Royal Ascot Fashion 2025: What to Wear, Outfits & Dress Code for Ladies

Each June, Royal Ascot fashion arrives with sartorial significance. More than a racing event, it is a centuries-old British tradition where fashion, pageantry, and societal decorum intersect. Attending is a matter of style, but also of heritage. From the moment Queen Anne declared the grounds “ideal for horses” in 1711, Royal Ascot has evolved from an equestrian event into a sartorial spectacle. Today, Ascot outfits continues to set the ultimate stage for British millinery and tailoring storytelling – not unlike the refined fashion seen the Chelsea Flower Show or a spring capsule wardrobe rooted in elegance. Though, what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025 means honouring both occasion and tradition through fabric, cut, and formal Royal Ascot dress code for ladies for each enclosure.

Together, Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure, and the Village Enclosure all carry their own dress codes that encapsulate Royal Ascot fashion. Specifically, each detail matters, from hem length, and hat width, to sleeve coverage, as outlined below. Consider structured midi dresses, or a tailored trouser suit in a matching fabric and colour. Each element must strike the balance between elegance and etiquette. Adding accessories like statement hats with a solid base of 10cm from Lock and Co. Hatters, silk gloves, embellished clutch bags, and closed-toe heels will also help you channel the best dressed at Royal Ascot vibes.

In this comprehensive guide, explore what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025 — from Ascot dress code for ladies to styling inspiration, dress suggestions, and British brands that embody timeless sophistication. Expect an inspiring blend of classic etiquette and modern refinement, helping to put you in contention for best dressed at Royal Ascot.

What to Wear to Royal Ascot 2025: Ascot Outfit Ideas for Women

Wondering what to wear to an Ascot for ladies? This style guide covers all the elegant essentials for creating Ascot outfits that blend elegance and cut, with a nod to tradition.

Structured tea-length or midi dresses with softly A-line skirts remain the gold standard of Ascot fashion. Embrace modest cuts, including cap sleeves, defined waists, and gently flared skirts. Meanwhile, tailored jumpsuits or matching pastel suits offer a modern refined take.

Royal Ascot Dresses 2025: What Styles Work Best

Design Details to Embrace:

• Nipped waists, often enhanced with discreet darts or sewn-in belts, to create a polished silhouette.
• High necklines convey quiet formality and work beautifully with wide-brim hats or structured fascinators.
• Three-quarter or bracelet-length sleeves, which strike the balance between modesty and ease, and are often finished with subtle pleats or buttoned cuffs.
• Softly flared or pencil-style midi skirts, hitting just below the knee or mid-calf — lengths that feel demure yet contemporary.
• Box pleats or kick pleats at the back or sides for elegant movement when walking or seated.

Therefore, avoid anything too clingy, sheer, or cut with excessive volume. Dresses should flatter the body through expert tailoring, not reveal it.

Fabrics to Consider:

• Seek fabrics like silk faille, duchess satin, and crepe for structure and grace.
• Lightweight tweeds (like Linton or boucle blends) or matelassé — whether in tailored dresses, skirts, or matching suits — also offer sculptural polish without volume.
  • In particular, tweed dresses with subtle shaping (princess seams, darts, or waist ties) are a chic sculpted alternative to a traditional suit.
• Use accessories to channel vintage charm: silk gloves, brooches, satin clutches, and closed-toe heels.

Colours to Choose:

• Soft, light pastels: ivory, blush pink, dove grey, soft lilac, cornflower blue.
• Rich jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, amethyst.
• Avoid overly fluorescent hues and or loud prints.

Patterns:

• Subtle florals.
• Monochrome polka dots.
• No busy geometric prints or sheer overlays without lining.

Tailored silhouettes are key. Importantly, Ascot outfits fabric must drape with intention, seams must flatter the form, and colour must complement, never clash.

Royal Ascot fashion is a celebration of refined elegance. Here, tradition meets individuality within the bounds of formality. While colour and creativity abound, true style lies in balance — letting thoughtful tailoring, graceful silhouettes, and polished accessories speak louder than spectacle. Poise, polish, and propriety form the backbone of the dress code. Hence, these principles should guide every outfit choice, from the fall of a hemline, to the tilt of a hat.

Can You Wear a Short Dress to Royal Ascot?

While the Ascot dress code for ladies varies by enclosure, short dresses (above mid-thigh) are generally not allowed in the Royal or Queen Anne Enclosures. For Ascot outfits to be appropriate, hemlines should be modest — ideally midi-length or tea-length.

Best Dressed at Ascot: How to Stand Out for the Best Reasons

The best dressed at Royal Ascot are those who respect tradition while adding their personal touch. Structured tailoring, elevated millinery, and tasteful accessories elevate your look. Vintage-inspired brooches, gloves, and silk clutches nod to elegance and history.

Past winners have often favoured clean silhouettes in soft hues, choosing architectural hats over flamboyance and pairing classic pieces with impeccable fit. Notably, common threads among standout looks include harmony between outfit and millinery, tonal coordination, and a quiet confidence that lets the ensemble speak for itself without excess.

