Ascot Racecourse has unveiled a new dress code for the Royal Meeting on 19th to 23rd June. It’s certainly formal, but exactly how formal? If you plan to go, you may need between now and June to source your attire. The new dress code has been released in the spirit of being helpful to visitors, as in previous years it was a tad ambiguous which led to embarrassing faux pas.

The headline points are:

 

For the Royal Enclosure -

Ladies must wear dresses or skirts of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer (this replaces a previous instruction that miniskirts are unsuitable).

Ladies must wear hats. A headpiece worn as an alternative must have a base of 4″ or 10cm or more in diameter (fascinators are not permitted, probably because they can block one’s view of the action).

Gentlemen must wear either black or grey morning dress which must include a waistcoat and tie (no cravats), a black or grey top hat and black shoes.

 

For the Grandstand Enclosure -

Ladies must wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator at all times and strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted. This replaces the previous advice that  hats are not compulsory and ladies should dress in a manner befitting a smart occasion.

Gentlemen must wear a suit and tie at all times.

Last year, there were over 300,000 visitors and over the five days – 58,727 bottles of champagne were consumed and 110,936 glasses of Pimm’s were downed. 2,000 kilos of fresh lobsters were eaten, along with 40,000 strawberry scones and 3,300 punnets of strawberries. Perhaps one should consider an elasticated waist too?