As Royal Ascot draws near, most attention turns—as it always does—to the Royal Enclosure, with its morning coats, silk toppers, and well-starched ceremony. But for many racegoers, the Queen Anne Enclosure offers the perfect balance: formal, sociable, and elegant without being overly theatrical.
If you're attending and still sorting your wardrobe, you're not alone. The good news? It’s entirely possible to dress well for Queen Anne without weeks of lead time—provided you know where to go and what to look for.
We’ve compiled a guide to London menswear shops suited to the Queen Anne Enclosure dress code.
The Queen Anne Dress Code: A Recap
The official requirements for men in the Queen Anne Enclosure are as follows:
- A full-length two- or three-piece suit, with jacket and trousers of matching fabric and colour
- A collared shirt
- A necktie is required
- Socks that cover the ankle
These standards are clearly outlined on the Ascot website's Queen Anne Enclosure dress code page, which provides detailed guidance for racegoers.
Notably, morning dress is also permitted in the Queen Anne Enclosure. For those who prefer a more formal approach, our Royal Ascot morning dress directory offers a selection of appropriate tailors.
Off-the-Rack, Not Off-the-Cuff
The shops in our Queen Anne directory offer off-the-rack options, meaning you can be fitted and ready in days—not weeks.
That said, trousers will almost always need to be finished at the bottom, which usually takes a day or two. And there, you're faced with the quiet question: turnups or not?
Some see turnups (cuffs) as adding a touch of nonchalance—particularly for lighter fabrics or Italian-cut suits. Others prefer a clean, uninterrupted line. Neither is incorrect, but it’s best to decide before dropping your trousers off for alterations.
Sartorial Tone: What Works in Queen Anne
Because the Queen Anne Enclosure does not demand morning dress, there’s room to express personal taste. Still, a few general guidelines hold true:
- Fabric: Lightweight wools or wool-linen blends work best in the June heat. Avoid cotton suits unless you're confident they can hold their shape.
- Color: Navy is safe, but pastel shades, light greys, or even tobacco tones add seasonality. Avoid anything too flashy or fashion-forward.
- Pattern: Subtle windowpanes, herringbones, or pinstripes are fair game. Loud checks or novelty prints are best left to Henley.
As for ties, club stripes and florals both do well. The goal is not flamboyance, but harmony.
Where to Shop (and Quickly)
We recommend these London menswear specialists for Queen Anne–appropriate tailoring:
- Classic houses like Hackett and Ede & Ravenscroft
- Contemporary names like Richard James and Thom Sweeney
- Accessory sources like Drake’s, perfect for ties and finishing touches
Each listing notes whether the shop offers:
- Ready-to-wear (OTR)
- Made-to-measure (MTM)
- Bespoke tailoring
- Hire options, where available
Finishing Touches
A well-fitted suit is only the beginning. Consider the rest of your kit:
- Shirts: Stick to white or pale blue, with a crisp collar. No button-downs.
- Shoes: Oxfords or derbies in black, brown, or oxblood. Polished, of course.
- Socks: Over the ankle, and ideally in a tone that complements the suit rather than clashes with it.
- Accessories: A pocket square is optional but encouraged. Sunglasses are permissible but should be understated.
While the Queen Anne dress code does not require a hat, a Panama—handled properly—never goes amiss.
Final Thoughts
Royal Ascot is about ritual as much as racing. Even in the Queen Anne Enclosure, where the rules are lighter, the tone remains elevated. The best-dressed men at Ascot aren’t necessarily the most flamboyant—they’re the ones who look like they belong.
So start with a suit that fits, a tie that means it, and shoes that say you thought this through. There’s time, but not much of it.