Brands to Wear to Royal Ascot: Fashion & British Elegance

Attendees don’t have to wear British brands to Royal Ascot. However, many choose to as a way to honour the event’s heritage and its ties to British fashion and craftsmanship. Whether British or international, choosing designers who focus on refined tailoring, elegant silhouettes, and high-quality fabrics is essential. As a result, this approach helps achieve the polished look Ascot is famous for.

Look for well-constructed garments in natural or luxurious textiles, tasteful headpieces or hats, and accessories that speak to timeless sophistication. The goal is to embody the spirit of formality and grace that defines the Royal Meeting.

Beulah London

Quintessentially English brand Beulah London is known for its consciously crafted dresses in feminine, flowing silhouettes. Beulah’s refined midi dresses often feature high necklines, flutter sleeves, tailored waists, and modest hemlines, making them a natural choice for Ascot races dressing. Their silk crepes and floral prints with exquisite drape from other collections bring a romantic yet formal elegance.

Safiyaa

Luxury womenswear brand Safiyaa’s ready-to-wear and demi-couture collections offers a modern, sculptural take on tailored femininity. Known for its elegant crepe and satin-backed crepe pieces, the label specialises in cape-sleeved dresses, sleek jumpsuits, and structured midi gowns — all ideal for the Queen Anne and Royal Enclosures. Signature elements like high necklines, defined waists, and covered shoulders ensure dress code compliance. Meanwhile, subtle jewel tones and soft neutrals maintain a refined, contemporary edge. Moreover, Safiyaa’s use of double crepe lends a fluid drape that elevates each silhouette with quiet sophistication.

Emilia Wickstead

Known for architectural tailoring and graceful midi silhouettes, Emilia Wickstead’s fit-and-flare midi dresses are a masterclass in demure elegance. Her structured bodices, modest necklines, clean lines, and flowing skirts flatter the female form elegantly. Wickstead’s designs are synonymous with Ascot elegance as a top luxury brand. Her pastel-toned crepe and silk faille dresses strike the perfect chord between regal and refined.

Susannah London

A master of occasionwear with a sculptural edge, Susannah London designs dresses that are both traditional and striking. Her use of couture-inspired details — like fluted sleeves, tailored waists, and high bateau necklines — fits seamlessly within Ascot’s dress code.

In addition, the brand also offers a bespoke service, allowing clients to make subtle adjustments in fabric or fit for a one-of-a-kind ensemble ideal for Royal Ascot fashion.

Lalage Beaumont

Lalage Beaumont’s Royal Ascot Edit is tailored for the discerning guest. Expect understated yet opulent dresses and coordinating luxurious coats in silk jacquard, fine tweed, and wool-silk blends. Her garments are fully lined in luxurious contrasting hues and finished with couture-level precision. The clean lines and modest lengths make her collections a natural choice for those seeking timeless polish with discreet glamour.

LK Bennett

As Royal Ascot’s official womenswear sponsor, LK Bennett offers accessible British elegance. L.K. Bennett’s Ascot collection features elegant, feminine pieces in flattering silhouettes. Many of these are ideal for the Queen Anne or Village Enclosures, including the the polished Cecily Lace Tiered Maxi Dress pictured above.

Additionally, their crepe and stretch satin jumpsuits — often cinched with matching belts — provide a structured, polished alternative to dresses, particularly for Queen Anne or Village Enclosures. Their seasonal Ascot Collection typically features floral and block-colour dresses with flattering tailoring.

Ascot Footwear

Footwear for Royal Ascot fashion must balance elegance with practicality. Closed-toe shoes are traditionally expected, especially within the Royal Enclosure. In British formalwear, closed-toe heels are the traditional feminine counterpart to men’s dress shoes, especially for daytime events like Royal Ascot or Buckingham Palace garden parties. Rooted in Edwardian and Victorian ideals of modesty and polish, open-toe styles were historically deemed too informal.

Heels to wear to Royal Ascot

Heels should be refined yet wearable, as Ascot is as much about standing and strolling as it is about spectacle. For outdoor enclosures and garden settings, block heels or wider courts are preferable — offering stability, comfort, and preventing the dreaded sinking into soft lawns.

Emmy London (footwear)

For footwear, Emmy London collections have been a standout at Royal Ascot in recent years. Renowned for its handcrafted shoes and refined comfort, the brand offers closed-toe pumps and court heels in suede and satin — perfect for Ascot’s formality. Subtle embellishments, low block heels, and cushioned soles make them both elegant and wearable for a full day at the races. Additionally, their colour range often aligns beautifully with seasonal Ascot palettes.

