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I have trouble deciding what to wear for a party. But Royal Ascot takes the stress of deciding what to wear to a whole new level. I knew that the Royal Enclosure had a stricter dress code than Afternoon Tea at the Ritz, but when I realised that each enclosure has a different dress code and a very different vibe, I decided to delve a little deeper, into what to wear, and how to wear it!
The Royal Enclosure
Copyright: Nicole Hains
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest protocol. It keeps out the riffraff, Darling! The Royals have been doing this since birth and never put a step wrong. Skirts must be just above the knee or longer, no spaghetti straps – they must be wider than 1” (not sure who does the measuring, but to be on the safe side, no straps!). Ladies' trouser suits have to be of matching colour and material, Hats or a hatinator (since when was that a word!!) MUST be worn. Gentlemen MUST wear morning dress, socks that cover the ankle and a top hat that can be removed in the restaurant – I would love to see the toffs eating with their Top Hats on, that would be a laugh! Jewellery is not restricted, but the vibe is definitely old money, classic diamond brooches, pearl chokers and pearl earrings, everything must look like it came from granny’s jewellery box.
The Queen Anne Enclosure
Copyright Taken from: Ascot Racecourse
Enter the Queen Anne Enclosure and the skirts get a little more daring, with no restrictions on length, so don’t forget to put your knickers on! Still need some headgear, but a fascinator will do, rather than the full hat. Gents have to wear a 2 or 3 piece suit (although Morning Dress is still perfectly acceptable, Darling, but you will look like someone who thought they were in the Royal Enclosure but didn’t quite make it). Shirts must have a collar, no grandad shirts here please, so common! So from this vibe the jewellery can be a little more Avant-Garde, more contemporary and flamboyant. Our Mattioli collection would look amazing with a colour to suit every outfit.
The Village Enclosure
Copyright Taken from: Ascot Racecourse
In the Village Enclosure, the threads are beginning to unravel a little more. Ladies are still more or less the same as Queen Anne Enclosure, but the gents can wear Blazer and Greys, Chinos, Collared shirt – obvs, but necktie, bow tie, caveat, whatever the gentleman feels most comfy in, so long as something is strangling their neck. I think this is a bit more country. Our classic diamond line necklaces and tennis bracelets would definitely be the order of the day. Chic, understated, and ready for anything.
The Windsor Enclosure
Copyright Taken from: Ascot Racecourse
Over in the Windsor Enclosure, the vibe is definitely letting it hang loose. No dress code to speak of, although hats and headgear are encouraged for the ladies. No fancy dress (no fun!) and no promotional or obviously branded clothing. So, forget that Juicy Couture tracksuit that is oh-so comfy and shows the booty off so nicely! The atmosphere is almost anything goes, within reason, and within the very Britishness of etiquette. I think I would dip into a bit of Chopard jewellery, discreetly branded, very obviously Chopard, and maybe a Chopard handbag to match.
If you are lucky enough to have an invite, please check the main Royal Ascot website for the full dress code. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for you getting turned away at the gate!
https://www.ascot.com/what-to-wear/royal-ascot-dress-code
And for those without an invite, we always have our own local racecourse in Leicester. And this year we are joining Enterprising Women with Eileen Richards and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Sounds like an excellent day out… I wonder what I should wear…
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