Because showing up in last week's wedding tie won't go unnoticed
With Royal Ascot approaching, the core elements of your morning dress—coat, waistcoat, trousers—are likely in place. But it's the Royal Ascot accessories that set the tone. These final touches define whether you're simply dressed appropriately or truly meeting the Ascot dress code for men with quiet distinction.
🎩 Morning Dress & Top Hat Guidance
Core Requirements
- Morning dress: Black, grey, or navy morning coat with matching waistcoat
- Top hat: Traditional and encouraged, though not mandatory since 2021
- Trousers: Pinstriped grey trousers are standard
🎯 Tie Guidance – Purely Ascot Standards
Royal Enclosure (Strict Formality)
- ✅ Silk necktie mandatory—cravats, ascots, and bow ties are not allowed.
- ✅ Patterns must remain discreet—acceptable styles include grenadine, slub‑silk, repp‑stripes, or micro‑motifs (tiny horses, stirrups, flags).
- ✅ Patriotic patterns (such as small national flags) are permitted on ties.
These tie fabrics combine elegance with comfort—perfect for a warm June day. For a complete selection of appropriate ties and accessories, browse our Royal Ascot men's accessories directory.
🧭 Who Else Wears What?
- Queen Anne Enclosure: Tie only; no cravats or bows, but textures or patriotic motifs are allowed.
- Village/Windsor Enclosures: Tie, bow tie, or cravat permitted. Bolder colours and racing-themed patterns are welcome here.
☀️ Best Summer Tie Picks for Ascot
- Grenadine silk — open weave, breathable, summer-perfect.
- Slub-silk — seasonal, textured elegance recommended by style guides.
- Repp-stripe — classic, crisp, and always championship-worthy.
- Micro-motifs — small designs (horses, flags) add charm while respecting the rules.
These are ideal choices for gentlemen who want to follow Royal Ascot style guidelines without appearing overdone.
🌸 Boutonnière – The Lapel Flower
A boutonnière—also called a "buttonhole flower"—is a subtle nod to tradition.
Recommended blooms for Ascot:
- Cornflower — sturdy, traditional, and up for summer service.
- White carnation or small rose — timeless, classic credentials.
How to wear it:
- Slot in the left lapel's buttonhole, secured with wiring or backing.
- Keep it small, fresh, and neat—avoid oversized arrangements.
- Let your pocket square and boutonnière complement, not match.
⚙️ Cufflinks – Subtle Yet Significant
French cuffs with cufflinks are expected with morning dress.
Ascot-approved suggestions:
- Metal classics—gold, silver, or palladium.
- Equestrian-themed designs, like stirrup shapes, for a nod to the sport.
- Coordinate metals across cufflinks, watch, and any tie accessories.
Find premium Royal Ascot cufflinks and formal accessories to complete your morning dress ensemble.
🧥 Additional Essentials
- Watch or pocket watch: Choose a sleek, classic style.
- Gloves & handkerchiefs: Bring gloves (even if unworn). Carry two white linen handkerchiefs—one practical, one to be seen if needed.
- Wooden‑handled umbrella: A well-chosen piece for unpredictable British summer weather.
- Bag: Skip it if possible. If necessary, a slim leather folio suffices.
✅ Final Checklist
- Morning dress (black, grey, or navy)
- Top hat (traditional, though optional since 2021)
- Silk tie (grenadine, slub, repp, micro‑motif)
- Boutonnière (cornflower or small rose)
- Pocket square—complement, don't match
- Cufflinks—equestrian-themed, metal-coordinated
- Watch or pocket watch
- Gloves (optional) + two white linen handkerchiefs
- Wooden‑handled umbrella
- Optional slim leather folio
🎭 Why These Details Matter
Royal Ascot style is built on tradition, subtlety, and restraint. Each element of your ensemble—from morning dress accessories to a properly chosen tie—signals respect for the event and the company you keep. These are not afterthoughts; they are the language of formality.
The Royal Enclosure maintains the highest standards, while other enclosures offer varying degrees of flexibility. Understanding these distinctions ensures you're appropriately dressed for your chosen viewing area.
Key Reminders
- Royal Enclosure: Ties only—no bow ties or cravats
- Other Enclosures: More flexibility with neckwear options
- Top hats: Traditional and stylish, but no longer mandatory
- Morning dress colors: Black, grey, or navy all acceptable
- Accessories: Quality over flash—subtle elegance wins the day
Whether you're attending for the first time or are a seasoned racegoer, these finishing touches will ensure you meet Royal Ascot's distinguished standards with confidence and style.
Note: Dress codes can evolve. Always check the official Ascot Racecourse website for the most current requirements before attending.
Sources
- Ascot Racecourse. "Royal Ascot." https://www.ascot.com/royal-ascot
- Huntsman Savile Row. "Morning Wear." https://www.huntsmansavilerow.com/pages/morning-wear
- Gentleman's Gazette. "9 Essential Pocket Squares Every Stylish Man Needs." https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/essential-pocket-squares/
- Horse & Hound. "Royal Ascot dress code 2025: Horse & Hound's complete guide." https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/royal-ascot-dress-code-395059