Ascot Bag Brands to Consider: Aspinal of London & Strathberry

Aspinal of London

A Royal Enclosure favourite, Aspinal’s structured mini top-handle bags, especially the Mayfair and Lottie, blend vintage charm with modern polish. Handcrafted in Italy from full-grain leather and lined in suede or grosgrain, their glossy finishes, boxy silhouette, and subtle gold hardware pair effortlessly with tailored dresses and millinery. The Mayfair, a bestseller pictured above, is available in small, medium, or large sizes, and in 27 different colours.

Strathberry

In contrast, Strathberry bags lend a touch of contemporary flair whilst remaining wholly appropriate for Royal Ascot. Each piece is handcrafted in Spain using fine calf leather, often in a range of muted tones, soft pastels, or croc-embossed finishes. The brand’s minimalist metal bar closure adds a sculptural dimension that contrasts beautifully with more traditional dress codes.

Hat Rules at Royal Ascot: Millinery as Art and Etiquette

The Tradition of Women’s Hats at the Races

The custom of wearing hats as part of Royal Ascot fashion is deeply rooted in British formalwear traditions. Notably, women have worn hats to formal daytime events, not only as a stylistic gesture, but as a reflection of modesty, propriety, and social grace. Particularly during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, covering the head in public was a visual marker of decorum and respectability, especially in the presence of royalty or high society. Millinery evolved as a refined response to these expectations, transforming hats into elegant statements that balanced modesty with personal expression.

At Royal Ascot, hat etiquette remains non-negotiable, but also for practical reasons. Held in June, the event often means hours spent outdoors in the open sun. Hats provide functional shade and a degree of comfort, especially when designed in breathable materials like straw or handwoven panama.

Your hat should harmonise with your outfit in colour, shape, silhouette, and overall mood. Choose structured styles that add elegance without overwhelming your look.

Ascot Hat Dress Code Requirements

• In the Royal Enclosure, hats must have a solid base with a minimum base diameter of 10cm. No fascinators are permitted.
• In the Queen Anne Enclosure, headpieces must have a base of at least 4 inches.
  

Best Hat Brand for Royal Ascot: Lock & Co. Hatters

Founded in 1676, Lock & Co. is the oldest hat shop in the world and a Royal Warrant holder. The brand famously dresses aristocracy and royalty and have a Royal Ascot collection. Their women’s millinery features timeless silhouettes made from sinamay, parasisal straw, and hand-blocked felt, which allow airflow under direct sunlight whilst retaining structure. Their bespoke designs are lightweight, well-balanced, and architecturally flattering.

Lock & Co. expertly balances architectural beauty and wearability. Each piece is designed to sit securely and comfortably for long periods, even in open air.

Most popular styles for Royal Ascot fashion include:

• Wide saucer hats with an upward tilt — dramatic yet balanced, they frame the face and allow visibility while nodding to the classic pageantry of race day.
• Soft crown hats adorned with hand-curled feathers or structured bows — ideal for those favouring softer lines with sculptural detail.
• Formal fedoras with sculpted brims — less traditional but increasingly favoured for their modern edge and flattering angles.

These styles work well because they maintain height or visual impact without overwhelming your look. They also stay secure in light breezes, a crucial detail for all-day outdoor wear.

What Not to Wear to the Royal Ascot Races

• Visible midriffs, high slits, or sheer elements.
• Overly body-conscious silhouettes, mini hemlines/mini dresses, thigh-high slits, cut-outs, sheer panels, or anything that reads overtly red-carpet. While modernity is welcome, subtlety is essential.
• Hats without a 10cm base (especially in Royal Enclosure).
• Garments that fail to meet the cut, fit, or coverage standards. Hemlines should remain modest even when seated, and necklines must be elegant rather than plunging. sheer fabrics should not expose undergarments.

Can You Wear Trousers to Ladies’ Day at Ascot?

Yes, you can wear trousers to Ladies Day at Ascot — but they must be part of a tailored trouser suit in a matching fabric and colour, in accordance with the Royal Ascot dress code for ladies.

A crisp cream trouser suit paired with a silk blouse and structured hat can be strikingly elegant.

Can you wear loafers to Royal Ascot?

Royal Ascot does not traditionally accept loafers for ladies in formal enclosures. Closed-toe heels, slingbacks, or elegant flats are more appropriate and align with Ascot outfits expectations.

Do You Have to Wear a Morning Suit to Ascot?

A morning suit is only required for gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure. Ladies should adhere to the Royal Ascot dress code for women, which emphasises formal dresses, coordinated suits, or elegant jumpsuits.

Can You Wear All Black to Royal Ascot?

Wearing all-black to Royal Ascot is relatively rare and not typically recommended. Although it’s within the official guidelines, a fully black ensemble can feel too subdued for such a lively and celebratory occasion.

For a polished alternative, consider black and white pairings — a timeless, high-contrast combination. Princess Beatrice, for instance, wore a black and white polka dot dress with a coordinating fascinator in 2022. However, if you gravitate toward darker colours, consider refined neutrals like charcoal, dove grey, or navy. These shades better strike the right balance of formality and seasonal charm for Ascot compared to all-black.