Royal Ascot 2024 is just a couple of months away, taking place from Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 June. One of the most high profile events in the British sporting calendar, it has a famously strict dress code and has become as much about what you wear as it is the races. So make sure you've brushed up on the rules before choosing your all-important outfit.
Attended by royalty, celebrities and paparazzi, there's arguably nowhere more important to be sartorially savvy. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for the occasion, but each enclosure has slightly different rules, from guidance on shoulder straps to hem lengths, and headpieces.
Royal Enclosure dress code
- Dresses and skirts should be a modest length, falling no shorter than just above the knee.
- Dresses and tops must have straps that are a minimum width of one inch or more.
- Strapless, off-the-shoulder, halterneck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
- Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but tops and dresses underneath must still comply with the dress code.
- Trouser suits are permitted but should be full-length and of matching material and colours.
- Jumpsuits are also permitted and have the same regulations as dresses.
- Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece with a minimum base of four inches (10cm) is acceptable.
© Dave BenettQueen Anne Enclosure & Village Enclosure dress code
- A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (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
© Max Mumby/IndigoWindsor Enclosure dress code
- Attendees are encouraged to dress in smart daywear with a hat or fascinator, but there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure.
Is there a theme for Ascot 2024?
The Royal Ascot dress code remains unchanged, but fashion designer Daniel Fletcher has been appointed the Creative Director of the 2024 Look Book. In recent years there has been a shift towards inspiring racegoers to be a little more inventive with their ensembles, moving the focus towards outfits that represent their individual style, and Daniel says guests should be bold and creative: "Whether it’s a hat with an unexpected shape or trying out a new silhouette, this is the chance to embrace dressing up and channelling freedom of expression. So step out of your comfort zone and push the boundaries by embracing your own unique sense of style".
If you want to get your outfit planned out with plenty of time, I've found the most stylish pieces available to shop now. I also got in touch with celebrity stylist Miranda Holder (@mirandaholder) to get her tips on what to wear to Royal Ascot 2024.
The best Royal Ascot dresses to shop for 2024
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Hobbs Skye Floral Silk Dress
Hobbs Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18, Petite-Regular
Colours available: White Floral
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
Made from 100% silk, this luxurious midi dress from Hobbs is adorned with a delicate and feminine floral print. With its long sleeves and fit-and-flare shape, the timeless piece is perfect for Ascot.
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Phase Eight Philippa Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Phase Eight Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-26
Colours available: Pink/Red
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
Channel Princess Kate in this bright midi dress from Phase Eight. It has a super flattering wrap cut with long blouson sleeves and a midi length. Style it with barely-there metallic accessories or matching brights if you're feeling bold.
3/12
Reformation Winslow Dress
Reformation Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: White/Blue Floral, Navy
Shipping: £6 Standard Delivery or free over £100
Returns: £6 within 30 days
Reformation's bestselling Winslow dress is comfortable and modest while featuring a sultry high slight. We'd also consider it royal-approved as Meghan Markle wore a very similar style by Oscar de la Renta to a wedding in 2018.
4/12
Self-Portrait Belted Cloqué Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: White
Shipping: £7 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £300
Returns: Free within 30 days
This dreamy dress is by Princess Kate-favourite Self-Portrait. Reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour, the white cloqué midi dress has a tailored, fitted bodice with a waist-cinching belt and pleated chiffon skirt. It's ideal if a floral piece isn't your thing.
5/12
LK Bennett Lois Neon Garden Print Dress
LK Bennett Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Pink
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
LK Bennett drops a stunning Royal Ascot collection every year. If you like your dresses to be a little bit romantic, you'll love this gorgeous floral midi that just dropped in the edit. Made from a slinky viscose-silk blend with a squiggle jacquard, and a reimagination of a French mid 19th century print, it features pleating detail, puff shoulders, and voluminous balloon sleeves.
6/12
Nobody's Child Floral Satin Erin Midaxi Dress
Nobody's Child Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-18
Colours available: Green Floral, Sage Green, Lilac, Pink
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £100
Returns: Free within 30 days
It's technically from the bridal collection, but I think Nobody's Child's satin dress would look amazing for Ascot. Falling to a midaxi length, it has an ankle-grazing hem, fluted sleeves and stunning watercolour print.
7/12
ME+EM Scribbled Floral Print Maxi Dress
ME+EM Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 4-16
Colours available: Red/Lilac
Shipping: £4.95 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 28 days
How gorgeous is this colour clash maxi dress from ME+EM? Adorned with a hand-drawn bespoke Scribbled Floral print in a bright colour palette, it has a chic high neck and ruching in the mid section. I'd style it with barely-there heels or even wedge esparilles.
8/12
Rixo Melanie Silk Midi Dress
Rixo Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-26
Colours available: Floral prints
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 14 days
The Melanie dress is a Rixo icon. Made from 100% silk, it has a Bias cut with an Empire waist and features the brand's signature clashing print style with navy florals and polka dots.
9/12
Ted Baker Lounia Fluted Sleeve Midi Dress
Ted Baker Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-16
Colours available: White, Navy, Black
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £100
Returns: Free within 28 days
For a more structured piece, Ted Baker's popular Lounia dress comes in this season's trending hue and has a sleek fitted shape. It made from a luxurious-feeling heavy material and features short statement fluted sleeves.
10/12
Really Wild Abbey Silk Midi Dress
Really Wild Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-16
Colours available: Blue
Shipping: £4.95 Standard Delivery or free over £200
Returns: Free within 30 days
Made from 100% silk crepe de chine in the most beautiful floral print, Really Wild's midi dress is lightweight and breathable. It features long romantic sleeves, ruffled cuffs, a flowing skirt, and a closed back, with a relaxed cut that will keep you comfortable all day. Dress it down with boots once Ascot is over.
11/12
Monsoon Garda Shift Dress
Monsoon Ascot Dress
Sizes available: UK 8-24
Colours available: Green
Shipping: £3.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
This Monsoon midi dress is a beautiful sleek and fitted option. Featuring cap sleeves and a twist neck, it hems just below the knee and has a flattering asymmetric cut with a front slit.
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Hobbs Chara Fit and Flare Coat
Hobbs Ascot Coat Dress
Sizes available: UK 6-18
Colours available: Pale Pink
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
Channel Princess Kate and Queen Camilla in a timeless coat dress. This pale pink number from Hobbs comes in a flattering fit-and-flare cut with functional gem buttons, and there's a matching dress to wear underneath available.
