Ascot Dress Code: Style & Hats

There is only one Ascot

As long as I can remember I have followed the style, the pomp and all that comes with it from Ascot each year on our screens.  I love it, from all the style and Royalty to the beautifully groomed horses from around the globe.  It is top of my 'to do' list so fingers crossed I will attend in 2018!!!

Clients attending Ascot want the perfect hat and styling the complete look is all part of my role as a Milliner at Suzie Mahony Designs. Designing a hat that works for them and the occasion.

Ascot set the dress code rules each year and these rules are respected and adhered to which gives us all the fabulous spectacle that is Ascot!!.

Each enclosure within Ascot Racecourse has a different character and dress code, from The Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure and Village Enclosure.  

The outfits and hats at Ascot are as talked about as the racing itself.  Keeping up with current fashion trends this year Ascot have added the Jumpsuit as part of the allowed dress code list.  

Royal Ascot Style Guide 2017

THE HAT

Hats play a huge part in your overall outfit when attending Ascot.  Large hats styled elegantly with your outfit can look amazing.   If you have the confidence to wear a fabulous hat then attending Ascot it the perfect opportunity to do so.  

Accessories bring your outfit together, try different jewellery and bag styles to complement your look.  

Top Tips for your Ascot Hat:-  

Make sure it sits comfortably and securely on your head.  Attending Ascot is not the time to be fiddling with your hat, you must wear it at all times so try it on beforehand.  Extra elastics or headband options can be done to avoid any problems when you get there.

The Ascot Dress Code 2017

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

• Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but the dresses or tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code of having one inch or thicker straps.

• Trouser suits are welcome.  They should be full length and of matching material and colour.

• They must be worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines of not being strapless or sheer.

• Hats should be worn.  A headpiece which has a base of 4" or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. 

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. 

• Midriffs must be covered.

• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4" Dia)

• Shorts are not permitted.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2017

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a wonderful time at Ascot 2017.

Suzie x

Style Tips for Ascot

Style Tips for Ascot

Royal Ascot is synonymous with elegance.  I love Ascot, watching all the style, the hats all shapes and sizes, the Royal procession and of course the beautifully turned out horses from around the World. If you never backed a horse you would still enjoy Ascot.

It is the racing fashion spectacle of the year for everyone to enjoy.  Ascot actually was first organised way back in 1711 by Queen Anne and has been attended by the Royal Family ever since.

With the Hat rules at Ascot you must have a base of more than 4' on your hat.   All my blog hats show bases of more than 4'. I always enjoy designing hats or headpieces for Ascot, there is just something special about styling the completed look for a client attending the Royal Enclosure.  Using the freedom to design from the dress or suit I can focus on the hat design that would look perfect on my client.  Have your hat designed with comfortable elastics or a narrow headband with foam cushions on it.  Ensure you hat is well packaged when travelling.




There is a certain elegance and finish about the whole look required for Ascot and this year is no exception.  Remember, fascinators are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.  That title for a hair accessory never did appeal to me!!

Larger wide brimmed hats are making a return and are the perfect style for the Ascot Classic Look.   Strong vibrant colours are popular this season alongside the beautiful soft pastels working together like mixing mint and candy to accent your outfit.  Using a block coloured hat also works very well like this pink orchid hat.

If you are heading to Ascot you should check over the rules before choosing your outfit and hat.




Royal Enclosure Rules:- Ladies are required to wear dresses or skirts which are just above the knee or longer.  Shoulder straps at least 1 inch wide, strapless or halter necks are not acceptable and no spaghetti straps.  If you choose to wear a trouser suit or jumpsuit the trousers must be full length.







These rules ensure that the ladies attending Ascot are dressed elegantly, a perfect complement to the Gentlemen in morning suits!!

If you haven't got your hat yet, check out my online store at Suzie Mahony Designs and have your hat delivered to your door.  I hope you enjoy the festival which starts this week. !!

Thank you for reading my blog.

Racing Hats 2015

Ascot is in full swing this week and the Dress Code has strict rules about your hat or headpiece size.  It must have a base not less than 4" to cover the crown of your head.  Hats are definitely back in style this year for the racing season.

Peaches and Cream Ascot Hat by Suzie Mahony Designs - Featured in VOGUE July 2015

Let your hat complete your overall look.  Allow as much time as you can for designing the perfect hat.  With stunning new fabrics and colours this season the range of hats available caters for every taste.




My new collection at Suzie Mahony Designs features beautiful soft silk weaves which are very clean cut and elegant.


The overall look is striking regardless of the size of your hat.



We all desire for 'something different' and the ss15 collection delivers.  By combining handcrafted hats with great textures, all available dyed to match your ensemble.