So steeped in tradition it reeks of a feculent stable boy, Royal Ascot is one affair on the British social calendar not to be missed. With guests travelling to the Berkshire town from around the globe, the week-long race meet is an opportunity to dress in one’s finery … or so you would think. In an age where the concept of dressing up has been very much stripped of its quintessence by those who aren’t very “P.L.U.”—people like us—it is our responsibility to common decency that we should lead by example. As instilled by refined mothers for eons, it is better to be over than under-dressed; and in plain terms for those who continually flout this adage—if your outfit is pap smear-ready, the only person you should see is your gynaecologist. Below we discuss the various areas of Royal Ascot and what is considered suitable attire for ladies, gentlemen and royalty alike.
The Royal Enclosure
Known as the “heart of Royal Ascot”, the Royal Enclosure offers the best views of the track and its adjacent activities. Known for its lavish marquees, gardens and exclusive invitation-only access, it’s the best place to rub crêpe de chine shoulders with royalty and elite flotsam. Regarding dress:
Her Majesty’s Representative wishes to point out that only formal day dress with a hat or substantial fascinator will be acceptable. Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and miniskirts are considered unsuitable. Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and colour. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
Of particular note, on the Thursday of the meet regarded as “Ladies’ Day”, fascinators are forbidden and ladies are required to wear a hat that covers the crown of their heads.
Remaining open to all cultures, overseas guests are welcome to wear their formal national dress or Service dress. But be warned those wishing to flout the regulations: Royal Ascot advises, “Ladies and Gentlemen not complying with the above dress regulations will be asked to leave the Royal Enclosure and will be relieved of their Royal Enclosure badge.” In short, it’s probably not the best place to début your crotchless chaps and sombrero.
The Grandstand
The Grandstand, although not as exclusive as the Royal Enclosure offers views of the track from the Ground and Lawn levels away from the marauding hoi polloi. It offers an excellent vantage point of the Royal Procession, areas to eat, drink and place a bet and boasts the camaraderie of the traditional singalong; songbooks included. Dress is more relaxed in this area, but dressing smartly, essential:
Ladies with a Grandstand Admission ticket are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion. Many wear hats although this is not compulsory. Gentlemen in the Grandstand Admission area must wear a shirt and tie, preferably with a suit or jacket. Sports attire, jeans and shorts are strictly forbidden.
When planning an outfit for the Grandstand, we recommend posing the following question to yourself: “What would I wear to meet my future mother-in-law?” Contemplate that and then put a hat on it—it’s an excellent rule of thumb to follow.
Silver Ring
Not to discriminate—we are a modern-day etiquette resource, after all—it’s best to acknowledge the existence of the Silver Ring, kind of like Crocs or an incontinent relative. The Silver Ring is indeed Royal Ascot’s area where those who drink brown spirits with cola are immured. Cruel? Not quite—the Silver Ring boasts its very own Pizza Express. As for dress:
Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes no formal dress code applies except that bare chests are not permitted at any time.
Well isn’t that reassuring? Whilst mixing in one’s Sunday best one won’t have to witness the apish torsos of cider-swilling chavs. Turrah!
Published on 15 June 2011 by Agony Uncle