How to dress for Royal Ascot
Words: Charlie Thomas
Kicking off a summertime full of events is Royal Ascot, the most prestigious of all affairs on the racing calendar. Dating back to 1711, where it was founded by Queen Anne, it takes place over five days at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse, situated around six miles from Windor Castle. Given its close proximity to Royalty, the annual event has become synonymous with them. Queen Elizabeth II herself attends every year and other members of the Royal Family including The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry are also regular attendees. Given the prestige of the Royal Ascot, the code of dress is particularly strict, but this is by no means a bad thing. Here’s how to dress for Royal Ascot.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
The strictest of dress codes must be adhered to in the Royal Enclosure. According to Ascot’s official website, ’it’s a requirement for male guests to wear either black or grey morning dress which must include a waistcoat and tie, a black or grey top had and black shoes’. The removal of hats is a tricky business. Generally it should be removed in any interior including restaurants, private boxes, but it can also be taken off in a terrace, balcony or garden. Remember to keep your morning coat and trousers relatively slim and form flattering and if in doubt, wear black and grey.
Favourbrook Bedford Morning Suit Coat, £590 from Mr Porter // Favourbrook Beige Linen Waistcoat, £180 fromMr Porter // Favourbrook Grey Westminster Striped Wool Trousers, £200 from Mr Porter
London Undercover Umbrella, £60 from Mr Porter // Silk Top Hat, £POA from Lock & Co
With regards to hats, we turned to esteemed St James’ hat-makers, Lock & Co, for advice, and it seems it can often be a tricky decision for those attending Royal Ascot. ‘For men attending Royal Ascot, the most frequent question we get asked is what colour hat to wear. The answer? It doesn’t matter if you wear a black or grey topper! The finest topper we sell here at Lock is the silk. They are antique, heirloom pieces that we lovingly restore and refurbish in the workroom of No. 6. To ensure a comfortable fit we take a customer’s head measurements using the conformateur – a Parisian device dating back to the 1850s. This gives a conform which is exactly one sixth of the customer’s head shape. We are then able to best mould the topper to the exact proportions for the wearer’. In short, if you’re in the market for a quality top hat, head to Lock & Co.
THE GRANDSTAND
Elsewhere at Royal Ascot, the dress codes are less strict. When in the grandstand, male guests no longer have to wear a hat, yet a suit with shirt and tie is still essential. This allows for more creativity however, so shun the 9-5 business suit and display your sartorial prowess.
Richard James Mayfair Check Suit Jacket, £250 from John Lewis // Richard James Mayfair Check Suit Trousers, £175 from John Lewis // Tailored Fit White Poplin Shirt, £135 from Budd Shirts // John Lobb City II Oxfords, £780 from Mr Porter // Clubmaster Sunglasses, £10 from Asos // Longines Flagship Heritage, £1,040 from Longines
THE SILVER RING
The Silver Ring, or any other location in the grounds of Royal Ascot, doesn’t enforce a dress code, although smart clothing and suits are encouraged – you should therefore make an effort. The Queen will be attending after all, gentlemen.
Dry Light Weight Striped Jacket, £39.90 from Uniqlo // Mondello Tailored Fit Shirt, £69 from Collar Club // Blue Washed Chinos, £99 from Suit Supply // Longines Heritage 1973, £2,040 from Longines // Grenson Stanley Brogues, £200 from Mr Porter // Cutler and Gross Sunglasses, £310 from Matches Fashion
For more information on Royal Ascot, click here. For more information on Royal Ascot’s Official Timing Partner, Longines, click here.
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