What to Wear to Royal Ascot 2025: Women’s Dress Code, Outfit Ideas & Style Inspiration

Royal Ascot is not only one of Britain’s most prestigious horse racing events — it is also the highlight of the British fashion calendar. Known for its timeless elegance, strict dress codes, and extraordinary displays of millinery, Royal Ascot is where style meets tradition.

If you’re wondering what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025, this guide will take you through everything from dress code rules to outfit inspiration. Plus, I’ll share my own experience wearing a custom Maison Bent Royal Ascot dress and hat inside the Royal Enclosure.

My Royal Ascot Experience

This year, I was honoured with an invitation to the Royal Enclosure — one of the most exclusive areas of Ascot. With just five days to prepare, panic-buying proved fruitless, so I designed and created a bespoke Maison Bent dress and a matching custom hat.

Dress design: A neutral crepe fabric was cut into a classic silhouette with a squared neckline, modest cap sleeves, and a flared A-line skirt — embodying elegance while meeting Royal Enclosure rules.
Headpiece: Instead of high street options, I crafted a custom hat using leftover fabric to perfectly coordinate with the dress.
Shoes: Lilac Amina Muaddi Glass Slippers offered comfort for walking all day, with heels designed to avoid sinking into the grass.

The look felt refined, feminine, and timeless — the perfect inspiration for women seeking a Royal Ascot outfit that balances tradition with modern design.

After entering The Royal Enclosure, you can expect to experience the best dressed crowd you have ever witnessed and the energy and excitement is second to none. After the first race, we crossed the track to enter the Winning Post Gardens where our hosts greeted us with a home-made spread and champagne. This highly exclusive area provided a perfect view of the track, allowing us to enjoy each race comfortably and away from the crowds.

Shanna Bent Wearing custom Maison Bent Head Piece and Dress with Amina Muaddi Slippers

Shanna Bent in Maison Bent with Chris Gayle in patriotic Jamaican flag colours

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Royal Ascot Dress Code for Women

The Royal Ascot dress code is famous for its precision. Each enclosure has its own set of rules that women must follow.

1. Royal Enclosure Dress Code

Hats or headpieces with a solid base of at least 4 inches are mandatory. Fascinators are not permitted.
Strapless, halterneck, Bardot, off-the-shoulder, and one-shoulder dresses are not allowed.
Dresses and skirts must be of modest length (just above the knee or longer).
Sheer fabrics are permitted only if fully lined; lace, tulle, and organza are allowed.
Jackets and pashminas may be worn but cannot be used to make an outfit appear compliant.

2. Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code

Dresses and skirts must be of modest length.
Strapless, Bardot, and off-the-shoulder styles are not permitted.
Hats, headpieces, or fascinators are required.

3. Village Enclosure Dress Code

Smart attire is required, though slightly more relaxed.
Jumpsuits and culottes are allowed if they follow length and strap rules.
Hats, fascinators, or headpieces are strongly encouraged.

4. Windsor Enclosure Dress Code

Smart daywear is encouraged.
Hats or headpieces are optional but recommended.

What to Wear to Royal Ascot 2026: Outfit Ideas for Women

When planning your Royal Ascot outfit, focus on three key elements:

1. The Dress

Choose timeless, elegant shapes such as A-line skirts, midi dresses, or tailored fit-and-flare styles. Maison Bent’s custom Ascot dresses are designed to flatter while ensuring you meet enclosure rules.

2. The Hat or Headpiece

Your headwear is just as important as your dress. Wide-brimmed hats, statement pieces with florals or feathers, and bold sculptural designs are always a winning choice.

3. Shoes & Accessories

Comfortable heels or wedges are best since you’ll be walking across grass. Neutral tones, pastels, and elegant clutches complete the look.

Words by Shanna Bent

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