Wibu to wear long dress to royal ascot?

[Bedraggledmumoftwo]

Bit last minute through dh's work and he has sent me details today with infinite details of what not to wear. Turns out it is the royal enclosure and dresses must be knee length or lower, shoulder straps must be an inch wide and hats are compulsory. Looking through my wardrobe I have found a lovely long dress that I bought last year and haven't had a chance to wear, but I am wondering whether anyone actually wears long dresses, or just slightly below the knee? I've never been and don't want to get it wrong. And I already need to go hat shopping so need to choose a dress first!

Thanks for any advice. All I can find online is the rules and a gazillion pictures of outrageous hats!

I think a long dress would be very sensible

Especially if it's windy

I'd wear knee length. Mid calf might be ok but don't wear a maxi dress.

I was also thinking if it was long I might get away with less ridiculous shoes...

Have just watched the official style guide video and the second dress shown is full length

Louise, why do you say that?

It depends what type of long dress it is. The royal enclosure is where we go and over many years, I have mostly seen day dresses or skirt/dress suits. I see no reason why you couldn't wear a long dress but not if it was an evening one. Despite the dress code saying hats covering the crown of the head, year on year you see more fascinators.

When I went a few years ago lots of people had long dresses. As long as it doesn't drag on the floor you'll be ok.

As long as you stick to the rules and behave with class the minutiae of fashion won't be an issue. Enjoy!

Additionally, I'd wear the most comfortable shoes you have. Unless you're in a box, there is a lack of seating so you'll spend a huge amount of time on your feet. There are plasters available though in the ladies loos!

Babypossum it is this

I think it's fine!

Oh that's beautiful. I think it would be perfect. Love the pockets too - think this always helps to make a dress/skirt seem less fancy and a little bit more fashionable.

We are in a box. Does that mean I won't have to worry about sinking stilettos into grass or will there be plenty of walking on grass regardless?

Lovely!

That is so beautiful

POCKETS!

Do expect to be standing up for most of the day, if that influences your footwear choices.

That dress will be fine - which day are you going? Something bright hat wise will look lovely. If you're near Beaconsfield/Gerrards Cross there's a nice shop called Shu Shu that sells some reasonably priced hats as well as shoes.

We're Wednesday and Thursday this year..I'll say hello if I spot you in your lovely dress.

That's a lovely dress and will be fine for the royal enclosure. It is possible to remain paved all day but walking on grass is probable when you go out to view or perhaps have a walk around afterwards. Have fun. Stay for singing at the bandstand it's the best bit!

It is really lovely- I wouldn't really describe it as a maxi dress as it is a bit more formal but then it is quite simple so I'm not sure I will ever wear it to an evening thing as I have other more elaborate dresses that I would choose instead.
I should clarify that it doesn't have pockets, it is just the model posing. But I could tie the sash st the back to make it simpler if I needed to

I've worn a long dress to the Royal enclosure before. It's fine

OMG it does have pockets!! Just went to check as I hadn't realised!

That makes it even better in my view!

There can be a fair bit of grass walking if you explore or intend to picnic in the car park

Underneath the ash we are going on Friday so if you see someone in that dress it isn't me!

OP because I have close friends who are involved and they have told me that full length dresses are not often worn by people who habitually go to the royal enclosure. Also for me maxi dresses are informal and it is, after all, meant to be slightly more formal than the other areas. But I guess it's personal preference.

Have a good time whatever you wear!

What a lovely dress; you definitely won't look out of place! There are paths but yes, you'll be on grass a lot too if you go outside. We've not left the box some years but I think it's always great to have a walk around and look at everybody!