02 Apr Royal Ascot Style Guide
As the Royal Ascot approaches, men are often left wondering what to wear to this prestigious event. With strict dress codes in place, it’s important to choose the right attire that meets the standards while still showing off your personal style.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials – from a winning suit to the perfect finishing touches – ensuring you arrive looking your best. So, polish your brogues, dust off your top hat (yes, it is that kind of event!), and put your best foot forward at one of the most iconic events of the British social calendar.
Let’s get started.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is a prestigious annual event held in June at Ascot Racecourse, England. It’s famous for two things: top-notch horse racing featuring some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds, and the elaborate fashion sense of its attendees.
WINDSOR ENCLOSURE
ACSOT DRESS CODE
The Windsor Enclosure dress code may be more relaxed than some of the other areas at Ascot, but smart daywear is still essential. A pair of well-fitted chinos, a collared shirt, and a tailored suit jacket create the perfect balance between polished and comfortable, making it easy to look refined while enjoying the atmosphere of race day.
When it comes to accessories, ties are completely optional, giving you the chance to keep your look a little more relaxed. However, adding a unique pocket square is a great way to bring personality and style into your outfit. Finish the look with smart shoes and socks to ensure you stay within the dress code while looking effortlessly put together throughout the day.
accessories
Classic black or brown frames are always safe bets.
Leather belts are the most formal option and pair well with chinos or dress pants.
Put your best foot forward
Putting your best foot forward starts with your shoes. In a formal setting, footwear is often one of the very first details people notice, and it can say a lot about your overall style and attention to detail. Even the sharpest suit can lose its impact if paired with shoes that are dirty, scuffed, or poorly maintained. Well-kept shoes, on the other hand, instantly elevate your outfit and help create a polished, confident appearance.
Taking the time to properly care for your shoes not only improves their appearance but also helps them last much longer. Regular cleaning, polishing, and proper storage can keep your favourite pairs looking as good as new for years to come. Whether you are preparing for a formal event, a day at the races, or simply want to refine your everyday style, maintaining your footwear is an essential part of dressing well. Be sure to explore our complete shoe care guide for expert tips on cleaning, polishing, and protecting your shoes to keep them in pristine condition.
VILLAGE ENCLOSURE
ACSOT DRESS CODE
The Village Enclosure dress code offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style while still embracing the smart and sophisticated atmosphere Ascot is known for. Guests are expected to wear either a two-piece or three-piece suit, paired with neckwear of their choice. Whether you prefer a classic silk tie, a patterned cravat, or a statement pocket square, this enclosure allows for a little more creativity and individuality within your outfit.
Bold suit patterns, textured fabrics, and unique accessories are all encouraged, provided they remain tasteful and free from visible logos. Patriotic-inspired designs, such as subtle national flag elements, are perfectly acceptable and can add character to your look.
For a slightly more relaxed approach, chinos can also be worn with a suit jacket, even if the materials differ from the trousers. To complete the outfit properly, make sure your socks fully cover the ankle and pair everything with smart footwear. However, while the dress code is more expressive, certain items remain strictly off-limits – jeans, trainers, and shorts are not permitted in the Village Enclosure.
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QUEEN ANNE ENCLOSURE
ACSOT DRESS CODE
The Queen Anne Enclosure embraces a dress code that is both formal and deeply traditional, reflecting the timeless elegance associated with Ascot. Guests are expected to wear either a two-piece or three-piece suit, styled with a collared shirt and a classic tie. To maintain the refined atmosphere of the enclosure, it is best to opt for sophisticated and understated colours such as navy, grey, or black. Traditional pinstripe suits are also perfectly acceptable and can add a touch of heritage tailoring to your race day look.
While there is still room to express personal style through tailoring and accessories, the overall appearance should remain polished and classic. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted, so a standard necktie is essential for meeting the dress code requirements. Footwear should also follow the formal tone of the enclosure, with dark-coloured smart shoes being the safest and most appropriate option. As with the other enclosures, socks must fully cover the ankle to ensure a neat and traditional finish. It is important to note that jeans, trainers, and chino trousers are strictly prohibited, making this one of the more formal dress codes at Ascot.
To impress with your outfit, master the art of tying the perfect knot. Check out our article on tie knots for a sharp look.
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
ACSOT DRESS CODE
The Royal Enclosure is the most prestigious and traditional area at Ascot, and its dress code reflects the elegance and heritage of the event. Men are required to wear formal morning dress, typically in classic black, although grey morning suits are also acceptable. This highly refined style is a defining part of the Royal Enclosure experience, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication and occasion dressing at its very best.
To complete the look, a black top hat is essential and must be worn at all times in accordance with the enclosure’s strict guidelines. A crisp collared shirt paired with a silk tie in either a subtle floral print or a simple block colour adds the perfect finishing touch while maintaining the formal standard expected. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted, so a traditional necktie is required.
Attention to detail is equally important when it comes to footwear – black dress shoes are mandatory and should be polished to perfection for a sharp, immaculate appearance. As with all Ascot enclosures, socks that fully cover the ankle are also a must to ensure the outfit remains polished from head to toe.
TOP HAT
COLLARED SHIRT
FLORAL SILK TIES
FAQS: Royal Ascot Style Guide
What men should wear depends on the enclosure they are attending. While some enclosures allow smart daywear and tailored separates, others require formal suits or traditional morning dress. In every enclosure, clothing should look polished, well-fitted, and appropriate for the formal atmosphere of Royal Ascot.
Chinos are acceptable in certain enclosures, such as the Windsor and Village Enclosures, when styled smartly with a collared shirt and tailored jacket. However, chinos are not permitted in the Queen Anne or Royal Enclosures, where more formal tailoring is required.
No, trainers are not permitted in the main Ascot enclosures. Smart dress shoes are expected throughout the event, and footwear should always be clean, polished, and formal enough to complement the overall outfit.
This depends on the enclosure. In the Windsor Enclosure, ties are optional, while the Village and Queen Anne Enclosures require formal neckwear. In the Royal Enclosure, a traditional tie is mandatory, and bow ties or cravats are not permitted.
Yes, black shoes pair perfectly with a navy suit and are one of the safest and most sophisticated footwear choices for Royal Ascot. Dark brown shoes may also work in some enclosures, but black dress shoes are required in the Royal Enclosure.
No, jeans are not considered appropriate for Royal Ascot and are prohibited in several enclosures. The event maintains a formal dress code, so tailored trousers, chinos, or formal suit trousers should always be chosen instead.
Accessories are a great way to add personality to your outfit while still respecting the dress code. Pocket squares, elegant watches, tie clips, and subtle patterned ties are all excellent choices. However, accessories should remain refined and avoid oversized logos or overly casual styles.
Classic colours such as navy, grey, and black are always reliable choices for Royal Ascot. Lighter neutral tones can also work in more relaxed enclosures, while pinstripes and subtle patterns are a stylish way to add individuality without looking overly bold.
Absolutely. A three-piece suit is one of the most timeless and elegant choices for Royal Ascot and works particularly well in the Village and Queen Anne Enclosures. It creates a more formal and refined appearance while still allowing room for personal styling through ties and accessories.
For more styling inspiration and a complete breakdown of every enclosure’s dress requirements, take a look at our guide, “What to Wear to Royal Ascot 2026: The Gentleman’s Guide,” where we cover everything from morning suits and tailoring to footwear and accessories.
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