Royal Ascot 2025 is one of the biggest British sporting events of the year. Taking place from 17-21 June, it's become as much about what you wear as it is the races, so make sure you've brushed up on the rules before choosing your all-important outfit. Attended by royalty, celebrities and paparazzi, there's arguably nowhere more important to be sartorially savvy.
The strict dress code includes 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 BenettQueen 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 ImagesWindsor 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.
Is there a theme for Ascot 2025?
The Royal Ascot 2025 theme and Look Book are yet to be released, but in recent years there has been a shift towards inspiring racegoers to be a little more inventive with their ensembles, moving the focus towards outfits that represent their individual style.
Designer Daniel Fletcher was appointed the Creative Director of the 2024 Look Book and said guests should be bold and creative: "Whether it’s a hat with an unexpected shape or trying out a new silhouette, this is the chance to embrace dressing up and channelling freedom of expression. So step out of your comfort zone and push the boundaries by embracing your own unique sense of style".
Sustainability continued to be at the forefront and guests were encouraged to consider looking in charity shops, boutiques, vintage emporiums and resale websites for their outfits.
If you want to get your outfit planned out with plenty of time, I've found the most stylish pieces available to shop online now. I also got in touch with celebrity stylist Miranda Holder (@mirandaholder) to get her tips on what to wear to Royal Ascot 2025.
The best Royal Ascot dresses to shop for 2025
1/11
Hobbs Fay Silk Bow Detail Dress
Hobbs Ascot Dress
Made from 100% silk and lined for comfort, this elegant midi dress from Hobbs is so comfortable and flattering. The pink colourway and floral print are reminiscent of the Zimmermann dress worn last year by Princess Beatrice, and the long sleeves make it perfect for Royal Ascot.
2/11
Phase Eight Philippa Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Phase Eight Ascot Dress
Channel Princess Kate in this bright midi dress from Phase Eight. It has a super flattering wrap cut with long blouson sleeves and a midi length. Style it with barely-there metallic accessories or matching brights if you're feeling bold.
3/11
ME+EM Graphic Ribbon Floral Print Midi Dress
ME+EM Ascot Dress
How gorgeous is this floral midi dress from ME+EM? Adorned with a delicate and feminine print in a soft colour palette, it has a chic zip-up high neck and features flattering ruching on the mid-section. It also comes in blue.
4/11
Self-Portrait Belted Corded Lace Maxi Dress
Self-Portrait Ascot Dress
This dreamy dress is by Princess Kate-favourite Self-Portrait. The vintage-style maxi is made from corded lace and features long sleeves, a neat pointed collar, a scalloped hem, and cinches at the waist with a sleek belt. It's reminiscent of the style worn by Kate in 2019.
5/11
Rixo Rose Silk Dress
Rixo Ascot Dress
Rixo's Rose dress is vintage-inspired and ultra feminine with its stunning Tulip Fields print. Made from 100% silk, it balances its long sleeves and midi length with a statement ruffled slit.
6/11
Karen Millen Structured Crepe Cape Dress
Karen Millen Ascot Dress
For a more structured piece, Karen Millen's cape dress comes in a chic white hue and has a sleek fitted top, falling to a voluminous skirt. It's made from a luxurious-feeling heavy crepe material.
7/11
LK Bennett Pearl Desert Rose Dress
LK Bennett Ascot Dress
LK Bennett drops a coveted Royal Ascot collection every year. While it's yet to launch for 2025, you can already shop this romantic metallic rose jacquard midi that's ideal for a day at the races. It has a fit-and-flare silhouette, and a cinched waist with a removable belt.
8/11
Reformation Winslow Dress
Reformation Ascot Dress
Reformation's bestselling Winslow dress is comfortable and modest while featuring a sultry high slight. We'd also consider it royal-approved as Meghan Markle wore a very similar style by Oscar de la Renta to a wedding in 2018.
9/11
& Other Stories Satin Midi Dress
& Other Stories Ascot Dress
& Other Stories figure-skimming satin midi dress is comfortable and flattering for a day at the races. It features flutter sleeves and curved, exposed seams with a gently draped finish.
10/11
Alessandra Rich Embellished Silk Midi Dress
Alessandra Rich Ascot Dress
Is there a look more timeless and elegant than a tea dress? It's a sentiment I think Princess Kate would agree with, and one of her favourite labels Alessandra Rich has this beautiful vintage-inspired piece available to shop at MyTheresa. Made from 100% silk, I love it styled with metallic shoes.
11/11
M&S Printed Frill Detail Maxi Tea Dress
M&S Ascot Dress
For an affordable option that's gorgeous for summer, M&S has dropped this floral printed tea dress. The floaty skirt falls to a midi length and it features lace detailing and three-quarter length sleeves.
