By Donna Richardson
Dressed in flamboyant bonnets and top hats, we stepped onto the platform at Waterloo and waited to board our train. The excitement mounted as we prepared to board, bound for Royal Ascot.
If there is ever a place where the upper classes mix with people from all walks of life, it is on this train, which is full of people jostling for space while quaffing Champagne and Prosecco, although the wealthiest can fly into the grounds by helicopter.
Royal Ascot is a spectacular celebration that encapsulates the epitome of elegance, excitement, and rich tradition.
Spanning five days of thrilling racing, this iconic gathering elegantly weaves together world-class equestrian competition with breathtaking sartorial splendour, capturing the very essence of British high society.
It stands as a celebrated cornerstone of the horse racing calendar, representing an exquisite blend of elite sport, high fashion, and a profound connection to the Royal Family.
I recall being surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere, where the cheers of passionate racegoers resonate through the air. This is a day to celebrate, whether you find yourself amidst the grandeur of the grandstands or comfortably nestled at home, savouring each moment.
The event is highly accessible, even 10 years ago I attended with a group of African girls for Ladies’ Day and some dressed in traditional African dress as we attended the Windsor Enclosure.
I returned with my partner and although we didn’t sit in the grandstands, we enjoyed the delightful English tradition of picnics on the lush grounds, complete in my dress and fascinator, and we met some incredible people and had a great day out and even had a flutter and came out with more in our pockets than we went with.
But in recent days, my longing to immerse myself in the enchantment of one of the enclosures, all while wearing a magnificent hat, has only grown stronger, and seeing famous faces in the crowd at Royal Ascot has just strengthened this resolve.
With a talented London milliner who crafts exquisite headpieces for Ascot in my corner, I’m resolved to transform this long-held dream into a stunning reality next year.
Each enclosure at Royal Ascot has its own unique character and requisite dress code, with the Royal Enclosure reigning supreme in terms of sophistication. Here, guests are encouraged to don hats that command attention, featuring a solid base of at least four inches (10cm).
Skirts must fall gracefully just above the knee or longer, exuding an air of refined modesty. While jackets and pashminas can provide an elegant layer, the dress beneath must adhere to the strict standards of the Royal Enclosure.
Full-length trouser suits are a must, while gentlemen are required to wear morning dress in hues of black, navy, or grey, complete with a waistcoat or a distinguished tie.
Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure start at £99 and come with a strict dress code that maintains an atmosphere of sophistication. Guests can enjoy a tempting selection of culinary delights and beverages, with several bars and Champagne enclosures inviting them to indulge. The Silks Lawn elevates the experience further, offering ticket holders the opportunity to upgrade to a private gazebo, which provides an elegant view of the thrilling action on the track.sures that invite guests to indulge. The Silks Lawn takes luxury a step further, offering ticket holders the chance to upgrade to a private gazebo, elegantly perched to overlook the thrilling action of the track.
Women are encouraged to elevate their style with hats, headpieces, and fascTickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure start at £99 and come with a strict dress code that maintains an atmosphere of sophistication. Guests can enjoy a tempting selection of culinary delights and beverages, with several bars and Champagne enclosures inviting them to indulge. The Silks Lawn elevates the experience further, offering ticket holders the opportunity to upgrade to a private gazebo, which provides an elegant view of the thrilling action on the track.inators, while dresses should avoid strapless designs, keeping midriffs tastefully covered—yet without any stipulated minimum length. Full-length trouser suits are essential, complemented by wedges or block heels ideal for navigating the grassy setting. Gentlemen must adhere to the dress code by ensuring they wear ties and jackets, paired with full-length trousers, maintaining a polished appearance throughout the day. The Royal Ascot dress code will remain unchanged for 2025, maintaining its prestigious application across the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, and Village Enclosure.
The Village Enclosure, ideally positioned at the heart of the track, offers breathtaking views back toward the grandstand, drawing you into the exhilarating atmosphere of the races. With tickets starting at £85, guests are treated to prime viewing of the home straight, accompanied by lively musical performances that enhance the vibrant ambience.
In contrast, the Windsor Enclosure imposes no specific dress code; however, most guests choose to dress up for the occasion, creating a sea of stylish ensembles that reflect the spirit of this remarkable event.
In 2015, I went to both Ladies Day and Friday, when the late Queen Elizabeth attended and we enjoyed guessing what colour she would wear. Guests in the Windsor enclosure got first glimpse of her.
Arriving in Ascot
Nestled within the enchanting woodlands adjacent to Windsor Great Park, Ascot is a truly exceptional and picturesque setting.
First unveiled by Queen Anne in 1711, it has rightfully earned its place as the world’s most celebrated racecourse. ‘
This iconic 179-acre expanse, meticulously manicured and overflowing with natural beauty, serves as the proud host of the most prestigious racing event globally—Royal Ascot. The illustrious legacy of the Royal Meeting first began with an inaugural four-day race in 1768,
It flourished gracefully under the stewardship of thirteen monarchs. Today, Royal Ascot stands unrivalled, engulfed in a reverence that echoes through its unique blend of top-tier sport and effortless style.
Featuring eight Group One races and a grand total of 19 Group races, this five-day extravaganza draws a staggering 275,000 spectators and captivates viewers in 175 countries around the world.
Moreover, Ascot delights visitors throughout the seasons, offering an impressive 26 days of racing each year across both Flat and Jumps codes.
However, it extends far beyond the realm of horse racing; Ascot proudly accommodates around 300 non-racing events annually, crafted as an enchanting backdrop for film and television productions, high-profile conferences, elegant banquets, captivating exhibitions, product launches, and an array of weddings that celebrate love in all its forms.
This is not just an event; it’s an immersive experience that resonates with history, tradition, and the unbridled thrill of sport, inspiring all who partake.
