Royal Ascot’s decision makers could opt to relax the dress code as temperatures continue to soar in England. Fans have been battling the heat all week, with racegoers descending on the course for the festivities in Berkshire since Tuesday. The meet is famed for its classy gowns, stylish suits and extravagant top hats, but it isn’t a free-for-all when it comes to getting inside. Instead, fans must adhere to a somewhat strict dress code, which differs depending on which enclosure you’re in.
But elements of the dress code might be relaxed amid the ongoing temperature hikes, with temperatures set to top 30 degrees Celsius for Thursday’s action. The venue is exercising caution for racegoers, with 16 individual hydration stations scattered around the course and free bottles of water to be handed out at the end of the day.
The Royal Enclosure is deemed the most premium at Ascot and is reserved for Royal Ascot members and esteemed guests. Adults are required to wear hats when attending and under no circumstances can men wear fancy dress, leggings, shorts, denim or trainers.
For women, it’s similarly strict in the Royal Enclosure, with hats required to be under 10cm tall and dresses cannot be strapless. Halter neck and anything sheer (nearly see-through) is not allowed to be worn by guests in the Royal Enclosure and midriffs must be covered at all times.
It’s also required for men to wear a morning dress (black, grey or navy), a waistcoat and necktie, as well as black dress shoes worn with socks covering the ankle. Ladies, meanwhile, must have a dress that falls just above the knee or longer with straps at a minimum width of 1 inch/ 2.5cm.
Other enclosures that don’t require memberships do have more relaxed dress codes, but clothing such as trainers, strapless dresses, sheer clothing and visible midriffs are also still banned.
The forecast has remained dry and hot throughout the week, with forecasts having read: “Fine and increasingly hot through this period, with temperatures climbing by both day and night while winds remain light.”
Explaining the sudden period of hot air, which has come from Portugal, Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “High pressure is building across the south of the UK and shifting the jet stream further north of the UK – that sets the scene for the rest of the week.”