle

Isabella – blue petal brimmed hat

Jessica brim – in blue

The Queen Anne Enclosure dress code

A hat, headpiece or fascinator
A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
A trouser suit of matching material and colour
A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements

Grace Hayden wearing our Briony brim at Royal Ascot

Lydia in Blue

Briony – Ivory brim with blue ruffles

Jasmine – Black & white Spotty Beret

The Village Enclosure dress code

A hat, headpiece or fascinator·
A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements

The Royal Ascot style guide featuring our Nasturtium headband

Layla – Green lace wide headband

Eleanor – silk beret in green

Katie in green – Petalled Beret

The Windsor Enclosure dress code

Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. A hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged along with a jacket and collared shirt.