News: Ascot announce new dress code
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Ascot has been one of England’s most cherished sporting events since its creation by Queen Anne in 1711. The racing season, held in the Summer, sees hundreds of people gathered together to socialise, drink, and of course, bet on the horses. The dress code has always been very particular and formal, since it was made public in 1813, and now the organisers have enforced strict regulations that are more in line with its traditional heritage.
For women attending the Royal Enclosure, fascinators have been banned. Instead, a hat or headpiece with a base diameter of 4 or more inches must be worn by any female guest over the age of 16. The formal day wear must be a dress or smart matching trouser suit with straps that are more than one inch wide. No spaghetti or transparent straps are accepted, and neither are dresses that sit above the knee. Showing of midriffs and large areas of skin are also banned, and modesty is highly recommended as a style guideline.
This year, short strapless dresses and fascinators will not be permitted at Royal Ascot
If you think that women have it hard, then you’re mistaken. Men attending the event have just as many rules placed on their wardrobe. Black or grey morning suits must be worn, which include a waistcoat and tie, but not a cravat. Men must also wear black shoes and a grey or black top hat, which may be removed within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or their facility’s terrace, balcony or garden.
Although it might seem harsh to many, these new enforced rules keep together a tradition that has been upheld for well over a hundred years. Ladies Day at the Royal Meeting is a fashion highlight of the year, and beautiful and eclectic array of hats often put an invaluable and rare focus on the skills of Millinery that can often go unnoticed at other fashion events.
One of the most famous Ascot outfits was worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 musical My Fair Lady. The monochrome dress code of the scene was stunning to watch, but it was Hepburn’s character, Eliza Doolittle, who stood out as the most beautiful. The Cecil Beaton designed ensemble was sold at a Christies auction on 21st June 2011 for $3.7 million.