Whether you're going for the first time or you're a seasoned attendee, deciding what to wear to Royal Ascot is a very important part of the day. Governed by a series of rules, depending on your enclosure, you'll have a different set of style codes to consider. Knowing what to wear to the races is one thing, but deciding what to wear to Royal Ascot is a bit trickier.
From the diameter of your hat base to the width of your dress straps, the dress codes are specific. One of the most celebrated events of British summer, from the horse racing itself to the parade ring, and singing around the bandstand at the end of the day, you're going to love it. This year, the event runs from Tuesday, 16th to Saturday, 20th June, and you can expect to see plenty of celebrities and members of the Royal Family dressed in their finery. Ladies Day, which is on Thursday, is always a real highlight for style, too.
The good news is that dressing for Ascot doesn't have to mean spending a fortune, and if you've already got any of the best summer wedding guest dresses for 2026 or sharp trouser suits in your arsenal, there is a good chance you can rewear something you have. To nail the Royal Ascot brief, we've put together a guide that takes you through everything you need to know.
What to wear to Royal Ascot: outfit ideas
woman&home's Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum offers this advice: "I tend to rely on a fit and flared midi dress for an easy one-and-done outfit. Even if I choose a sleeveless style, in a bold colour to match the dressy nature of the day, I always make sure I have a cardigan to hand as a light layer to slip on for an evening breeze. When it comes to footwear, comfort is key, and you can't go wrong with a pair of trending, neutral ballet pumps, as there is a lot of walking and standing around."
What to wear to Royal Ascot: The Royal Enclosure
If you're lucky enough to have a ticket for the Royal Enclosure, this is the strictest dress code of all, so think elegant and respectful. The best way to approach it is the same way you might approach a church wedding. Midi dresses are a popular choice, since dresses and skirts have to be just above the knee or longer. Bold colours and prints aren't off-limits, and in fact, you can really have some fun with them.
In 2017, the best jumpsuits were formally added to the dress code, but any suits must be in a matching material and colour. Note that 'hats (not fascinators) must be worn'. You can wear a hatinator, which has the appearance of a hat but is fastened onto a headband, but it should have a base of 4 inches or more. A fascinator, on the other hand, covers very little of the head and does not have a base.
Rivkie says: "Ascot's Royal Enclosure has some of the strictest fashion guidelines, but rather than being daunted by the rules, embrace the help they give in guiding your outfit for the occasion."
The official dress code:
- A dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
- Shoulder straps that are a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
- A jacket or pashmina may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
- A trouser suit of matching material and colour
- A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements
- Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.
Made by one of the best British clothing brands, Rixo, this lightweight, fluid crepe dress falls beautifully into a longer mid-length design. The fluttery cap sleeves are a feminine addition, and the dotted ivory print feels extremely elegant.
This boater hat is extremely similar to a style Zara Tindall has worn to Royal Ascot before. With a sophisticated wide-brim and an eye-catching white pom pom, this strikes the perfect balance between statement-making and refined.
There's a lot of walking and standing on the day, and if you don't want to be hobbling home afterwards, a block heel is a great option. These slingbacks feature a padded cushioning on the midsole, which will make standing all day a breeze.
What to wear to Royal Ascot: The Queen Anne Enclosure
The Queen Anne Enclosure is Royal Ascot's most popular, offering a fantastic view of the track, access to the Parade Ring and a great atmosphere. Whilst the dress code isn't as strict as the Royal Enclosure, there are still clear guidelines to follow. Dresses and jumpsuits are permitted, and smart trouser suits are too. The main difference is that you can wear a headpiece or fascinator instead of a hat, unlike the Royal Enclosure.
The official dress code:
- A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
- A trouser suit of matching material and colour
- A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator
A suit is a great option for Royal Ascot, and although this two-piece is quite an investment, you can of course mix and match each item, so you'll get loads of mileage out of it. It's a great choice if you're wondering what to wear to Wimbledon, too. Just add a silky cami underneath.
