Following my post of 18th January regarding the dress code at Royal Ascot 2012, I can now provide the full details of the official requirements that have just been announced as follows:

Royal Enclosure Dress Code – Royal Asot 2012

Ladies

Ladies are kindly reminded that formal daywear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or more
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code
• Trouser suits are welcome.  They should be of full length and of matching material and colour
• Hats must be worn.  A headpiece, which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter, is acceptable as an alternative to a hat

Ladies are kindly asked to note the following: 

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
• Midriffs must be covered
• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure, neither are headpieces which have a base of  less than 4inches/10cm

Gentlemen

Gentlemen must wear either black or grey morning dress, which must include:

• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats)
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes

Grandstand Admission Dress Code – Royal Asot 2012

Ladies

Ladies within the main Grandstand enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion.

Ladies are kindly asked to take particular note of the following:

• A hat or headpiece should be worn at all times
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (ie strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted.
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission code.
• Midriffs must be covered
• Shorts are not permitted

Gentlemen

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.

Summing up

I know that some people may take a view that this is all rather over the top, but a smart dress code does help to make this very unique and traditional Royal event special. 

So the recent anouncement regarding Fascinators was a small part of the updated requirements for Royal Ascot. You might also like to bear in mind that the dress requirements for Henley Royal Regatta are more stringent still. We’ll advise on that in due course.

Tessa