Last
year, Royal Ascot tightened the reins on dress codes for both the Royal Enclosure
and the Grandstand. It may be a restriction on dress but it shouldn’t restrict
your sense of style. But before you go shopping for that special Ladies Day
outfit, make sure you know the rules.
Royal Enclosure. - Formal daywear required.
The style you should be aiming for
is a flamboyant glamorous look which is also sophisticated and well groomed. Think along the lines of a dressy wedding
outfit without the worry of upstaging the bride.
The dress
code you must adhere to are as follows. If you do break them you run the risk
of being refused entry:
Necklines
No halter necks, strapless gowns, off the shoulder or spaghetti straps.
Dress straps must be at least one inch wide. And wearing a jacket or
matching bolero over a dress does not count – the actual dress has to follow
the guidelines.
Jane and Marilyn specialise in
racing day dresses especially for the Royal Enclosure. The top image shows their
Veronica dress in coral. In 100% matka silk and fully lined, with a flattering
pleating across the bust and fishtail godet at the back. Length is just below
the knee. Price £455
Also readily available in banana,
slate, ocean and stone. Other colours
are available on request.
If you are looking for a strappy dress,
then when shopping, take a tape measure to ensure you are following the dress
code. And if in doubt – don’t buy!
The Jaeger block stripe flare hem
dress just makes it past the finishing post for the Royal Enclosure necklines.
The straps are 1 inch wide, Price £250
.
Skirt length:
No minis or shorts, dress length
should be no shorter than just above the knee.
The skirt length of Jane and
Marilyn’s Katherine dress falls below the knee. In 100% matka silk and fully
lined, with a draped cowl neckline and fishtail godet at the back. Price £395
Shown here in banana yellow but
also available in coral, slate, ocean and stone, plus other colours on request.
Susannah dresses are ideal for the Royal
Enclosure as they are usually inspired by the 40s and the 50s with skirts at knee
length. This golden yellow dress with dark gold horizontal stripes gives a
modern take on the 50s silhouette whilst still keeping the lady like knee
length. The dress has a close fitting
bodice with a low waistband and a full skirt to the knee. Plus side pockets to
keep those important betting slips handy .Price £750
Midriffs:
Definitely no bare midriffs and that also means no midriffs just
covered in sheer fabrics. If you are proud of your super toned body, go for
a figure hugging dress instead of a exposing your midriff. But remember to
stick to the skirt length and dress straps rules.
Phase Eight’s stretchy Lulu
Rose print dress will show off your shapely figure. The length is 105cm centre
back. Price £140
Trousers:
Trousers are only allowed if worn as part of a suit. They must be full length,
so definitely no shorts or cropped pants. The colour and fabric of the trousers
have to match the jacket, i.e. it has to be a true trouser suit.
Note:
The top underneath still has to comply with the neckline rules.
White trouser suits always look
stunning especially when worn with a contrasting coloured hat. The MADELEINE
white trouser suit is 98% cotton to keep you cool on that hopefully sunny Ascot
day, and 2% spandex for a better fit. Trousers are slightly flared with a
centre crease. Price £249
Worn here with gold leather MADELEINE
sandals handmade in Italy. The heel is slightly
chunky making it an ideal choice for walking on grass at the races. Approx 8cm
high. Price £149.95
Be bold in a floral trouser suit.
MandCo have a Meadow print blazer and matching trousers.
Jacket has a fitted shape and is
fully lined. Price £59
Trousers have tapered leg. Price
£39
Fabric for both is 97% cotton 3% elastane.
Lining for jacket is 100% polyester.
For tops, you have a wide range of
colours to choose from. Go for classic white or pick out the yellow, pink,
green or blue in the pattern.
Headgear:
A hat or a substantial head piece has to be worn at all times. A
substantial head piece means that the base is 4 inches (10cm) or more in
diameter. Take your tape measure when buying a headpiece to make sure it is
4 inches. And if in doubt don’t buy.
You’ll have no trouble with the
Cartwheel hat by milliner Sean Barrett. Price £585. This fishnet straw hat has
a Racello braid and trim. Available in all black or with white Racello braid
trim. The silk flower is optional and is available in different colours to
match your outfit. See the top image of the Veronica dress showing the
Cartwheel hat with a coral flower. Contact Jane and Marilyn for more details.
Fascinators are no longer permitted. What is the difference between
a headpiece and a fascinator I hear you say? The difference is the base diameter.
Many fascinators have a flamboyant display of netting, feathers and flowers
etc. but may only have a tiny base. It is the actual base without the trimmings
that counts in the Royal Enclosure rules. As long as the base is 4 inches or
more in diameter then it falls under the headpiece category.
If you do prefer to wear a small headpiece,
this button headpiece called Leah by milliner Bundle Maclaren is 16cm x 16 cm and
so complies with the Royal Enclosure dress code. Here shown in coral and adorned with 2 black
and white chequered quills. Can be made in other colours. Price £102 Available
from Boticca:
And definitely No fancy dress, novelty or promotional/branded clothing is allowed
in either the Royal Enclosure or Grandstand.
