2012 ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE ANNOUNCED

Ascot Racecourse has today unveiled the dress code for the Royal Meeting, in June.

The new wording has been released in a bid to prevent any "misunderstanding" over what is acceptable dress for Royal Ascot.

Here Katy Pearson reveals the highlights...

Royal Enclosure

Ladies: “Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.” This replaces the less clear instruction that miniskirts are considered unsuitable.

“Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.” So, absolutely no fascinators are now permitted in the Royal Enclosure.

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

So no cravats chaps and black shoes MUST be worn with morning dress.

Grandstand Enclosure

Ladies: “A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.” This replaces advice that many ladies wear hats but this is not compulsory.

“Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted.”  And, midriffs must be covered too.

Gentlemen: “Gentlemen are required to wear a suit and tie.” This replaces the instruction that gentlemen must wear a shirt and tie, preferably with a suit or jacket.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said: “We have worked extensively with experts in the world of fashion to define better what formal dress means, with the overarching intention of being as helpful as possible to our visitors and assisting everyone in understanding what is expected and, we believe, cherished about the dress code at Royal Ascot.

“It isn’t a question of elitism and not being modern in a world where there is less and less requirement to dress smartly – far from it. We want to see modern and stylish dress at Royal Ascot, just within the parameters of formal wear, and the feedback we have received from our customers overwhelmingly supports that.”