What to wear to Royal Ascot, depending on your enclosure

From the Royal Enclosure to the Queen Anne Enclosure, here are the style rules you must follow at one of the most important summer sporting events

Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the most important sporting events in your summer calendar. It’s a week filled with excitement, history, elegance and, of course, sartorial sophistication.

As such, knowing what to wear, depending on which day you’re attending, or where you’re watching from, is a fine art — and almost as important as knowing which horses to back.

Thankfully, we’ve found the perfect brands to get you looking rakish for the racecourse. So, follow our tips and you’ll give even the best-dressed punters a run for their money.

The Royal Enclosure

What is it: The Royal Enclosure is the one area that every gentleman, whether he’s attended Royal Ascot before or not, will know about. During the running of the Gold Cup in 1807, it was originally a space reserved purely for guests and family of King George III.

It’s still an exclusive and iconic area to be a part of, and you’ll more than likely bump into a member of the Royal Family when inside, so it’s best to prepare properly and get the dress code spot on.

What to wear: The Royal Enclosure requires every gentleman to wear either black or a grey morning dress, which needs to include a waistcoat and tie, a black or grey top hat and black shoes.

New & Lingwood Fitrozia Morning Coat

New & Lingwood Fitrozia Morning Coat

£695

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New & Lingwood Black Wentworth Shoes

New & Lingwood Black Wentworth Shoes

£550

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 Turnbull & Asser Plain White Cotton Shirt

Turnbull & Asser Plain White Cotton Shirt

£195

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Queen Anne Enclosure

What is it: If you’re in the Queen Anne Enclosure, you’ll be at the centre of all of the action. Expect to be up close and personal to the runners and riders in the Pre-Parade and the Parade Ring, and have a front row seat from which to enjoy the Royal Procession as it passes the Grandstand.

What to wear: You’ll need to wear your sharpest suit, complete with a shirt and tie (no cravats or bow ties) — but there’s no need here to wear a top hat. Our best advice for the suit: invest in the best, with a colour or pattern bordering on the bold, and a flash of colour in a pair of socks.

Turnbull & Asser Red Mid-Length Merino Wool Socks

Turnbull & Asser Red Mid-Length Merino Wool Socks

£25

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dunhill Narrow Stripe Mulberry Silk Tie

dunhill Narrow Stripe Mulberry Silk Tie

£150

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New & Lingwood Duke Windowpane Double-Breasted Jacket

New & Lingwood Duke Windowpane Double-Breasted Jacket

£595

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All other enclosures

If you’re watching the week’s activities from anywhere else, including the Windsor Enclosure, there’s no must-follow dress code.

There is, however, the need to use discretion: you cannot wear anything branded, any replica sports clothing, fancy dress or anything novelty. Instead, either opt for a smart suit as per above, or go for something a little more individual. New & Lingwood are the brand for you if you want to make a statement. And remember, gents, it always pays out to dress up.

dunhill Kensington Fit Tonal Check Wool Jacket

dunhill Kensington Fit Tonal Check Wool Jacket

£1195

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Turnbull & Asser Bloom Red and Navy Silk Pocket Square

Turnbull & Asser Bloom Red and Navy Silk Pocket Square

£65

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New & Lingwood Magenta Antique Spotted Scarf

New & Lingwood Magenta Antique Spotted Scarf

£195

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