Racegoers have always embraced tradition when it comes to dressing for Royal Ascot, but this year, the iconic event is shaking things up. Guests are being urged to step away from the expected and embrace bolder, brighter fashion choices.
The highlight of the British summer social calendar, running from 16 to 20 June, has unveiled its official 2026 lookbook this week. The guide has been curated by menswear expert Daniel Fletcher, known for his work with luxury fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, JW Anderson and Victoria Beckham.
For the first time, the style guide goes beyond classic dress code to spotlight a standout 'colour of the year', and it's a striking one, as the Daily Mail reported. Organisers noted that a 'bright tomato' is set to dominate enclosures this season, encouraging racegoers to make a confident, modern statement.
Royal Ascot Colour of the Year Takes Centre Stage
The guide sets out the key dos and don'ts for dressing at Royal Ascot, but in a first for the iconic event, it also names an official 'colour of the year': bright tomato.
It declared: 'Bright tomato is the kind of colour that doesn't just join the party at Royal Ascot, it leads it.'
Described as bold, sunlit, and impossible to ignore, the vivid red-orange shade is said to capture the spirit of summer, standing out against Royal Ascot's signature emerald lawns and sharply tailored looks.
British high-fashion model Erin O'Connor, 48, who features in the event lookbook, also shared her advice for racegoers. 'Be bold', she said. 'For me, clothing is the essence of your personality, just live it.'
While the Windsor Enclosure at Royal Ascot has no formal dress code, despite most guests still opting for elevated looks, stricter rules remain in place across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, where traditional standards continue to apply.
Royal Ascot Style Guide: From Statement Hats to Chic Tailoring
Dressing for the occasion is as much about precision as it is about flair, and this year's guide makes it clear that every detail counts, from headwear to hemlines.
Hats remain non-negotiable at Royal Ascot, with guests required to wear either a traditional style or a headpiece with a base of at least four inches. Placement is key: designs should sit straight, snug, and just above the ears, never tilted or pushed back.
Petite attendees are best suited to smaller fascinators, while taller racegoers can confidently opt for dramatic, wide-brimmed styles. Bright colours are encouraged, although coordinating your headwear with your outfit is always a safe choice.
Experts also advise keeping jewelry minimal to avoid clashing with statement pieces.
Dressing the Part, Elegant Styles with a Modern Twist
When it comes to dresses, modesty rules still apply. Hermlines should fall just above the knee or longer, while straps must be at least one inch wide, meaning spaghetti straps are off-limits. Bold seasonal shades and playful prints like polka dots are both on trend this year, offering plenty of room for personality within the rules.
Trouser suits, a staple since the 1970s, remain a polished alternative when perfectly matched, while jumpsuits, officially approved in recent years, continue to grow in popularity for their modern, streamlined appeal.
Footwear, meanwhile, should balance style with practicality. While men are required to wear black dress shoes, women have more flexibility, though it is low, and block heels or elegant flats are recommended for navigating the grass comfortably.
As the guide makes clear, Royal Ascot is the perfect stage to dress boldly, without losing sight of tradition.