View Ascot’s official dress codes here.
How to Dress at Royal Ascot
The 2025 Official Look Book, led by British designer Daniel Fletcher in his second year as Creative Director, blends contemporary fashion with British heritage and global influences in occasion dressing.
Fletcher is a London-based fashion designer, who, after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2015 launched his eponymous label DANIEL w. FLETCHER. Originally from the northwest of England, Fletcher has designed for some of the world’s most prestigious houses including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson and is currently the Creative Director of MITHRIDATE.
He was nominated for the LVMH prize in 2017, was a winner of the European Semi Final of the International Woolmark Prize and was named Breakthrough Designer of The Year in the 2020 GQ Men of The Year Awards. After many successful seasons showing his collections on the London Fashion Week schedule, Fletcher took part in Netflix’s ‘Next in Fashion’ series which saw him make it to the final.
Fletcher produces deeply personal collections that explore British heritage with a focus on tailoring, casual luxury and sustainability. Notable wearers of Fletcher’s designs include James McAvoy, Nick Jonas, Tilda Swinton, Alexa Chung, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Ncuti Gatwa, Kit Connor, Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Emma Corrin, Emerald Fennell and Griff.
Following the resounding success of his debut, Fletcher expands the Lookbook’s vision, celebrating versatility, inclusivity, and innovation while honouring Royal Ascot’s timeless dress codes. This year’s collection of edits showcases a rich interplay of British craftsmanship, international style, and vintage revival, inviting racegoers to embrace their individuality while paying homage to heritage.
The 2025 Royal Ascot Lookbook refines and reimagines key themes, offering sartorial inspiration for every racegoer:
The Archive Edit: A contemporary take on conscious fashion, this edit delves into the rich history of Royal Ascot style. Featuring vintage, rental, and borrowed pieces, it redefines elegance through the lens of bygone eras, proving that heritage and modernity can exist in harmony.
Best of British: A continuation of last year’s homage to British design, this edit showcases the finest homegrown talent, from esteemed heritage brands to dynamic high-street innovators. Playful styling, preppy aesthetics, and eccentric charm set the tone, with a whimsical British summertime backdrop featuring oversized strawberries, daisies, and orchard fruits.
The International Edit: Reflecting Royal Ascot’s global appeal, this edit celebrates international designers, with a sleek, minimalist set design allowing the styles to take centre stage. This year also introduces traditional national dress – which is welcomed within the dress codes – including the Scottish national dress of kilt and sporran, adding a fresh cultural dimension to the event’s renowned dress codes.
Prints & Patterns: A bold and vibrant exploration of pattern and colour, this edit embraces the joyous prints that define Royal Ascot each summer. Stripes, florals, polka dots, statement graphics and appliqué take the spotlight, set against custom-designed backdrops that enhance their dynamic energy.
Beyond these defining edits, the Lookbook spotlights key trends for Spring/Summer 2025, including the revival of polka dots, the emergence of matcha green as a leading pastel hue, and the earthy sophistication of Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocca Mousse. Luxurious fabrics – silk, ruffles, and sheer layering – further elevate the season’s aesthetic.
The Royal Ascot Dress Code remains unchanged in 2025. This operates across the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure. No dress code applies in the Windsor Enclosure, although a significant majority of guests in that area choose to dress up in the spirit of the occasion.
Royal Ascot dress code through the ages
Late 1700s – It was Beau Brummell, a close friend of the Prince Regent, who decreed that “men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons” and this set the tone for the dress code that is still adhered to by men in the Royal Enclosure.
1830s – Queen Victoria’s visit to Royal Ascot saw her arrive in a pretty lace dress with a full bell skirt and shawl. She also started a craze for the porter bonnet, shielding the wearer from male eyes.
1890s – As the dawn of a new century arrived, fashion took on an almost celebratory tone. Skirts were less full, but silhouettes made a greater statement with angular hips and puffed sleeves. Hats were large and full of feathers and adornments.
1900s – One of fashion’s most iconic images; that of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady was inspired when costume designer Cecil Beaton saw images of Black Ascot, The 1910 Royal Ascot meeting was in full mourning over the death of King Edward.
1920s – Hemlines were shorter and cuts were smaller in the 1920s reflecting a post-war generation’s
rebellion against old traditions. Pearls and furs were the accessories of the day.
1950s – Christian Dior’s New Look, a small waist and full skirt, was proving popular however it was when the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth and her stylish sister Princess Margaret wore the style at Royal Ascot that it was cemented in history.
1960s – Royal Ascot’s glamorous profile elevated when Italian actress Sophia Loren was photographed in the Royal Enclosure. In modern times some of the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion have attended.
1970s- Trouser suits became more popular following their introduction to the dress code in 1971. Gertrude Shilling, The Ascot Mascot, delighted the press with her extravagant outfits. One year, one of her son David’s millinery designs outgrew the Shilling’s long-wheel-based Rolls Royce, so the hat had to follow in a van behind.
1980s – Sharp lines and bright colours took centre stage during this decade. With statement hats and pointed heels, there was little room for floaty florals in 1980s glamour.
2012 – Royal Ascot officially launches its Style Guide to racegoers outlining dress code regulations for the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure (formally known as Grandstand).
2017 – The jumpsuit is formally accepted in the Royal Enclosure Dress Code and the Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code is extended to the new Village Enclosure.
2018 – Royal Ascot introduces Style Guides for the Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure.
2020 – Royal Ascot runs behind closed doors for the first time in the event’s history during the global
COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 – Navy morning suits were permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
2024 – Royal Ascot announces its first ever Creative Director, fashion designer Daniel Fletcher
Getting there
Travel from Waterloo to Adcot via train, which takes 50 minutes,
