Royal Ascot is more than a day at the races - it's the pinnacle of the British summer social season. For gentlemen, it's an opportunity to embrace elegance, celebrate tradition, and dress with purpose. At Robert Old, we specialise in outfitting discerning men for every enclosure, offering only the finest pieces from our luxury menswear collection.
What to wear in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot
Reserved for the most formal dress code, the Royal Enclosure requires a traditional morning suit. Our made-to-measure service stands ready to assist, with a wide selection of suitable fabrics that will receive only the right kind of attention on the day. We offer a range of morning suits and coordinating waistcoats, along with made-to-measure shirts in both house and Eton of Sweden fabrics.
A standard cut tie is a must, but the motif is in your hands - we offer silk ties with patterns ranging all the way from floral to paisley.
When it comes to footwear, we’d recommend something from Crockett & Jones or Santoni, whose footwear has surely graced many a previous Ascot. The Crockett & Jones Weymouth 2 Handgrade Oxfords in black are an excellent choice for the more adventurous, with subtle detailing on the toes.
For a truly classic look, Santoni’s Oxfords in black leather offer an understated alternative:
What to wear in the Queen Anne Enclosure
If your invitation is for the Queen Anne Enclosure, the brief is formal yet creative. A matching two-piece suit with a collared shirt and tie is essential, and we have some wonderful fabrics available for our made-to-measure range that are perfect for the occasion.
Our recommendations for suits are linen and wool-silk blend in soft greys, dusty blues, and refined neutrals - the pattern and colour should be matching, but there are no stipulations on colour. That said, less is often more when in high society, so we would advise to keep the palette and pattern low-key.
Eton shirts, featuring structured collars and mother-of-pearl buttons, provide a wide variety of options that will keep you looking stylish and feeling comfortable, and our silk ties and pocket squares can provide a splash of seasonal colour.
Eton - White Signature Twill Contemporary Fit Shirt
Footwear requirements in the Queen Anne Enclosure are more relaxed than those in the Royal Enclosure, opening up a world of brogues, loafers and boots. Perhaps the Crockett & Jones Pembroke brogues in dark brown scotch grain?
If that’s not daring enough, Santoni’s single-buckle loafers in navy blue may be what you’re looking for:
What to wear in the Ascot Village Enclosure
The least formal enclosure at Ascot nevertheless still demands a certain level of decorum, and we want to help you look your best. A jacket with full length trousers and a collared shirt is required, so why not start by browsing our range of jackets and blazers?
Belvest’s light turquoise “natural soft” jacket combines silk, wool and mohair to exquisite ends, and the palette is pure summer chic.
If blue is more your colour of choice, our own mid-blue wool, silk and linen jacket offers a subtly-patterned choice.
Eton shirts remain a strong choice, and as jeans are out of bounds, perhaps consider something from our range of chinos for a smart-casual option.
Eton - White Floral Contrast Textured Twill Contemporary Fit Shirt
Butter Stretch Cotton Twill Chinos
For footwear, you might wish to consider suede - Crockett & Jones offer their Chiltern Chukka boots in a very complementary Snuff Brown, amongst other colour options.
Crockett & Jones - Snuff Chiltern Suede Chukka Boots
Accessories & Outerwear
No matter which enclosure you’ll be in, remember that It’s often the smallest details that elevate an Ascot look:
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Add character with a Robert Old silk pocket square.
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If the forecast turns, our range of lightweight MooRER overcoats and Belstaff rainproof macs provides stylish insurance against an English summer shower
Your Race Day, Refined
From morning coats to modern suiting, we’re proud to offer a head-to-toe solution for the style-conscious racegoer. With a heritage rooted in fine tailoring and a reputation for luxury, we invite you to explore our collection and enjoy the confidence that comes from being impeccably dressed.
Shop our Ascot essentials in-store or online today - and ensure your place among the best dressed at Royal Ascot.
