What to wear to the races?

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Royal Ascot 2015 Ladies Day – style, looks & dress code

Royal Ascot has been attracting the finest thoroughbreds for years. The race has traditionally been at the pinnacle of the pageantry and social calendar. This premier summertime fixture is not only a showcase of fabulous racing but also a display of style and English high society.

The iconic Royal Ascot Ladies Day remains the blue-riband event to see and be seen, hence plan wisely your look of the day.

Attracting the finest crowds and of course, the Royal Family, this ultra-glamorous date demands quite a strict dress code to follow and is synonymous with impeccable elegance. Fancy dress, novelty and branded, sporty or promotional clothing are strictly forbidden on site. Check out the official Royal Ascot style guidelines and consider the following tips:

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DRESS CODE
What’s allowed in the Royal Enclosure:
  • Formal, elegant daywear
  • Modest length or longer dresses or skirts
  • Full length trouser suit of corresponding pieces
  • Hats are essential! This also includes large min 10 cm base headpieces. These should be worn at all times
AVOID:
  • Strapless, off the shoulder and midriff revealing garments are not permitted
  • Fascinators (they are allowed on the Grandstand)
  • Shorts

No formal dress code applies in the Silver Ring however the race-goers are expected to wear smart occasion attire.

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Epsom Derby 5th June

If you wish to get into the swing of people watching and high stake betting, also look no further than The Investec Ladies’ Day on Friday 5th June 2015.

The trendy visitors of the Surrey racecourse can place their stakes on the chance of winning the title of ‘Best Dressed Lady’, so plan your look with care and imagination. The Epsom race-day dress code is much more relaxed than at Ascot. Hats or fascinators are required; you are even allowed smart denim for the Grandstand Enclosure general admission. No ripped jeans however – hipsters take note. Depending on which day of the Derby you attend, interestingly the Stands dress code allows shorts, trainers, no vests, making it quite forgiving.

All in all, whether you’re looking to be posing in William Chambers or Philip Treacy’s creations, enjoy this year’s horseracing season wearing elaborate hats, fabulous frocks and glamorous accessories.

Embrace the debonair etiquette of the Royal Ascot and ‘dress to impress’ for this key social event in the British sporting calendar.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 2oth June 2015.

The Investec Derby Festival runs from 5th to 6th June 2015.

About the author

Kasia is the author of Style The City blog and is the founder of The Styling Agency. Follow her on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
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