Royal Ascot Unveils New Fashion Handbook For 2026
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Royal Ascot’s annual style guide returns, but with a twist
With over 300 years of history, Royal Ascot is one of the oldest – and biggest; last year saw more than 285,000 people attend – events on the British racing calendar. And with such a grand reputation, it only makes sense that attendees dress the part in suits, dresses and hats. But for those stuck on what to wear, event organisers have you covered – and this year, Royal Ascot is making style history with the arrival of its brand new Handbook, a thorough fashion guide curated by Creative Director Daniel Fletcher.
The Royal Ascot Handbook: What’s New For 2026?
Royal Ascot looks a little different this year. Since 2023, racegoers in need of style inspiration have leaned on the event’s Lookbook – but now, they’ll have something even better. Ascot Racecourse has just unveiled its brand new Handbook, The Art of Dressing Well. An evolution of the Lookbook, the Handbook continues to celebrate the very best of British heritage, individuality and contemporary style – but with a few new features, tips and tricks to give attendees of Royal Ascot even more ideas for the racing season.
Royal Ascot’s Creative Director, designer Daniel Fletcher, returns once again to curate the annual guide to social season dressing – marking his third year holding the reins.
So, what’s new for 2026? The biggest change to the inspirational style guide is the addition of Royal Ascot’s first ever colour of the year: Bright Tomato. A bold, bright hue, the colour was chosen based on expert trend forecasting, SS26 runways and observations of the Royal Ascot crowd – and can be seen throughout the new Handbook.
Bright Tomato is expected to be worn throughout the week – but event organisers particularly encourage racegoers to wear the colour on Gold Cup Day, which falls on Thursday 18 June 2026.
‘Every year at Royal Ascot there is always one trend that stands out as a big hit with butter yellow and periwinkle blue being recent examples,’ said Fletcher. ‘For 2026, we’re seeing a distinct shift towards confident, expressive colour with Bright Tomato set to take centre stage as a defining shade in occasionwear, bringing a bold new direction for the Royal Ascot palette. That bright orangey-red of a ripe tomato creates an instant feeling of summer joy.’
Another first comes in the form of the style guide’s first ever ‘face’: supermodel (and former C&TH cover star) Erin O’Connor. Leading the campaign, she stars on the cover and in a dedicated edit titled ‘Think Outside the Box’. Taking to the Berkshire racecourse in a series of looks – including tailored pieces by Edeline Lee, dresses by Rebecca Vallance and Roksanda, and accessories from Longines, Christian Louboutin and Bucherer, as well as statement millinery from the likes of Emily London, Harvy Santos and Jane Taylor – O’Connor offers plenty of ideas for what to wear for the occasion.
‘To be a part of such an iconic fashion campaign is a total honour,’ said O’Connor on joining the campaign. ‘I’m always in awe of the creativity and thought that goes into Royal Ascot attire, and how it sets the tone for the summer social season.’
Elsewhere, the Handbook unfolds with a wider campaign of creative edits, spanning heritage style, personal touches, hats and accessories, and the previously mentioned colour of the year.
‘The launch of the Royal Ascot Handbook is always a special moment, marking the beginning of the journey towards the week itself,’ commented Tom Johnson, Commercial Director at Ascot. ‘Daniel has once again brought the season’s key trends and styles to life with great flair, and we hope The Art of Dressing Well inspires racegoers to fully embrace the occasion. This year’s fashion campaign reflects the evolving style of our audience while celebrating the much‑loved ritual of dressing up – something that remains central to the spirit and identity of Royal Ascot.’
What Is The Royal Ascot Handbook?
New for 2026, the Royal Ascot Handbook is an updated version of the event’s annual style guide – previously known as the Lookbook. Filled with outfit inspiration for all enclosures – including the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure – the Handbook is where you’ll find more creative ideas for racing season fashion. As in previous years, the guide is separate from the Official Royal Ascot Dress Code.
The Royal Ascot Handbook 2026
Think Outside The Box
Each year, Royal Ascot encourages its attendees to go bigger and bolder than ever before – and this year, they really want us to think outside the box (and take some tips from Erin O’Connor’s Ascot style).
Show Us Your Silks
Jockey silks are reimagined as fashion statements – with bold colours, stripes, spots and clashing palettes sitting central to looks in this edit.
Tell Us Your Story
Taking inspiration from the revelry of the races, this edit reimagines trackside traditions – think car park picnics, afternoon tea and race-watching – through whimsical storytelling.
When Is Royal Ascot 2026?
Royal Ascot’s 2026 edition will take place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June. You can find out more about the event, and see the official schedule, at ascot.com
