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.
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.
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.
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Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
