Race goers swap horse riding gear for haute couture

The Gold cup meeting, or Ladies Day as it is more familiarly known, is one of the most famous horse races in the world and brings together style, elegance, haute couture and the downright bizarre as the focus switches from racing to fashion. Muddy horse riding gear should be left at home and riding jackets swapped for fancy dresses as style is the name of the day.

On Ladies Day, all attention is focused on the ladies' hats. From simple and elegant to bold and flamboyant, the hat is the centre of attention on ladies day. Although hats only have to be worn in the Royal Enclosure, most women choose to wear one regardless of which enclosure they are in. Previous hat designs have included a big block of stilton cheese on a cheese board, a plate of sandwiches, a race track with moving horses, a wicket and a hat adorned with a bathroom.

Depending on which enclosure you have tickets for, there are very stringent dress codes, and failure to dress appropriately can result in a refusal of entry. The Royal enclosure has the strictest of dress codes and tickets can only be obtained by invitation only.

Dress codes for The Royal Enclosure:

Dress code for Ladies

• Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch are deemed unsuitable, as are dresses that do not reach below the knee.


• Trouser suits can be worn but midriffs must be covered and suits must be of a matching colour and material.


• Hats or substantial fascinators should be worn.

Dress code for Gentlemen

• Black or grey morning dress must be worn.


• Waistcoats must be worn underneath the morning dress.


• Top hats must be worn but can be removed within a restaurant, private box, private club or that facility's terrace, balcony or garden and any enclosed external seating with the Royal Enclosure Garden.

Dress code for foreign visitors


• Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country or Service dress.

The Grandstand Admission Dress Code
Although more relaxed then the dress code for the Royal Enclosure, visitors to the Grandstand are still expected to dress smartly and many still adhere to the Royal Enclosure dress code. Ladies are required to dress "in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion." Many wear hats although this is not compulsory.

Gentlemen in the Grandstand Admission are obliged to wear a shirt and tie and preferably with a suit or jacket. Any one wearing sports attire, jeans and shorts are will not be admitted.

Silver Ring ticket dress code
The Silver Ring area at Ascot has a much more relaxed and informal atmosphere as it has a separate admission area that does not provide access to the Parade Ring or the main Grandstand. Race goers are still encouraged to wear smart clothing in this area but there is no formal dress code.

No matter where you are positioned, there is no doubt that Royal Ascot provides the perfect occasion to doff your horse riding gear and reveal the more glamorous side of you.

Image © divemasterking2000 via Creative Commons Licence