Jill MedingerThe Royal Ascot is one of Britain’s most anticipated five-day, top-class horse races held annually in Ascot, Berkshire. Considered the centerpiece of the British social calendar, it is where thoroughbreds, jockeys, trainers, 300,000 spectators, and the ever-so-fashion-forward gather to participate in this heralded event. In 2013, The Queen watched her horse, Estimate, triumph in the Gold Cup. A dedicated racehorse owner, she has attended every Royal Meeting during her reign and the Royal Procession is always an iconic moment to herald the start of every raceday.
If attending, and fortunate enough to be viewing the races from one of several enclosures, (private box areas) the most notable being the Royal and Queen Anne enclosures, you’ll want to adhere closely to the specific set of sartorial guidelines. The Royal enclosure is considered the heart of the five-day event and imposes the most formal attire.
Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance. This is upheld by the dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right. Ascot offers this official guide and video of what to wear at the Royal Meeting.