As the most famous of the racing festivals, Royal Ascot is the place to show off your fabulous fashion flair. But take heed; there are dress codes to adhere in all of the enclosures. the world Royal Ascot will be held over 5 days from Tuesday 16th until Saturday 20th June 2026.

Official Dress Code for the Royal Enclosure

Dress code in the Royal Enclosure is formal daywear. 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 with the shoulder straps requirements. 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. Not Permitted: Fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm) unless under the age of 17. Dresses and tops that are: Strapless or one shoulder, Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back), Spaghetti straps, Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent). Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist). The following are not permitted within any dress code: Fancy dress, novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery), trainers, denim, leggings or shorts.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

The official Royal Ascot Colour of the Year for 2026 is Bright Tomato, a bold red-orange hue and racegoers are encouraged to embrace Bright Tomato. This vibrant shade is intended to make a statement and capture the energy of summer whilst standing out against the traditional green lawns and formal attire of the event. Fashion designer Shushu Tong has created a figure skimming sheath dress in red linen adorned with ruffles to emphasise the curves. Available from Mytheresa for £885.00.  Royal Ascot is all about the hat, and most ladies will ensure theirs is the focal point of their outfit by choosing an eye-catching creation such as Nerida Fraiman SS7053 sinamay disc with a crin cloud in shades of red plus a touch of orange and pink. The sculptural swirls complement the ruffles on the dress whilst a small diamante globe glistens amongst them, £795.00. Intensify the sparkle with Pinar Ozevlat’s Disco Pebble Earrings featuring black pebble shapes that twinkle with hand-embellished crystals, £80.00. Ferragamo Rectangular frame sunglasses glimmers with Swarovski “chaton” crystals. Available in black or red, £660.00. As the hat is the main attraction, choose a small to medium sized handbag  rather than a statement oversized bag. Susan Fang’s 3-D Print Black Water Bag in shiny opaque black with a bubble rope handle will enhance the outfit without taking all of the attention, £409.00 More arm candy with Completed Works Knee‐Deep In A Bog in North Yorkshire   bracelet of black onyx round gemstones with recycled silver, £275.00. Step out in Julia Sifnos Pump by Casadei® crafted in Sifnos, a delicate transparent mesh adorned with fine silk or lurex braid details in black. 10cm heel and a fine strap across the front to ensure a secure fit, £610. 

Official Dress Code for Queen Anne Enclosure

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. Not Permitted are Dresses and tops that are: Strapless or one shoulder, Off-the-shoulder or bardot, Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent). Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist) The following are not permitted within any dress code: Fancy dress, novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery), Trainers, Denim, Leggings,Shorts.

We Say…The rules may look too restrictive but there are still so many dress styles to choose from to find the perfect outfit to suit your body shape and personality – from the figure hugging bodycon and sheath dresses to the feminine A-line and fit & flare dresses. Unlike the Royal Enclosure you are allowed to wear a dress with spaghetti straps. Rebecca Vallance Sundia Midi Dress features a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice with soft cups and adjustable spaghetti straps. Cinched at the waist with a circular midi skirt which has handy  side seam pockets. Maybe not quite tomato red, more of a watermelon but still another vibrant fruity shade of red. Was £615.00 now £360.00. We think  Katie Vale Designs Millinery  large fascinator the Juliet is a match in red and white £260.00. Be hot hot hot in flame red Julia Satin Sandal by Casadei®  £680.00, then cool it down with Lacoste’s cristalline white Medium Lenglen Leather Bag designed with their iconic pleat detailing which is inspired by the brand’s tennis heritage, finished with an embossed crocodile and a crocodile cursor zip. With a detachable strap and practical organization solutions. £285.00. Smoulder in Completed Works Between the Tides Earrings Crafted in red resin and accented with a descending line of sparkling rhinestone, £225.00 and their Dazed by Suburbia Bead Necklace red agate beads connected to a recycled silver chain. Designed to sit above the collar bone. £235.00. Look red hot and cool at the same time in Ferragamo’s  Oval frame sunglasses with a two tone frame of transparent red and transparent wine. £260.00

Official Dress Code for Village Enclosure

A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length) Trouser 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. Not Permitted: Dresses and tops that are: Strapless or one shoulder. Off-the-shoulder or bardot. Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent). Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist). The following are not permitted within any dress code: Fancy dress, novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery), Trainers, Denim, Leggings, Shorts.

We Say…The dress code is just a little more relaxed – dress straps can be narrower than one inch and dress lengths can be higher but still go for elegance as though you are attending a smart wedding. The black and white polka dot is a classic design to wear to Royal Ascot. Rixo’s  Eleanor Cotton Midi Dress softens the look with black spots on an ivory background and a loose bow around the halter neck. In cool cotton, £275.00. Pair with Mizi Atelier’s Celosia fascinator. Named after the tropical plant with vibrant feathery flowers, it is crafted with red, black and white feathers individually mounted on a felt hat base and black white spotted feathers with a small white half globe in the centre. Fixed on the head with a satin headband,  £215.00. Complement but not overshadow the hat with Completed Works’ What a Tangled Web We Weave Earrings with entwined strings of black onyx. £235.00. Accessorise with Royal Ascot’s colour of the year -tomato red: RIXO’s Mavi Suede Heels slingbacks with a caged design front, £245.00. XUXA’s Red Jade Stone Natural Beaded Bracelet £40.00 and Calvin Klein’s Cat Eye Sunglasses in transparent red with violet lenses, £85.00. Cool the red with Charles & Keith’s white Nasrin Geometric Shoulder Bag trimmed in black, £89.00

Official Dress Code for the Windsor Enclosure

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. Not permitted: Fancy dress, novelty and branded or promotional clothing

We Say…Headwear is still important and in this enclosure, designs range from the simple embellished headband crowning a professional hairdo to the most flamboyant of hats. Still dress as though you are going to a wedding, but here you can be more revealing in your outfit choice with an off the shoulder, strapless or one shoulder dress such as Norma Kamali’s Diana Gown in asparagus green with an asymmetrical neckline and hemline. This single-shoulder dress  flaunts ruching throughout the side seams for an all over gathered effect. A 4-way stretch bodysuit is built in the garment for comfort and to create the drape of this style. £175.00. Use the tomato red colour as an accent with Katie Vale Designs Millinery red Lizzie large fascinator £110.00 and Pom Pom London’s  Leather Crossbody Bag £99.95. Add sage to your salad of tomato and asparagus with Dune London’s Crediblity Kitten Heel Sling-Backs in sage green suede £99.00 and a dollop of butter with Charles & Keith’s Butter Recycled Acetate Angular Sunglasses in buttery yellow, £65.00. Add some fun and garnish the look with more tomatoes: Tomato On-The-Vine dangly hoop earrings By Chavelli £49.79 and ClaybyKM’s Handmade Tomato & Pearl Charm Bracelet £35.00

Casadei, Rebecca Vallance, Lacoste, Shushu Tong, Susan Fang, Completed Works, Marchon Eyewear (Ferragamo & Calvin Klein), Charles & Keith and Norma Kamali images provided by pr agency Purple PR

Narida Fraiman images provided by Narida Fraiman

Mizi Atelier images provided by Mizi Atelier

Katie Vale Millinery images courtesy of Katie Vale Designs

Pinar Ozevlat and XUXU images courtesy of pr agency We Are PR

Rixo images provided by Rixo’s in house press team

Dune London images provided by Dune’s in house pr team

Pom Pom London images provided by pr agency Bloxham PR

By Chavelli images courtesy of Chavelli

ClaybyKM images provided by ClaybyKM