A straw or raffia hat removes some of the pressure to try to colour coordinate your hat, and this has a beautiful summery feel. It looks much more expensive than it is, and you could wear this to a warm-weather nuptials paired with your favourite wedding guest outfit, too.
A day at the races is longer than you might think, and you'll be on your feet when cheering your horse to victory, which is why comfort-first designs are a must. This shiny gold metallic pair are elevated and practical, and features layers of cushioning.
What to wear to Royal Ascot: The Village Enclosure
If the Queen Anne Enclosure is rooted in tradition, the Village Enclosure offers a more modern take on Royal Ascot style. The dress code remains firmly occasionwear-focused, but with a little more room for personality, making it the perfect place to experiment with colour and print. Dresses, jumpsuits and tailored co-ords are all popular choices, and hats and fascinators are still a requirement. Tops that are strapless, bardot or one-shoulder are strictly off limits.
The official dress code:
- A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)
- Trousers suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
- Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements
- A hat, headpiece or fascinator
Embrace sage green with this beautiful jumpsuit. It features an elegant V-neckline, delicate frills on the shoulders and a wide-leg silhouette that will elongate your figure. The crossover waistband panel will accentuate your curves.
In the Village Enclosure, the guidelines say that you can wear "hat, headpiece or fascinator", which mean you can lean into the shade of your jumpsuit with this sage green headband.
Mulberry sales are worth taking note of, and this clutch bag is worth shopping for while it's discounted. This elegant Darley Clutch is the ultimate occasionwear piece, working for everything from dinner out with friends to special occasions.
What to wear to Royal Ascot: The Windsor Enclosure
The Windsor Enclosure offers a more relaxed way to experience Royal Ascot, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look your best. Unlike the Royal, Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, there is no official dress code, which means there is much more freedom with what you wear; however, it's best to lean into smart, occasion-ready pieces.
The official dress code:
"Whilst there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure, guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. A hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged."
This feminine dress is perfect for making a statement, and the fit and flare style will look fantastic on all body types. It's covered in beautiful pink and red florals and features eye-catching ruffles on the shoulders and neckline.
The Windsor Enclosure is much less strict than the Royal Enclosure, so you can get away with fascinators and headbands. You don't actually have to wear one here, however, when else do you get the opportunity?
Sole Bliss is renowned for its comfort-first designs, and the brand is a firm favourite amongst celebrities, including Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Lean into trending blush pinks with these pumps. They have three layers of underfoot cushioning for maximum ease.
FAQs
Should your hat match your shoes?
Superstar stylist Martine Alexander offered us her advice, "My message right now is all about being unapologetically YOU.
"So if your personal style, and what makes you feel 'yes this is me', is not matchy matchy - for some people it is, they're very colour coordinated, and that's fine because they feel represented in that look - but actually it doesn't have to be that way. You can express your personal style by clashing colours - bag, shoes and hat, as long as the colour palette flows with the dress that you're wearing for Royal Ascot.
"There's nothing to say you can't have two colours in your accessories. As long as it flows, it will all work."
Where to shop for Ascot dresses in 2026?
Many of the brands you'd look to for the wedding guest dresses are great for Royal Ascot. British clothing brands like ME+EM, Rixo, Hobbs, Boden and Phase Eight might have what you're looking for.
Royal-approved brands are a great option if your budget is a bit higher. Martine says: "Zimmermann is great for Royal Ascot. I'd also say Safiyaa, Suzannah London and Claire Mischevani".
What's the difference between a hat and a fascinator?
Hats cover your head, and have a crown and a brim. Keep in mind, this can be very useful on particularly sunny days at the races!
The Royal Ascot dress code refers to a hatinator, which looks like a hat but is perched on a headband. These must have a base of 4 inches or more for the Royal Enclosure.
A fascinator likely won't cover any of the head, and is a clip or headband with a small decorative detail. These are fine for Queen Anne, Village and Windsor enclosures.
