13 beautiful Ascot-appropriate dresses for a day at the races

One of the biggest British sporting events of the year, Royal Ascot has become as much about what you wear as it is the races. Attended by royalty, celebrities and paparazzi, there's arguably nowhere more important to be sartorially savvy, and guests didn't disappoint with their outfits this year, many of which were from high street brands and several are still available to shop if you're looking for occasionwear inspiration. 

The Ascot dress code includes strict rules on hem lengths, shoulder straps and headpieces, and while everyone is encouraged to dress up for the occasion, each enclosure has slightly different rules. 

Royal Enclosure dress code

- Dresses and skirts should be a modest length, falling no shorter than just above the knee.

- Dresses and tops must have straps that are a minimum width of one inch or more. 

- Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but tops and dresses underneath must still comply with the dress code. 

- Trouser suits are permitted but should be full-length and of matching material and colours.

- Jumpsuits are also permitted and have the same regulations as dresses.

- Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece with a minimum base of four inches (10cm) is acceptable.

© Dave Benett

Queen Anne Enclosure & Village Enclosure dress code

• A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)

• A trouser suit of matching material and colour

• A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator

© Getty Images

Windsor Enclosure dress code

- Attendees are encouraged to dress in smart daywear with a hat or fascinator, but there is no official dress code for the Windsor Enclosure.

Princess Kate's Ascot wardrobe

© Shutterstock

It's Royal Ascot week and over on The HELLO! Royal Club, royal shopper Leanne teamed up with Samantha from the hugely popular Instagram account Royal Fashion Daily (formerly the Royal Fashion Police) to look back on Princess Kate’s Ascot wardrobe and offer some predictions on what the fashionable royal might opt for this week. 

ENTER KATE'S ASCOT WARDROBE HERE

Is there a theme for Ascot 2025?

The Royal Ascot 2025 Lookbook has now been released, and the shift towards inspiring racegoers to be a little more inventive with their ensemble continues, moving the focus towards outfits that represent their individual style. 

Designer Daniel Fletcher, who remains the Royal Ascot Creative Director for 2025 says: "I wanted to push the creative boundaries even further. To celebrate individuality, honour tradition, and encourage people to feel seen in what they wear."

Highlights include this season's move back towards polka dots, as well as cool tones of matcha green, and Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocca Mousse. Sustainability continues to be at the forefront, with guests encouraged to consider looking in charity shops, boutiques, vintage emporiums and resale websites for their outfits.

If you want to get your dress sorted with plenty of time, I've found the most stylish pieces available to shop online. I also got in touch with Daniel for all of his expert styling tips.

The best Royal Ascot dresses to shop for 2025

The best Royal Ascot dresses for older women

Choosing occasionwear in your 50s, 60s, 70s can be tricky, but structured midi dresses with defined waists and bold prints or rich colours strike the perfect balance between modern style and classic sophistication. Women in their 60s might favour floaty, midi dresses in silk or chiffon, with soft pleats or delicate embellishments that add movement. By your 70s, timeless silhouettes such as tea-length or coat-style dresses in pastel tones or refined neutrals offer both comfort and elegance. At every age, a beautifully cut dress is the foundation of standout Ascot style.

When it comes to dressing for your body shape, fashion expert Jess Richardson advises those with an hourglass shape to accentuate their waist, avoiding bulky or stiff fabrics. "V-neck, scoop, or sweetheart necklines work best," she told us. "As do knee-length dresses or skirts to balance proportions." Apple shapes should look to elongate their torso with vertical lines and opt for V-neck dresses. "Add a blazer to create a sleek outline," Jess added.

If you're a pear shape: "A-line and fit-and-flare styles skim over hips and thighs while highlighting the waist. Wrap dresses are also flattering, as they cinch at the waist and define your silhouette." Or if you're closest to an inverted triangle, consider avoiding wide necklines and upper-body patterns. "Instead, go for dresses that add volume to the lower body, with lighter colours on the bottom to flatter your legs," says Jess.