The Ultimate Guide to Royal Ascot Fashion
What an honour to be invited to one of the most prestigious events on the British fashion calendar- The Royal Ascot. When I received my invitation to the Royal Enclosure just five days prior, it was a frantic rush to to assemble the perfect outfit. With panic buying proving fruitless, I seized the opportunity to create a customised Maison Bent dress and headpiece.
I sourced end-of-line crepe in a neutral shade from a local fabric distributor, aiming to emulate more of Phoebe Bridgerton than the Featheringtons. To ensure compliance with the Ascot Fashion Police, I designed a classic squared neckline with modest cap sleeves and a flared A-line skirt, featuring Maison Bent’s signature detailing. The real challenge was finding a unique headpiece and so with Debenhams being out of the question and Fenwick’s Mayfair closed, I decided to create a custom hat using leftover dress fabric. A pair of lilac Amina Muaddi Glass Slippers completed the look and proved to be the most comfortable choice as there is a lot of walking and the triangle shaped heel prevents you sinking into the grass.
After entering The Royal Enclosure, you can expect to experience the best dressed crowd you have ever witnessed and the energy and excitement is second to none. After the first race, we crossed the track to enter the Winning Post Gardens where our hosts greeted us with a home-made spread and champagne. This highly exclusive area provided a perfect view of the track, allowing us to enjoy each race comfortably and away from the crowds.
Shanna Bent Wearing custom Maison Bent Head Piece and Dress with Amina Muaddi Slippers
Shanna Bent in Maison Bent with Chris Gayle in patriotic Jamaican flag colours
Shanna Bent Wearing custom Maison Bent Head Piece and Dress with Amina Muaddi Slippers
Dress Code Guidelines for Royal Ascot
Windsor Enclosure
Dress Code: Smart daywear is encouraged.
Accessories: Hats, headpieces, or fascinators are recommended. A jacket and collared shirt are also suggested.
Village Enclosure
Dress Guidelines:
Backless dresses are allowed if not strapless, off-the-shoulder, or Bardot.
Avoid novelty clothing related to stag and hen parties.
Sheer fabrics are not allowed, but lace, tulle, and organza are permitted.
Culottes should resemble a dress, adhering to dress or skirt length and strapline rules.
No restrictions on dress length.
Full-length trousers must be worn with socks covering the ankle.
A standard necktie, bow tie, or cravat is mandatory.
Queen Anne Enclosure
Dress Guidelines:
Fascinators are permitted.
Avoid novelty clothing related to stag and hen parties.
Backless dresses are allowed if not strapless, off-the-shoulder, or Bardot.
Sheer fabrics are not allowed, but lace, tulle, and organza are permitted.
Culottes should resemble a dress, adhering to dress or skirt length and strapline rules.
No restrictions on dress length.
Full-length trousers must be worn with socks covering the ankle.
A standard necktie is required; bow ties and cravats are not permitted.
Royal Enclosure
Dress Guidelines:
Hats or headpieces with a solid base of at least 4 inches in diameter are mandatory. Fascinators and novelty hats are not allowed.
Halter necks, strapless dresses and tops, off-the-shoulder straps, Bardot necklines, and one-shoulder garments are not permitted.
Open-back clothing is allowed if the dress or top has straps of at least one inch and is not off-the-shoulder or Bardot.
Sheer fabrics are not allowed, but lace, tulle, and organza are permitted.
Culottes should resemble a dress, adhering to dress or skirt length and strapline rules.
Morning coats must remain on at all times.
Socks must cover the ankle and are mandatory for morning dress.
Novelty or promotional waistcoats are not permitted, though patterned or patriotic waistcoats are welcome.
Customized top hats are not permitted, and they must be black or grey. Top hats can be removed within certain areas such as restaurants, private boxes, private clubs, or enclosed external seating areas within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
Attending Royal Ascot is a remarkable experience, blending high fashion with exhilarating horse racing. By adhering to the dress code and embracing the event's spirit, you can make a stylish statement and enjoy this iconic British tradition to the fullest.
Words by Shanna Bent