Great Britain boasts many of the world’s most famous sporting events. From the Wimbledon Championships to the Cheltenham Festival and The Open Championship, it’s a packed calendar that keeps sports fans busy throughout the summer months. Brits flock to events to see their favorite athletes and animals in action as they battle for supremacy and a place in the history books. Fans from London and across the UK join sports lovers who visit from the United States, Australia, and further afield.
Which are the best UK sporting events for international visitors? There’s plenty to choose from, but they don’t come much bigger and more important than Royal Ascot. The world-famous thoroughbred horse racing festival from Ascot in Berkshire, England, is home to 13 of the nation’s 36 Group 1 races from the flat season and three Grade 1 jumps. Fans travel to Ascot to see the best-bred horses in action while others watch at home through the best live streams available at online betting apps in California.
The highlight of the Royal Ascot week is Lady’s Day when the Ascot Gold Cup takes center stage. It’s an afternoon of high fashion where you’ll see the world’s most famous dressmakers represented, and there’s no shortage of millinery masterpieces. The Best Dressed Award on Lady’s Day is a prize as hotly contested as any race on the turf that week. Attendees will also catch a glimpse of the British Royal Family, including King Charles, a regular at Ascot.
Sample the glitz and glamor
Does an afternoon or week at Royal Ascot appeal to you? Would you like to mix the tension and passion of sport with the glitz and glamor of fashion? Perhaps seeing the British Royal Family in person is something you’d like to tick off your bucket list. There are many reasons to visit Royal Ascot, and we’d advise any sports and fashion fan to book a trip.
Organizing a visit to Royal Ascot takes time and effort, especially for those based outside of England. You must book early to secure a hotel, and tickets for Royal Ascot should go quickly. You can watch from the stands for an authentic UK racing experience or splash out and enjoy the luxury of cheering on your horse from one of the boxes located around the finishing post. One thing is guaranteed: the Royal Ascot experience is costly.
The expense of dressing will quickly eat up any slight savings made on travel and accommodation for the occasion. But what should you wear to Royal Ascot to ensure you meet the venue’s high standards? Would you like to make an impression and challenge for the title of Best Dressed on Lady’s Day? It would take something quite special to earn that crown. Keep reading as our content team offers suggestions on what to wear at Ascot.
The dress code is particularly stringent for those lucky enough to secure entry to the Royal Enclosure, with a focus on traditional formal attire. Here’s what men and women should wear to the Royal Enclosure, starting with the gentlemen.
A morning suit is the traditional attire for men attending the Royal Enclosure. It typically consists of a black or grey morning coat with tails, a matching waistcoat, grey striped trousers, a white collared shirt, and a top hat. The morning coat should be tailored to fit well and worn with polished black Oxford shoes.
A conservative tie in a solid color or subtle pattern should be worn with the morning suit. Avoid novelty ties or overly bold patterns. Accessories such as a pocket square, cufflinks, and a tie pin can add a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
A black or grey top hat is a mandatory accessory for men in the Royal Enclosure. It should be well-fitted and worn straight on the head, not tilted to one side.
Now, let’s look at the ladies.
Women attending the Royal Enclosure are required to wear a formal day dress that falls just above the knee or longer. The dress should be modest in length and not be strapless or have spaghetti straps. Sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses are acceptable, but they should have a modest neckline and should not be excessively low-cut.
A hat or headpiece is a mandatory accessory for women in the Royal Enclosure. The headpiece should have a base of at least 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and should be worn at all times. Fascinators are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
Women attending the Royal Enclosure are recommended to wear closed-toe shoes with a modest heel. Accessories such as gloves, a clutch bag, and discreet jewelry can complement the outfit.
While the dress code is less strict in the Queen Anne Enclosure and other enclosures at Royal Ascot, guests are still expected to dress smartly and elegantly. Here’s what to wear:
A tailored suit in a classic color such as navy, grey, or black is appropriate for men in the Queen Anne Enclosure and other enclosures. The suit should be well-fitted and paired with a collared shirt and tie. Avoid loud or flashy patterns and opt for a more understated look.
Accessories such as a pocket square, cufflinks, and a tie can add a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. A hat is optional but can be a stylish addition to the outfit.
Polished dress shoes in black or brown are suitable for men attending the Queen Anne Enclosure and other enclosures. Avoid casual footwear such as sandals or sneakers.
Women attending the Queen Anne Enclosure and other enclosures have more flexibility in their choice of attire. A chic day dress, tailored suit, or skirt and blouse ensemble are all acceptable options. Dresses should be of modest length, and sleeveless styles are permissible as long as the straps are wide enough to cover the shoulders.
While not mandatory, hats or fascinators are a popular choice for women attending Royal Ascot. Choose a headpiece that complements your outfit and reflects your style.
Closed-toe shoes with a modest heel are recommended for women attending Royal Ascot. Accessories such as gloves, a clutch bag, and statement jewelry can elevate the outfit and add a touch of glamour.
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