New guidelines have been released today for the dress code at Royal Ascot. It seems those heading to the Royal event this year need reminding what is appropriate attire.

In the Royal Enclosure, Ladies’ skirts should be ‘of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer’. Apparently the NO MINISKIRTS rule was just not clear enough! Hats should be worn but fascinators are out, with only a headpiece ‘which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter’ acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

The men are asked to wear ‘black or grey morning dress which must include a waistcoat and tie (no cravats), a black or grey top hat and black shoes’.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said: “We have worked extensively with experts in the world of fashion to define better what formal dress means, with the overarching intention of being as helpful as possible to our visitors and assisting everyone in understanding what is expected and, we believe, cherished about the dress code at Royal Ascot.

“It isn’t a question of elitism and not being modern in a world where there is less and less requirement to dress smartly – far from it. We want to see modern and stylish dress at Royal Ascot, just within the parameters of formal wear, and the feedback we have received from our customers overwhelmingly supports that.”

Things are a little more relaxes in the Grandstand Enclosure, where ladies must wear a ‘hat, headpiece or fascinator’ at all times. But beware on hot days ladies, as no ‘strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are permitted’. Gentlemen must wear a suit and tie.

Dolly Jones, Editor of Vogue.com, said: “I love Royal Ascot – we’ve covered the fashion there for years on VOGUE.COM, often with films presented by great milliners including Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy. I think a clarification of the dress code will raise the bar even higher.”