Race day ready: What to wear to Royal Ascot 2025
Because a day at the races is about so much more than just the racing
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One of the most esteemed sporting events in the British summer calendar, Royal Ascot returns from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June 2025. A five-day lineup of the very best race horses, skilled jockeys, and acclaimed equestrians, it’s also the event of the season when it comes to donning your best dresses, morning suits, top hats, and fascinators. In fact, Royal Ascot is famous for its exacting dress code. Don’t want to get turned away at the gate? Here’s our guide to what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.
While there is no fixed sartorial theme for the festivities (smart, sharp tailoring and pretty floral ensembles are equally acceptable), every year the Royal Ascot Lookbook points us in the direction of the trends to follow, looks to embrace, and timeless classics to go for. Presented this year by Ascot’s first-ever creative director, Daniel Fletcher, 2025’s trends include the Archive Edit (think vintage, pre-loved and rented pieces from eras past), the Best of British (playful, preppy designs), prints and patterns (stripes and summery florals), plus more specific styles, such as polka dots, pastel green, ruffles and silky fabrics.
Fletcher says, “Returning as creative director for a second year, I wanted to push the creative boundaries even further, balancing heritage with modernity and encouraging racegoers to see occasion dressing as an expression of individuality.”
With that in mind, we’ve got the full lowdown on the individual dress codes of each for both men and women to wear, plus some of our favourite looks and accessories. Whether opting for a chic, sophisticated ensemble or going all out with an extravagant statement piece, make Royal Ascot 2025 one for the (look)books.
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
The Royal Enclosure
Women:
- Dresses or skirts must fall just above the knee or below, and shoulder straps must be a minimum width of 2.5cm. (Lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted.)
- Jumpsuits must fall below the knee and adhere to shoulder strap rules.
- Trouser suits must match in material and colour.
- Hats must be worn (a headpiece or fascinator with a base diameter of 10cm is acceptable).
Men:
- Morning dress in black, grey, or navy material.
- Waistcoat and necktie required.
- Black or grey top hat.
- Black dress shoes worn with socks covering the ankle.
The Queen Anne Enclosure
Women:
- A dress or top and skirt combination with shoulder or halter neck straps (no minimum length, lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted).
- Jumpsuits must fall below the knee.
- Trouser suits must be matching material and colour.
- Hat, headpiece, or fascinator required.
Men:
- A full-length two or three-piece suit – jacket and trousers must match in material and colour.
- Collared shirt and necktie.
- Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
The Village Enclosure
Women:
- A dress or top and skirt combination with shoulder or halter neck straps – no minimum length (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted).
- Jumpsuits must fall below the knee and comply with strap requirements.
- Trouser suits must match in material and colour.
- Hat, headpiece, or fascinator required.
Men:
- Suit jacket or blazer with full-length trousers or chinos (jacket and trousers can be different materials).
- Necktie, bowtie, or cravat required
- Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
The Windsor Enclosure
While there is no official dress code in the Windsor Enclosure, guests are encouraged to dress in smart daywear. Hats, headpieces, and fascinators are strongly recommended for women, and jackets and collared shirts for men.
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
The best hats and headpieces for Royal Ascot
It wouldn’t be Royal Ascot without a fabulous piece of millinery. Be inspired by our favourite hats and fascinators below, or get the full rundown on the best styles in our edit here.
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Image: Royal Ascot Lookbook 2025
Accessories for Royal Ascot
Of course, great accessorising doesn’t stop at a hat. Complete your Ascot look with chic wedges, a cute clutch, and dazzling jewellery, or a slick silk tie, and you’re on your way to an exceptional day out.
Read more: Hats for the races: This season’s top trends for Ascot and beyond
