Glamorous racegoers were keen to let their hair down as they took advantage of the more relaxed dress code at this years Royal Ascot.
Stylish attendees made for a colourful display as they arrived at the racecourse, sporting their most daring outfits as they made the most of the Berkshire sunshine.
Revellers were snapped boasting a rainbow of colours, while many opted for wild and wonderful outfits for the occasion.
Some attendees even took advantage of last year’s updated dress-code which allows people to dress from male and female dress codes regardless of their gender – with women in trousers and three-piece suits.
While others opted for plunging necklines and teetering heels which were kicked off and swapped for flip flops as the festivities continued into the late afternoon.
As the drinks kept coming and revellers began celebrating their wins, they began to loosen up and lark about with each other, in good spirits on a sunny day.
Among the scenes of revellers who were heading home after a day of partying were savvy women who had ditched their heels in favour of sensible flat shoes.
Many opted for wild and wonderful outfits for the occasion, with one woman donning a stunning sequined red ensemble with a plunging neckline.
Adding a bit more drama to the ensemble, she added a rhinestone handbag which resembled chips and a flamboyant floral headpiece.
Elsewhere another racegoer was spotted in a stunning bright orange ensemble , which she paired with a matching fascinator.
As the festival continues for its fourth day in the baking summer sunshine, partying racegoers will no doubt be ready for another day of festivities.
It comes after Ascot made a break from a tradition – hiring its first creative director, Daniel Fletcher to make a lookbook and advised attendees to chose the dress code ‘they feel most comfortable with’.
While the 300-year-old sporting event will still expect racegoers in the Royal Enclosure – its most prestigious area – to follow its smart dress code, according to the event, ‘Daniel has brought a renewed approach to dressing for occasions, applying his signature aesthetic to create a bold new look’.
He has created five ‘looks’ to inspire racegoers: The Best of British; The New Guard; The Conscious Edit; The Luxury Edit; and The Tailoring Edit.
The apparent change on the section of the site which gives dress code guidance now says: ‘The Dress Code in the…Enclosure is formal, and racegoers are encouraged to review the guidance ahead of their visit, Racegoers must adhere to the guidance outlined, choosing to follow in full a dress code they feel most comfortable with.’
Royal Ascot is just as famous for its fashion as for its racing for many, who enjoy seeing the sometimes outlandish and fashion-forward outfits, hats, and fascinators sported by attendees.
Last month, Ascot’s fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, unveiled his new race lookbook.
Prior to his appointment at Ascot, Daniel was creative director of Italian fashion house Fiorucci.
He is known for his fashion-forward style, dressing celebrities including Emma Corrin and Harry Styles.
His new lookbook suggested to racegoers how they could adopt a more gender-fluid style. For example, looks included pairing dresses with ties.
Unveiling the new lookbook, Daniel said: ‘This season, I wanted to bring a fresh take on fashion at the races and the magical world of occasion dressing. Inspiration came from my lifelong fascination with British heritage, and the stylish characters one might find at the racecourse this summer and beyond, whilst also paying homage to the array of styles able to be showcased across each enclosure, as well as my favourite Royal Ascot looks throughout the decades that I discovered during my research delving through the pictorial archives.
‘This includes my signature style of building an outfit based on neutrals and my love of tailoring, which I’ve then juxtaposed with more playful maximalist looks that highlight a sense of British sartorial elegance and the glamour of Royal Ascot.’
Alexandra Bertram is the brand and creative lead at Ascot Racecourse.
She added: ‘There is no occasion the world over quite like Royal Ascot where the dress codes are woven into the very fabric of the event.
‘While these dressing rules remain unchanged for 2024, the fresh take from Daniel Fletcher’s signature style and incredible vision has lifted this year’s Lookbook to new heights.
‘Royal Ascot style transcends simply dressing for the races and the array of looks Fletcher has curated brings an authentic aesthetic which perfectly mirrors Ascot’s passion for individuality and personal style.
‘From quintessentially “Royal Ascot” looks that embody our sartorial heritage, through to the playful elegance of vintage dressing and relaxed formalwear, there’s a look that speaks to every style generation across every enclosure.’
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
