Racing Season 2025: What To Wear To Royal Ascot
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1 week ago
The only thing more exciting than the race itself is the racegoer fashion
Heading to Ascot this year? The races are just around the corner – and so is the raceday fashion. If you still haven’t put together your outfit (or find yourself muddled by the various enclosure dress codes), then read on. Here’s what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
A Royal Designer’s Top Tips
Before wading through the shops and running through the dress code (more on both of these below), take a moment to hear what the experts have to say. British designer Stewart Parvin, a royal couturier who famously dressed the late Queen Elizabeth II for the races, tells C&TH that Royal Ascot is the perfect opportunity to dress up to the nines. (Although some protection from the elements may be needed.)
(c) Stewart Parvin
‘Ascot is a time to make an effort and be frivolous,’ says Parvin. ‘But never forget the practicalities involved. Think of which elements of an outfit you’ll need for the likely conditions – the great British weather can be unpredictable even on a June summer’s day. I usually steer my clients to a dress and jacket or a light coat; something that can be easily slipped off if the weather improves, but gives you a little protection if the rain does its worst.’
Another sneaky tip the couturier has for those making their way to the racecourse this year is to prepare a quick change of clothes: ‘My other top tip (and what I always do) is to travel to the racecourse in something else and change in the car park. It means you can arrive looking fresh, uncreased and fabulous.’
Feeling inspired? Read on for our style edit of what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.
What To Wear To Royal Ascot 2025
Dresses
(c) Suzannah London
At Royal Ascot, you can quite literally dress to impress. You won’t catch anyone wearing a minidress, exposing their midriff on the racecourse nor pulling on a spaghetti strap; the dress code is more modest than anything, so expect to wear a dress that falls below the knee and covers the shoulders. You have your choice of patterns – florals are always popular this time of year – but if you’d prefer to keep things simple you can opt for a pastel palette or deeper jewel tones.
Tailoring
(c) LK Bennett
Not one for dresses? That won’t be a problem. Women can wear suits in every enclosure of Royal Ascot – with the Royal Enclosure calling for a full-length trouser suit in a matching colour – meaning you can swap out the skirt for a pair of trousers easily. Take the opportunity to play with colour palettes and sleek suiting options (we’re a big fan of this Victoria Beckham set that Kate Middleton wore to awards ceremony not too long ago). And, away from the Royal Enclosure, you can even dabble in texture and print to really level up your tailoring.
Hats & Fascinators
(c) Lock & Co.
Now, we know dresses are a big part of Royal Ascot – but so are the hats. The staple accessory for the races, a good hat is defined by three things: colour, shape and scale. Make sure your hat complements (or artfully clashes with) the colour palette of your outfit, be playful with the sculptural shaping of your headpiece, and know that, at Ascot, bigger is better.
Shoes
(c) Emmy London
Shoes can make or break an Ascot outfit – especially if all they do is sink into the mud at the racecourse. Opt for something that not only fits the dress code, but allows you to stand comfortably for most (if not all) of the day. You can keep the colour palette of your dress of suit in mind, or simply opt for a neutral hue that will let you wear your shoes with multiple outfits throughout the week.
Accessories: Gloves, Jewellery & Bags
(c) Cornelia James
And now for the finishing touches. A few carefully curated details can quickly elevate your Royal Ascot look, bringing it up to first place in no time.
First up? Gloves. Not compulsory, but they fit right in at formal events – making them a perfect addition to a race day outfit. The rules around wearing gloves are quite relaxed in most enclosures, although it’s recommended that you wear plain gloves in a neutral colour that matches your outfit if you’re attending the Royal Enclosure.
A few pieces of jewellery can also add a touch of sophisticated glamour to any look. For a more put-together appearance, opt for a coordinating set or items that run on the same colour theme. Those not wearing gloves on the day can also bring the look together with bracelets and cocktail rings.
And finally, there’s the bag to consider. Perfect for small essentials like phones, money and makeup (and betting slips), opt for a small handbag or clutch that complements the rest of your outfit in pattern, texture and colour.
Is There A Dress Code?
Each enclosure at Royal Ascot has its own dress code, ranging from strictly formal to slightly more relaxed formal attire. You can read our guide to the different enclosures below:
Royal Enclosure
This is the most formal of enclosures, and requires its visitors to dress in ‘formal daywear’.
Womenswear Dos
- Dresses or skirts of a modest length that fall at least below the knee
- Shoulder straps of one inch or wider
- Hats with a solid base of four inches or greater
- Full-length trouser suits, in a matching material and colour
- Full-length jumpsuits
Womenswear Don’ts
- Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps
- Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves
- Midriff must be covered
The Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Queen Anne Enclosure
The dress code isn’t as strict in the Queen Anne enclosure, but there are still rules that visitors are expected to follow.
Womenswear Dos
- Wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator at all times
- Full-length trouser suits
- Full-length jumpsuits
Womenswear Don’ts
- Strapless and sheer dresses and tops
- Shorts
- Midriffs must be covered
The Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Village Enclosure
Again, the rules relax a bit more with the next enclosure.
Womenswear Dos
- Wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator at all times
- Full-length trouser suits
- Full-length jumpsuits
Womenswear Don’ts
- Strapless and sheer dresses and tops
- Shorts
- Midriffs must be covered
The Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Windsor Enclosure
This enclosure takes the most casual approach to the dress code – in fact, there isn’t even an official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, meaning visitors have much more freedom when it comes to their outfit for the day.
Womenswear Dos
- Smart daywear
- Fascinator
Womenswear Dont’s
- Novelty dress or costume
The Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
The Lookbook
Still not sure what to wear to Royal Ascot? Luckily for racegoers, the event’s Creative Director Daniel Fletcher has worked on this year’s Lookbook, an inspiration guide featuring a edit of outfits for the big event. You can check it out (and find some inspiration) here.
When Is Royal Ascot?
This year, Royal Ascot takes place between Tuesday 17 and Saturday 21 June 2025.
How To Get Tickets
For tickets and more information, please visit ascot.com
