Royal Ascot 2014: Dress Codes And Style Guides

The powers that be have delivered the official style guide for Royal Ascot 2014. Better start planning your outfit now...

Royal Ascot 2014 has arrived. It may be one of the most fashionable events of the season - with one of the strictest dress codes - but it's never too late to start planning your outfits.

Earlier this month, The Royal Ascot released its style guidelines for this year's event, as well as some suggested outfits that comply with the rules. (In case you're curious, no, they have not updated the rules to allow for this season's overwhelming crop top trend.)

While you may not have an exact replica of these high-end designer looks hanging in your wardobe, you can certainly use the beautiful images as inspiration.

If you've got tickets to the Grandstand, the rules are as follows:

- A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. - Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted. - Trousers must be full-length and worn with a top that adheres to the guildelines above. - Midriffs must be covered. - Shorts are not permitted. - For men, a suit with a shirt and tie is required.

If you're going into the posh Royal Enclosure, you'll have to step it up a bit. The dress code is even more formal - and more specific:

- Dresses and skirts must fall just above the knee or longer. - Dresses and tops should have straps one inch or wider. - Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but dresses and tops underneath must still comply with the rules above. - Full-length trouser suits of matching material and colour are welcome. - Hats should be worn. However, a headpiece with a base of 4 inches or more in diameter is allowed. - Men must wear a black or grey morning suit.

We'd love to get our hands on that stunning red floral John Rocha dress, but we'd be happy to enjoy the races in any of these gorgeous ensembles.

Royal Ascot 2014 takes place from the 17-21st June. Visit www.ascot.co.uk for more information.

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Ali Gray is an award-winning content director and digital strategist. Most recently she was the Director of Branded Content at Hearst, and helped to bridge the gap between the editorial and commercial worlds working across all Hearst brands, including ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Prior to that she worked as an editor contributing to several brands such as The Telegraph, iVillage UK.