Royal Ascot 2026: what to wear, the dress code explained and the best race day outfits to shop now

From Royal Ascot's famously strict dress code to the countryside chic of Cheltenham and the relaxed elegance of Glorious Goodwood, this is your definitive guide to race day outfits for 2026.

Whether you're planning polished race day outfits for Ladies Day or simply wondering what to wear to the races, we break down the dress codes, enclosure etiquette and the best race day fashion for every event — from statement race day dresses and tailored coats to the hats, fascinators and heels that finish a look properly.

What to wear to Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is not the place to wing it. The world's most famous race meeting is equally one of the most significant dates in the British fashion calendar — and in 2026, it has a colour. Bright Tomato is Royal Ascot's first ever official Colour of the Year: a vibrant red-orange chosen by creative director Daniel Fletcher not for trend alone, but for emotion.

"Much like racegoers' looks for Royal Ascot, that bright orangey-red of a ripe tomato creates an instant feeling of summer joy," Fletcher explains. Lavender is tipped as the secondary colour to watch. Beyond colour, the dress code varies significantly by enclosure — and knowing which one you're in before you shop is non-negotiable.

Best dresses for Royal Ascot

Reformation Camella Dress

£348 at The Reformation

Self Portrait Polka-Dot Linen And Cotton Dress

£420 at Selfridges

nobody's child Blue Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

£135 at Nobody's Child

Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress

£298 at The Reformation

Karen Millen Silk Cotton Dress

£229 at Karen Millen

Needle & Thread Pointelle Knit Gown

£450 at Needle & Thread

Best shoes for Royal Ascot

The official handbook features Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin — but Steve Madden also appears, which tells you the brief spans investment to accessible.

Hobbs Serena Leather Slingbacks

Now 20% Off

£111.20 at Hobbs

Kate Spade Lover Slingback Kitten Heel

£250 at katespade

Jimmy Choo Cream Patent and Metallic Mesh Sling Back Pumps

£695 at jimmychoo.com

Hobbs Macie Bow Satin Slingbacks

Now 68% Off

£44 at Hobbs

Reformation Joyce Slingback Heel

£328 at The Reformation

Charles & Keith Briella Sequinned Slingback Pumps - Lilac

£65 at charleskeith

The practical rule: a pointed or almond toe heel in a neutral or tonal shade, and nothing with a stiletto thin enough to sink into grass. Block heels, kitten heels and a sturdy stiletto with a rubber tip are all worth considering for a full day on your feet.

Best hats and fascinators for Royal Ascot

Coast Black and White Bow Fascinator Hat

£129 at coastfashion.com

Hobbs Ottilie Fascinator

Now 20% Off

£63.20 at Hobbs

Coast Lisa Tan Flower Fascinator Hat

£149 at coastfashion.com

RI X Edwina Ibbotson Premium Eliza Feather Fascinator

£80 at River Island

Phase Eight Bow Detail Hat

Now 25% Off

£89.25 at Phase Eight

Lipsy Cream Polka Dot Bow Fascinator Hat

£65 at Next

If you're in the Royal Enclosure, a hat with a solid base of at least 4 inches is not optional — it's enforced. For every other enclosure, a fascinator or headpiece is encouraged. The handbook's millinery brands include Carol Kennelly, Jane Taylor London and Lisa Tan — ranging from investment commissions to ready-to-wear. For accessible options, look to ASOS and Accessorize for fascinators, and Lock & Co. Hatters for the investment buy.

What should a woman wear to the races? It depends on the event and enclosure. For Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure, smart formal daywear is required: knee-length or longer, straps at least one inch wide, and a hat with a 4-inch solid base. For Glorious Goodwood and the Grand National, smart daywear is expected but the rules are considerably more relaxed. As a general guide: a midi dress or tailored co-ord, a heel you can walk in and a hat or fascinator if in doubt.

Can you wear black to the races? Yes — black is entirely acceptable at most race meetings including Royal Ascot. The handbook itself features a full black Zara suit styled with a sculptural Noel Stewart hat. A common misconception is that black is too funereal for race day; in practice it's one of the most elegant and versatile choices, particularly when paired with a statement headpiece and a bold shoe.

Do you have to wear a hat to Royal Ascot? Only in the Royal Enclosure, where a hat or headpiece with a solid base of at least 4 inches (10cm) is mandatory. Fascinators attached to a comb, clip or headband without a solid base do not meet the requirement. In all other enclosures, a hat or headpiece is encouraged but not compulsory.

What colour should I wear to Royal Ascot 2026? Royal Ascot's first ever official Colour of the Year is Bright Tomato — a vibrant red-orange chosen by creative director Daniel Fletcher. Lavender is tipped as the secondary colour to watch this season. That said, there is no colour requirement; the dress code governs silhouette and modesty, not palette.

What shoes should I wear to the races? For outdoor events on grass — Ascot, Goodwood, Aintree — avoid stiletto heels with a very thin tip, which will sink into the turf. A block heel, kitten heel, wedge or a stiletto with a rubber-tipped sole are the most practical choices. The official Ascot handbook features both Jimmy Choo and Steve Madden, so the brief spans investment to accessible.

What to wear to Glorious Goodwood

Dress codes vary by enclosure. The Richmond Enclosure is the most formal, encouraging tailored silhouettes and traditional racewear, with hats recommended but not compulsory. The Gordon and Lennox Enclosures are smart but more relaxed.

Cult Gaia Nala Leather Clutch

£355 at NET-A-PORTER

Ralph Lauren Crepe One-Shoulder Gown

£325 at ralphlauren.co.uk

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Ralph Lauren Beaded Sandal

£465 at ralphlauren.co.uk

Extremely short hemlines and overly casual attire are discouraged, instead choose relaxed, elegant and quietly confident pieces. Floaty dresses, linen tailoring, soft florals and straw hats feel right at home here – it's less formal than Ascot but still polished; summer garden party dressing that's playful and elevated rather than overworked.

What to wear to Aintree Grand National

There is no official formal dress code, no enforced hemline or hat requirements. Racegoers are encouraged to dress up, and Ladies Day is fashion-focused.

Phase Eight Loop Headband

£39 at Phase Eight

Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress

£298 at The Reformation

Jigsaw Mini Shell Beaded Tay

£130 at Jigsaw

Choose statement dresses, vibrant colours, sculptural silhouettes and eye-catching headpieces. Glamour is encouraged, comfort is advised. Choose heels wisely and let the outfit do the talking.

What to wear to Cheltenham races

There is no official formal dress code, even in hospitality areas. However, smart racewear is expected. The emphasis is on practical, weather-appropriate dressing due to cold temperatures and muddy conditions in March.

Etsy Burgundy Wool Hat

£145.26 at Etsy

Nobody's Child Plum Coat

Now 50% Off

£100 at Nobody's Child

Fairfax & Favour Knee-High Boots

£475 at fairfaxandfavor

Think country dressing, but make it chic. Tailored coats, belted wool layers, faux fur accents and knee-high boots are the uniform. Hats are optional, weather-proof footwear is not. This is where texture and practicality matter more than hemlines. Think polished ladies race day outfits built around heritage fabrics, structured outerwear and showerproof footwear suited to grass.

Kara Kia

Ecommerce Editor, Women's Lifestyle

Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia