How to Choose the Perfect Hat for Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is the epitome of British tradition and elegance, renowned worldwide not only for its thrilling horse racing but also as a showcase of sophisticated fashion and statement headwear. Choosing the right hat for Ascot requires an understanding of the event’s various dress codes, as well as careful consideration of your outfit and overall silhouette.
Understanding the Dress Codes
- Ascot has several enclosures, each with its own guidelines for headwear:
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code. Hats or headpieces must cover a minimum of 10cm of the crown, meaning at least part of your hat needs to extend over the top of your head. We offer a wide range of styles that meet this requirement, including cocktail hats, pillboxes, boaters, and asymmetrical designs worn on headbands. - The Queen Anne Enclosure requires a fascinator or headpiece, offering more flexibility in style while still maintaining a polished look.
- Other enclosures have no strict requirements, allowing for greater creativity. However, Ascot is a time to embrace glamour, so it’s always an opportunity to express your flamboyant yet refined sense of style—without veering into novelty headwear.
Where to Start: Hat or Outfit First?
When planning your Ascot look, you can either:
- Start with the hat – Choose a statement piece and pair it with a simple dress in one of its colours for a chic, effortless ensemble.
- Start with the outfit – Select your dress first, then find the perfect hat to complement its shape, colour, and overall aesthetic.
Ready-to-Ship & Bespoke Options
We offer two main ways to find your perfect Ascot hat:
- Ready-to-Ship: Our online and in-store collection features beautifully handcrafted, couture-quality pieces available for immediate purchase, same-day pick-up, or worldwide next-day delivery.
- Bespoke: For a truly one-of-a-kind creation, our bespoke service allows you to design a custom piece tailored to your outfit and personal style. Bespoke orders require approximately eight weeks, so we recommend starting the process by early April. You can book an in-store consultation or a virtual appointment, where we can match your dress to a Pantone colour code and select from our range of luxurious Italian satins, crepes, straws, and other premium fabrics.
Choosing the Right Hat Shape for You
Selecting the right shape is key to achieving a flattering, well-balanced silhouette. Think of your body and outfit as a shadow—a tiny hat paired with a full skirt can feel unbalanced, while a wide-brimmed hat with a voluminous dress creates an elegant, cinched-waist effect. The same applies to your face shape—the right curves and angles can enhance your features beautifully.
If you’re unsure, our team of expert milliners is here to guide you, ensuring that your hat complements both your outfit and your natural proportions, so you feel confident and effortlessly chic on race day