Royal Ascot – New Hat Guidelines For 2012

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot this year has made it very clear about their HAT guidelines. I can’t urge you enough how important it is for you to read and understand the fashion rules in entering this amazing event. New dress code rules have been introduced for the week-long race meeting this year in June for both the Royal and Grandstand enclosures, which the thousands of visitors who flock annually to the event will be expected to adhere to.

The following rules are with thanks to ascot.co.uk: So no hat horsing around. Check out my other related articles about LOVEHATS and how you can try some virtue hats on.

Royal Enclosure Dress Code

Ladieswear the wrong hat, no entry to Royal Ascott

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

1. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater
2. Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code
3. Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour
4. Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
5. Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:
6. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
7. Midriffs must be covered

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:

1. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.

1. Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted
2. Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted)
3. Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code
4. Midriffs must be covered
5. Shorts are not permitted.

Gentlemen

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

Grandstand Admission Dress Code – continued

Silver Ring Dress Code

Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes no formal dress code applies except that bare chests are not permitted at any time.

Don’t be afraid to wear a hat that will draw in the crowds

Children (admitted on Friday and Saturday only)

1. Girls (aged 10-16) should be dressed for a formal occasion.  Smart summer dresses are suggested.  Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
2. Boys (aged 10-16) should either dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code (as set out above); or alternatively may wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie (whereupon no hat is required)
3. Girls (17 or under) should be dressed for a formal occasion.  Smart summer dresses are suggested.  Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
4. Boys aged (13-17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie.  Younger boys (12 or under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.