The Ascot Racecourse Event: a fashion experience!

There are few things in our culture that remain timeless and ever present. It is a difficult task for various counties to maintain their historic events that take place year after year, decade after decade. The Royal Ascot is among one of those timeless events that has never lost it's importance nor impact on our society and world.  This event is one that embodies the classic and rich heritage and essence of the Royal Family and all that it entails. For nearly 250 years, this spectacular horse race has taken place and brings together royalty, the British people, and the entire world. It is the event to which the British are known for, and is an event UK citizens count down to see.

What is nearly just as important as the races itself, is the fashion. One might not expect this from an event such as a horse race but this is unlike any other sporting event you'd expect. It's tradition, it's pageantry, it's style all gathered together for a five day race unlike any other. The crowd serves as each woman's runway as they wear the most unique and intricate dresses, designs, and hats for all to see and admire. Many of the next season's styles stem from that of the Ascot races as only the most prestigious, elegant, and fashion forward people attend.


Dress Code

When one attends a sporting event, you might not normally expect to be told that there is a dress code to attend. The Royal Ascot demands this of each of their attendees and even includes a style guide to review before attending. Those who do not abide by this are asked to leave the premises. Women are asked to wear dresses or skirts that are of modest length and do not fall above the knee but either just above the knee or lower. They cannot be too tight and the hemline must be straight. Women's dresses and tops must also have one inch wide or greater of fabric for the straps, and any strapless or halter dresses are forbidden.

Woman's hats are a must for this event; headpieces which have a base of 4 inches or more is allowed but only to replace a fashionable woman's hat. The diameter of the hat must cover at least half the woman's head and the headpieces must still be tasteful and not too tall as to not distract the onlookers.

Useful Information

Those that are not among the top and VIP attendees of the Royal Ascot race would be seated in the General Admission section of the Royal Racecourse. One must still dress appropriately, but not to the degree of the standards set out by the Royal Ascot guidelines. Attendees of the Royal Races are asked to dress elegantly and always wearing a hat.

Regardless if you're in the Royal Enclosure or General Admission seating, the fashion is very important at these events. Be prepared to make bets with colleagues, have others compliment and discuss your apparel, and stay late into the evening talking the past day's events. This is also a very social event, so plan to make connections, share a meal with those next to you and enjoy the company of Great Britain (and the world's) very best.