We know that going to the races is always a stylish affair; it’s a great excuse to get out your prettiest, floatiest, OTM floral dress and team it up your most sparkly sterling silver jewellery. But this year, Royal Ascot was so fashion-focused that they had style police on the beat, armed with fashion accessories to adorn the crowds. 

 

New dress code regulations for the prestigious race meet have been enforced. And last week, any ladies unaware that they had to wear a hat, and therefore lacking the goods, were approached by dress code assistants carrying hampers brimming with fascinators.

 

The fashion offenders were then spoilt for choice with regard to fashion accessories. Those visiting the Grandstand were handed a free fascinator to coordinate with their outfit whereas those heading for the Royal Enclosure were offered a selection of hats for hire.

 

Headwear wasn’t the only dress code to be enforced in Berkshire this year, ladies with bare shoulders were given pashminas and gentleman without ties were kitted out too.

 

Jenny Middlemass, part owner of one of the horses running at Royal Ascot, was not aware of the new fashion rules and turned up without a hat. However, she was delighted with the new style service offered by the racecourse and ended up rocking a black and cream hat that matched her outfit perfectly:

 

"I'd only found out on Saturday that I was coming here and hadn't realised I would be going through the Royal Enclosure to get to the owners and trainers area - and would need a hat.

 

"It's not something I keep in my cupboard.

 

"I think it's lovely they're doing this though."

 

The stricter dress code was announced in January, with style guides distributed to all badge and ticket holders. Women are also now expected to wear skirts or dresses which fall just above the knee or longer. Alternatively, men have to wear a suit and tie in the Grandstand and black or grey morning dress in the Royal Enclosure.

 

Those that embraced the new dress code included Jackie St Clair, the former girlfriend of Simon Cowell. With a nod towards the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, she wore a headpiece crafted from a bright and bold Union Jack bow by Siggi at Harrods. Also in honour of the Jubilee, The Golden Jubilee Stakes was re-named The Diamond Jubilee Stakes and was run on the last day of this year’s Ascot meeting.

 

TOWIE’s Lydia Bright was spotted in a red Hybrid dress with a red, white and blue Beth Hirst headpiece. She teamed her outfit with a sophisticated cream clutch and peep-toe heels. This would have looked fabulous finished off with a pair of Hati Sterling Silver and gemstone heart earrings with ruby gems to accent her dress or a pair of Sterling Silver Pearl and Heart Earrings to link up her other fashion accessories.