Royal Ascot, the five-day highlight of the British social calendar in June, has always been the venue for high fashion and battles of hats. However, economic uncertainty seems to have dictated a modest turn of dress code at one the UK’s most prestigious horse-racing events.
The organisers have now banned fascinators, the most preferred mini-hats or elaborate headpieces for the socialites, and have decreed that skirts or dresses should be of “modest” length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
This year, Ascot’s royal week, with nearly £4 million in prize money on offer, will be held from June 19 till June 23 and like always is expected to be attended by Queen Elizab-eth II and the senior royals.
The Royal Procession starts the festivities every day at Royal Ascot during the five-day event at 2 pm each afternoon.
The dress code has been tightened across the event, but with special focus on visitors to the royal enclosure and grandstand.
“Fascinators are no longer permitted in the royal enclosure and hats should be worn,” according to the new rules. For men, a waistcoat and tie are now compulsory in this area of the course and cravats will not be allowed. Black shoes must also be worn with morning dress and grey or black top hats.
“It isn’t a question of elitism and not being modern in a world where there is less and less requirement to dress smartly — far from it. We want to see modern and stylish dress at Royal Ascot, just within the parameters of formal wear, and the feedback we have received overwhelmingly supports that,” Charles Barnett, chief executive at Ascot, said.
“We have worked extensively with experts in the world of fashion to define better what formal dress means, with the overarching intention of being as helpful as possible to our visitors and assisting everyone in understanding what is expected and, we believe, cherished about the dress code at Royal Ascot.”
In the grandstand, which is open to the public, a hat or fascinator will be compulsory for women. For women, strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted and this rule applies even under jackets and cashmere shawls. For men, a suit and tie will now be obligatory.
However, no changes have been made for people only attending the event at the silver ring area.