Royal Ascot Style Guide: How to Stand Out in Pre-Loved Designer Fashion

Royal Ascot may be known for world-class racing, but fashion is every bit as important as the action on the track.

Whether you are spending the day in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure or Windsor Enclosure, Royal Ascot is the perfect opportunity to embrace colour, beautiful tailoring and statement accessories.

Creating an unforgettable race-day look does not have to mean buying an entirely new outfit. Pre-loved fashion allows you to discover distinctive designer pieces, discontinued collections and one-of-a-kind accessories that you are far less likely to see on another racegoer.

At In Style Ascot, we believe luxury deserves to be loved more than once. Here is our guide to creating a standout Royal Ascot outfit with pre-loved designer fashion.

1. Begin With Your Enclosure’s Dress Code

Before choosing your outfit, check the dress code for your specific enclosure. Royal Ascot’s requirements vary, and the Royal Enclosure has the most formal rules.

The Royal Enclosure requires suitable formal daywear and an appropriate hat or headpiece. Fascinators are not permitted, and headpieces must meet the minimum size requirements.

The Queen Anne and Village Enclosures also encourage formal race-day dressing, with hats, headpieces and fascinators forming an important part of the look. The Windsor Enclosure does not have a formal dress code, although smart daywear and stylish headwear are encouraged.

Dress codes can be updated, so always check the official Royal Ascot guidance before completing your outfit.

Once you understand the requirements, shopping pre-loved gives you the freedom to explore designer occasionwear at a more accessible price. Think beautiful tailoring, elegant dresses, polished trouser suits and pieces with enough personality to stand out while still meeting the dress code.

2. Choose a Piece You Genuinely Love

The strongest Royal Ascot looks feel personal. Rather than buying something simply because it fits a particular trend, choose a piece that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

A pre-loved Zimmermann floral dress, Self-Portrait lace design, Rixo midi dress or beautifully tailored designer suit can provide the foundation for your entire look.

When shopping, consider:

• Which colours suit you best

• Whether you will feel comfortable wearing the outfit all day

• The dress code for your enclosure

• The unpredictable British weather

• Whether the piece can be styled and worn again

• Which shoes and accessories you already own

Royal Ascot involves plenty of walking and time spent outdoors, so comfort matters just as much as appearance.

3. Make Millinery the Main Event

Royal Ascot is one of the few occasions where dramatic millinery is not only accepted—it is celebrated.

A carefully chosen hat or headpiece can completely transform an outfit. You might prefer an elegant wide-brim hat, a sculptural headpiece, a colourful fascinator or something more understated that complements the rest of your look.

Pre-loved millinery is particularly special because many pieces are limited, bespoke or no longer available. This makes it much less likely that you will arrive wearing the same design as someone else.

When matching your millinery to your outfit, you do not always need an exact colour match. Instead, consider picking up a smaller colour from the dress, creating contrast or coordinating your hat with your handbag and shoes.

Our team can help you bring the full look together. Send us a photograph on WhatsApp or Instagram, or visit our Ascot boutique for personal styling assistance.

4. Use Accessories to Elevate Your Outfit

Accessories are where a Royal Ascot outfit truly comes together.

A timeless Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Mulberry handbag can add a luxury finish without competing with your dress or headwear. Alternatively, a colourful or unusually shaped bag can become the focal point of a more understated outfit.

Complete your look with:

• A structured handbag or elegant clutch

• Comfortable heels, wedges or dressy flats

• A silk scarf

• A statement belt

• Classic or colourful jewellery

• Sunglasses suitable for a long day outdoors

• A lightweight jacket or wrap for cooler weather

Pre-loved accessories are an excellent way to introduce designer fashion into your outfit without replacing every element of your wardrobe.

5. Why Pre-Loved Feels More Exclusive

There is something special about discovering a designer piece that is no longer available in stores.

Previous-season collections, vintage designs and discontinued colourways can feel more individual than buying directly from a current collection. Your outfit carries its own history and begins a new chapter with you.

Shopping pre-loved can also make designer fashion more accessible while extending the life of beautifully made pieces. It allows you to invest in quality, support an independent local business and create a look that feels genuinely unique.

Every item available through In Style Ascot is carefully assessed by our experienced team, with selected designer pieces professionally authenticated for additional reassurance.

6. Do Not Panic If You Have Left It Late

Royal Ascot has a habit of arriving much faster than expected. If you are still searching for an outfit during Royal Ascot week, you are certainly not alone.

Our Ascot boutique carries a changing collection of dresses, tailoring, shoes, handbags, jewellery and millinery. Because we are located close to the racecourse, you can visit us for an in-store try-on and receive help putting your look together.

We can also provide styling support through WhatsApp. Send us details of your enclosure, size, preferred colours and the pieces you already have, and we can recommend suitable options from our current collection.

Availability changes quickly during Royal Ascot week, so contact us as early as possible if you are searching for something specific.

Visit Our Ascot Boutique

Our boutique is located in the heart of Ascot, just minutes from the racecourse:

In Style Ascot
17A Brockenhurst Road
Ascot
SL5 9DJ

Whether you need a complete race-day outfit, the perfect hat or one final designer accessory, our team can help you create a look that feels polished, individual and unmistakably you.

Browse online at www.instyleascot.co.uk, contact us on WhatsApp at 07444 864918, or message @instyleascot on Instagram.

Sell Your Royal Ascot Outfit With Us

If you have a beautiful race-day outfit sitting unworn after the event, you can also consign it with In Style Ascot.

We manage the assessment, photography, marketing, customer enquiries and delivery, giving your outfit the opportunity to be enjoyed at another special occasion.

Contact our team to discuss selling your Royal Ascot dresses, designer accessories, shoes, handbags or millinery.

Let’s Talk Royal Ascot Style

Looking for something specific? Need help matching a hat to your outfit? Want to sell a previous Royal Ascot look?

Contact In Style Ascot and let our team help.

Tag us in your race-day outfits at @instyleascot—we would love to see how you styled your pre-loved pieces.