Racing Season 2026: What To Wear To Royal Ascot
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5 days 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 race day 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 2026.
Royal Ascot: A Style Guide
The thundering of hooves, the clinking of champagne glasses, the roar of the crowds – it can only be Royal Ascot. The biggest event in the summer racing calendar returns to Ascot Racecourse this summer, with hundreds of thousands of people set to attend.
But between the bubbles and betting, there’s another factor that makes Royal Ascot so iconic: the fashion. ‘I think Ascot’s “there’s you, then there’s the Ascot you” campaign sums it up perfectly – it’s a chance to express the most exuberant version of yourself and indulge no bars held in the joy and transformative power of fashion as fantasy,’ says stylist and fashion writer Alice Hare. ‘I love seeing people able to express this side of themselves at Ascot in an environment that totally encourages it.
‘Really though the magic of Ascot’s dress code is precisely that it doesn’t change – it’s a rare piece of old school rigour in a world of constant shift and fleeting trends, and that’s precisely why it’s so unique, exciting and elegant. I think we’ve generally lost the art of purposeful dressing today (for the day-to-day at least) and Royal Ascot brings this back.’
And while dresses have always been a key style staple of Royal Ascot, Alice notes that there’s been a real shift in women’s fashions in recent years. ‘Tailoring has really entered the Royal Ascot fore for ladies,’ she tells us. ‘There’s something subversive about a woman in a suit at Ascot that I love. It’s a great chance to wear a white or cream suit particularly, as you won’t be wearing that to any summer weddings.’
The Edit: Royal Ascot Outfit Ideas
A Stylist’s Top Tips: What To Wear To Royal Ascot
Below, stylist Alice Hare shares her top tips for Royal Ascot dressing.
Invest In A Good Hat
The crowning glory of any Ascot outfit? A sensational hat. ‘Don’t be afraid to go big with your hat,’ emphasises Alice. ‘People seem to be terrified of proper hats nowadays, but their scarcity makes them all the more statement-making and elegant – which always goes down a treat at the races.’
Experiment With Your Outfit
While there is a dress code, Ascot has always been a welcoming stage for experimental occasionwear. You can get away with being a little more flamboyant than usual, and be a bit more playful when it comes to colours, prints and silhouettes. ‘When curating your outfit, make a statement,’ says Alice. ‘It’s Ascot – this is the time and place to do it!’
But Don’t Go Novelty
While racegoers are encouraged to dress up, clothing should never fall into the trappings of novelty. ‘There’s statement-making and then there’s novelty,’ highlights Alice. ‘It shows far more creativity and style to wear a look that makes a statement without bordering on being silly. There are always a few people who go novelty at Ascot each year for the press – I’m talking hats in the shape of barbecues, dresses so big they mean nobody can walk within five metres. It’s also incredibly impractical for the person wearing it.’
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 enclosures requires visitors to dress in ‘formal daywear’.
Womenswear Dos
- Dresses/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/tops with sheer straps and sleeves
- Midriff must be covered
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
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
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 Don’ts
- Novelty dress or costume
The Royal Ascot Handbook
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 Handbook, an inspiration guide featuring a edit of outfits for the big event. ‘The Handbook shows there’s still so much room for individuality even within the rules of Ascot’s dress code,’ says Alice. ‘The dress code is the friend of individual expression rather than its enemy, the Handbook expertly demonstrates. I also love that the Handbook celebrates British craftsmanship.’
You can check out the Handbook (and find some inspiration) here.
When Is Royal Ascot?
This year, Royal Ascot takes place between Tuesday 16 and Saturday 20 June 2026.
How To Get Tickets
For tickets and more information, please visit ascot.com
