Karine Laudort For the first time in our history, we are now preparing for Royal Ascot to take place behind closed doors. By closed doors, I mean no members of the public will be able to attend the event but will be able to stream online. We are grateful this momentous event will still be taking place but there will be a few changes to the way the world-famous horse racing festival will run. Due to the coronavirus crises and new UK government guidelines, necessary measures have had to be made for everyone’s safety and is essential to help stop the spread of the virus. This may come as a disappointment to the thousands of race-goers that descend on Berkshire every year but we can only embrace this new way of life, you may even find some benefits and exciting new experiences. This has been a difficult year but do not let these small changes put a damper on your year, be grateful for technology allowing us to still participate in this amazing event. Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We hope these extra opportunities will be welcomed by horsemen, broadcasters and the public at home.” And we couldn’t be more excited about it so want to get you involved too.
Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance and grace. Race-goers can spend months deciding on their ideal outfit but with the fame and status of Ascot comes rules. Ascot has strict guidelines for the dress code which you have to abide by. With that in mind, we want to look back at previous outfits to inspire you for this year. Undoubtedly being one of the biggest fashion events of the year, with guests that include Royal Princes and Princesses to A-list celebrities.
The Royal Ascot dress code is traditional and woven into the very fabric of our history. Ascot continues to recognise key trends in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Textures and block colours are some of the key trends for the coming spring/summer season with innovative millinery remaining the crowning accessory for the Royal Meeting. For gentlemen, classic tailoring, light summer suits and playful ties come to the forefront of formal wear.
Guests are invited to embrace their own individual style and express themselves in what they wear. We think Doina Ciobanu is a perfect example of this. In 2018 she paired her bright blue polka-dot dress with black gloves and espadrilles. Radiating elegant with a classic red lip and a black disc hat.
We have some of the most talented designers in Britain. Pay homage to incredible talent and show of our British luxury and craftsmanship. Alexandra Burke wore a sleek white Rebecca Rhoades top and trouser combo in 2018. This beautiful peplum silhouette, which could be easily mistaken for a jumpsuit. She also styled her look with a gorgeous black disc hat by Judy Bentinck to complete this gorgeous look.
This year male race-goers are getting an update to their dress code as the most fashionable event of the summer social season. For the first time, navy morning suits will be permitted in the Royal Enclosure for the relaxing the strict rule for men to wear either traditional black or grey, and more ‘playful’ ties will also be allowed. We found this smart Burton suit in navy which would be perfect for at-home Ascot this year.
Inject some summery vibes into your look with a floaty floral dress and natural accessories like these two race-goers in 2018. You can also opt for floral prints if you’re feeling extra summery. Echo these beautiful dresses by also being environmentally conscious and wearing sustainable brands. This year Ascot has sought sustainable brands for its ninth annual Style Guide in association with luxury cruise brand Cunard. With sustainability being of great importance now more than ever, to be able to promote sustainable brands at this world-renowned fashion event is highly important and relevant.
Royal Ascot updated its dress code to allow jumpsuits for the first time in 2017. Flora MacDonald Johnston wore a beautiful rich red jumpsuit in 2019 paired with an unusual straw hat. Giving a modern yet quirky look to this stylish red jumpsuit, accentuating her figure and making a statement. The pared-back gold jewellery lets the jumpsuit and hat speak for its self.
The Ascot guide predicts pastels and florals will be the key trends of the summer alongside innovative millinery. Rosie Tapner displays this trend entirely by wearing a blush pink dress with cape detailing in 2019. The floral fascinator heightens the look and also brings an emphasis on being eco-friendly. Race-goers are being encouraged this year to buy second hand or rent their outfits to be fashion-conscious. This is great for encouraging the message of sustainability in such an influential fashion event.
If you are not able to ‘attend’, Ascot is inviting fans across the globe to dress up, with a hat, and take part in Royal Ascot At Home. Whether it is a ladies’ hat, men’s top hat, panama, trilby or other racing hat, simply take and share a photo on social media using the hashtags #StyledWithThanks and #RoyalAscot. You can even be in with the chance of winning some amazing prizes while helping those affected by COVID-19. Participants are being encouraged to donate £5 to the campaign fundraising page, share your outfit photo and tell your friends to do the same, helping to spread the #StyledWithThanks message in recognition of those working on the frontline of the global COVID-19 crisis.
