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Can you wear loafers to Ascot?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 21, 2026

Shoes: black lace-ups. Ideally Oxfords, please. And absolutely no loafers.

What should you not wear at Ascot?

Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted. Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code.

Can you wear loafers to the races?

Loafers are great to wear to the races as you don't need to wear them with socks (unless you want to) and they are very smart horse racing attire.

What can I wear to Ascot?

So whether you are enjoying Ladies Day, the Royal Enclosure or the Queen Anne Enclosure; fashion and style are an essential part of your day at Royal Ascot 2022.
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Royal Ascot Dress Code – Royal Enclosure

  • Waistcoat and tie (ties can be 'playful' but no cravats)
  • Black or grey top hat.
  • Black shoes, worn with socks.

Do you have to dress up for Ascot?

Royal Ascot 2021 Dress Code Rules: Queen Anne Enclosure

The Queen Anne Enclosure is the general admissions enclosure. You can see the action from this part of the racecourse if you have a ticket. Requirements for dress are that clothes worn should represent a formal occasion.

28 related questions found

Do men have to wear a hat at Ascot?

Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear either black, grey or navy morning dress which must include: A waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties) A black or grey top hat.

Can you show cleavage at Ascot?

No more tattoos. No more buttock cleavage - not to mention breast cleavage and armpit fold. All women attending Royal Ascot - not just those in the Royal Enclosure - will have to adhere to a new set of sartorial rules or risk banishment.

Is there a Dress Code for the Kentucky Derby?

From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits. Within the seated sections of Churchill Downs, you will find hats of elegance and style. Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats.

Can you wear jeans at Ascot?

A tie should be worn at all times. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted. Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle. Jeans, chinos and trainers are not permitted.

Are ascots in style?

A casual ascot is worn to elevate an informal outfit, and it can be worn on an everyday basis. Why it went out of style: The ascot never fully went out of style, but it is rarely worn. It's about as common as top hats, which we'll get to later.

Can I wear black to the races?

Black is chic, but for the races, you can play around with pinks and bold blues. This will give you a statement look that remains eternally elegant. Race day is also a great time to wear white.

What is the dress code for horse races?

Although far from compulsory in all enclosures, smart dress is the accepted dress code for racegoers. Trainers and shorts are widely regarded as unacceptable, although not forbidden in some enclosures or at some meetings. The classic Flat racing attire for men is a collared shirt with trousers and smart shoes.

What should I wear to Ascot in winter?

If the weather forecast is looking Baltic, I wear tights underneath smart trousers, but, if possible, I aim for a smart skirt and lightweight jumper, with a warm layer underneath and an overcoat. I think skirts work particularly well with longer boots, and this will lend some welcome warmth.

Can you wear a hat with a jumpsuit?

A jumpsuit and a hat make for the perfect base for an endless number of relaxed casual looks. We love how a pair of white leather flat sandals makes this ensemble complete. This off-duty combination of a jumpsuit and a hat is a surefire option when you need to look stylish but have zero time.

What is the best day to go to Ascot?

The best day for the racing purist, Tuesday sees the curtains open on a spectacular five days at Royal Ascot.

Can you wear an Ascot in the summer?

As such, it was popular to be worn with a dressing gown at home, a jacket at home, a vest or a sweater, people also wear it with blazers, some people also wear it just with a shirt in the summer when it was warm and basically, these are the ways you can wear an ascot as well.

Do you wear top hat and tails at Ascot?

No top hats or tails: dress code relaxed as Royal Ascot embraces the new normal. It will be Royal Ascot but not as we know it. For the first time in its history the meeting will take place without crowds – or top hats and tails. The famous fixture, which begins on Tuesday, is synonymous with the finest formal attire.

Can you take your own alcohol to Ascot?

Alcohol at Royal Ascot

To embrace the celebratory nature of Royal Ascot, each customer (over the age of 18) is permitted to bring with them one regular bottle of sparkling wine or champagne per person, with the exception of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup when no alcohol is permitted to be brought on site.

Can I wear trainers to Ascot?

Trainers are not allowed. Replica sports shirts or bare chests are not permitted. Children aged 17 and under should adhere to the dress code, however this does not apply to very young children. Fancy Dress is not an option under the 'What to wear to Ascot Racecourse' guidelines.

Do you have to wear a hat to the Kentucky Derby?

No Derby outfit is complete without a hat. While wide-brimmed hats are the most popular style, there's really no limit to how creative your headwear can get. In fact, wearing a hat to the Derby is reportedly good luck, according to the Derby itself.

Can a woman wear pants to the Kentucky Derby?

Choose spring dresses for your Kentucky Derby outfit

But keep in mind, there's no rule that says you have to wear a dress, though most women do. "Some women are more comfortable in pants and that is fine, too.

What do you wear to the Kentucky Derby infield?

Even though Derby attire is generally sundresses and big hats for women and pastel-colored suits for men, remember that the infield party tends to get messy. Comfortable clothing is the most important dress code, and make sure you wear something you don't mind getting dirty.

What is the dress code for Ascot Races men?

Gentlemen are required to wear a full-length suit with a collared shirt and tie, and kindly asked to take note of the following: Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. A tie should be worn at all times. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted.

Do you have to wear a fascinator to Ascot?

They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses. 6. Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.

What should I wear to Ascot 2021?

If you do choose a headpiece, Royal Ascot states that it must have a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter, anything smaller is considered to be a fascinator. Modesty is key in the Royal Enclosure, with full-length trousers, jumpsuits and knee-length dresses being a strict requirement.