The big fashion scoop at the UK's most stylish horse racing meet is that this year women's jumpsuits are welcome. Read on for all your style cues for the five-day royal event that runs June 20-24 and to find out about France's chic equivalent.
Royal Ascot in Berkshire, England is synonymous with sartorial elegance, something which its famous dress code strives to uphold, year after year. Fashion will take center stage on Ladies Day, Thursday June 22 -- the day of the historic Gold Cup.
While it's no secret that Ascot is 'the' place where you can roll out your most fanciful fashion and stylish accessories, here are some of the faux-pas to avoid in the Royal Enclosure, at least not to offend Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's horse-loving monarch.
Daywear is strictly formal. Utmost attention must be paid to the hemline -- dresses and skirts should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
Straps on dresses and tops should be at least one inch thick. Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
This season's on-trend statement jumpsuits are allowed, but must be of full-length to the ankle, with regulations matching that for dresses.
First introduced in 1971, trouser suits are still an option, and should be of full length and of matching material and color.
Royal and high society weddings aside, Ascot is a showcase for some of Britain's finest millinery fashion. Fabulous creations by hat makers Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy are firm favorites with racing's fashionable crowd. Hats are a must; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is an acceptable alternative. Fascinators, meanwhile are a 'no no'; as are headpieces, which do not have a solid base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches/10cm).
Other 'shockers' to leave at home include strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps and midriff-revealing clothes -- Ascot is not the place for flashing flesh, so best leave cool cut-outs in the closet.
Other style guides for gentlemen, and specific to the Queen Anne, Village and Windsor enclosures are available to help guests adapt their outfits accordingly.
Looking for race-day style inspiration? Royal Ascot has a free style guide accessible via the event's website: https://www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/style-guide, launched with Fenwick and Hugo Boss.
Meanwhile this past Sunday, on the other side of the English Channel, French horse racing enthusiasts headed to the Chantilly racetrack for the Prix de Diane where chic racegoers compete each year for the prestigious 'Mademoiselle Diane par Longines' title in the traditional contest for the best dressed lady's outfit. The winner of this competition -- like the owner, trainer and jockey of the winning horse -- also receives a Longines watch.
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