Ladies Day at Ascot outfit advice.

[LagerthasOwl]

Hi all, looking for some advice from experienced race goers please. I'm going to Ladies Day at Ascot this year for the first time. I am in the Windsor Enclosure. I see from the website that the dress code doesn't apply to the Windsor enclosure, but I was wondering if most people stick to it anyway, or if I will be overdressed if I show up in a dress code conforming dress? Also, do I need a hat of some description? Also - shoes? Are flats acceptable? I do like a heel but I'm conscious of it being on grass.

Google is being no help as it shows photos of women in all sorts of dresses, sleeveless, halter neck, strappy, short and all the things I thought were against the code as well as people in beautiful but modest dresses.

Am I massively overthinking this? Possibly! I have spotted the attached, would this be acceptable in the Windsor enclosure?

Have you looked at what the Ascot website says? It’s an informal enclosure.

I’m in the Royal Enclosure but even there they don’t take much notice unless you really flaunt your assets. In the Windsor, quite a few will wear a padded hair band or a saucer hat. Your dress will be ok there but wouldn’t be ok for the RE as it doesn’t have shoulder straps 1 inch wide. Take a cover up and no one will know or care. Wear any shoes you like. Comfortable is best. Some people do a lot of hair snd make up snd others are more laid back. Ascot suggests a trouser suit/jump suit. That’s spot on in my view. Easy to wear and smart enough.

As the day goes by there’s plenty of drinking and women take their heels off. It’s not really smart down there - it’s a bit lary after the drink takes hold. There’s music and a party atmosphere.

It’s only the Royal Enclosure that has a dress code. That’s why the photos show everything and anything.

Thank you @TizerorFizz, that's really helpful! Crikey, the Royal Enclosure! May I ask what you are wearing? I would faint with nerves if I was to be in there I think!

I'm really excited, my best friend has just beaten cancer and so we are having a bucket list day out to celebrate. I think we are both going to be fairly fancy for the din of it!

for the fun of it

I usually wear a smart dress and if it’s colder, a dress with a matching coat. I quite like hats on headbands. Not a small one though as I’m tall. I would also say it’s best to dress for a smart day out and not an evening party. It’s really not overly fancy in the RE. Most of the really smart people are in the boxes and restaurants at £1000 pp. We are happy enough with the grandstand and we only go on the Tuesday when it’s less crowded. Ascot RE still give you a hand written badge with “Mrs” in front of your husbands name!

I would say: dress for the weather and a whole day on your feet! Sometimes it’s very hot and sometimes a bit wet and windy! Keep a close eye on the weather. My biggest fear is open sandals and ia wet day. I usually do lunch in the car park but this year we are having lunch in a marquee - not sure what that will be like!

I hope you have a great day out. I’m a big racing fan. Keep an eye on the weather and don’t wear shoes you cannot wear all day!