The racing season triggers fashion panic amongst those of us who do not regularly attend formal events, and trust me, there is no exception if you are a fashion editor. When Goodley PR kindly invited me to Royal Ascot this season, I had a mini meltdown about what to wear.
Luckily, this season Royal Ascot has issued clear and concise dress code rules and regulations and they are as follows:
Grandstand Dress Code
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times
- Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
- Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adhere to the guidelines above
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should comply with Grandstand dress code
- Midriffs must be covered
- Shorts are not permitted
With the Royal Enclosure stating these additional requirements:
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer
- Dress and tops should have straps of one inch of greater
- Trouser suits are welcome. They should be full length and of matching material and colour
- Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure. Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.