As with any major occasion, putting together the perfect outfit requires thoughtful planning. But Royal Ascot, widely regarded as the most stylish event of the British social calendar, comes with its own unique challenge, because headpieces play a central role in every racegoer’s look.

Since its inception in 1911, Royal Ascot has remained remarkably faithful to its sartorial traditions. While trends may come and go, the event’s dress code has changed very little over the years, particularly when it comes to hats and fascinators.

For those attending in the prestigious Royal Enclosure, the rules are even more specific. As outlined on the official website: “Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches (10cm) is acceptable.”

Thankfully, adhering to the dress code doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Royal Ascot’s rich 112-year history has produced some truly memorable millinery moments, proving that fashion and tradition can go hand in hand. From elegant wide-brimmed hats to statement-making creations, the event has long been a showcase for exceptional headwear.

If you’re still searching for inspiration, look no further than the impeccably dressed guests who have graced the racecourse over the years. Scroll on for some of Royal Ascot’s most stylish hat moments.

What hats can I wear at Ascot?

Royal Enclosure

If you’re attending Royal Ascot in the prestigious Royal Enclosure, a hat or suitable headpiece is a non-negotiable part of the dress code. The event’s long-standing traditions call for elegant, occasion-worthy millinery, making headwear one of the defining features of any race-day look.

Classic wide-brimmed hats are always a popular choice, while hatinators offer a contemporary alternative. Similar to fascinators but typically larger and more structured, hatinators are permitted provided they meet the enclosure’s size requirements (the 4-inch/10cm base).

Whether you opt for a timeless boater, a sculptural headpiece or a contemporary hatinator, the key is choosing a style that feels like you, but is also appropriate for the occasion. As a fashion editor, I say go all out – it’s your opportunity to go maximalist!

© Kirstin Sinclair

Queen Anne and Village Enclosures

While the dress code remains formal in both the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, the rules surrounding headwear are slightly more relaxed than in the Royal Enclosure. According to Ascot’s guidelines, a “hat, headpiece or fascinator” is perfectly acceptable, giving guests greater freedom with sizing, while still embracing the event’s elegant dress traditions.

Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure has no official dress code, although guests are encouraged to opt for smart daywear in keeping with the occasion’s refined atmosphere. When it comes to accessories, Ascot recommends that a “hat, headpiece or fascinator is encouraged.” While not mandatory, adding a hat or fascinator is a simple way to elevate your look and fully embrace the glamour and pageantry that make Royal Ascot such a celebrated social event.

What hats can I not wear?

While headwear is an essential part of Royal Ascot style, not every option meets the dress code requirements. In the Royal Enclosure, traditional fascinators are not permitted. Typically attached to a headband or clip and adorned with feathers, flowers or embellishments, fascinators are generally considered too small and informal for the enclosure’s strict standards.

Instead, guests should opt for a hat, hatinator or substantial headpiece that complies with the official guidelines. As a rule of thumb, if you’re attending the Royal Enclosure, your headwear should make a statement while maintaining the elegance and formality for which Royal Ascot is known.

The 25 best Royal Ascot hats of all time:

1/25

© Getty Images

Zara Tindall, 2025

Zara wore the most incredible striped Juliette Botterill hat to complement her Laura Green dress.

2/25

© Getty Images

Princess Eugenie, 2025

Sometimes less is more, which is exactly what Eugenie proved in 2025. She paired her dress with a simple white wide-brimmed hat.

3/25

© Max Mumby

Georgia Toffolo, 2025

Georgia wore the most incredible feathered mint green dress, paired with a matching hat from V V Rouleaux.

4/25

© Getty Images for Royal Ascot 202

Flora Gibbs, 2025

We’re absolutely obsessed with Flora’s dramatic Rachel Trevor Morgan hat from 2025.

5/25

© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im

Leonora Smee, 2025

In 2025, Leonora paired a gorgeous floral-adorned hat from The Modiste with a pale pink dress that complemented the design perfectly.

6/25

© Max Mumby/Indigo

Princess Eugenie – 2024

Princess Eugenie accessorised her Ascot look with an Emily London pink boater featuring a decorative bow, and tasseled hat pin, which added a touch of playful elegance.

7/25

© Max Mumby/Indigo

Harriet Sperling, 2024

This delicate cream ecru straw teardrop beret percher was a stunning choice from Harriet Sperling. Trimmed with a twisted straw bow and featuring a large, dramatic flower made from soft, flowing fabric. The structured base of the hat provided a perfect balance to the oversized floral detail, creating a harmonious and eye-catching look.

8/25

© Chris Jackson

Laura-Ann Barr – 2024

Little Buds founder Laura-Ann Barr brought Barbiecore to the racecourse in a vibrant pink headpiece, with rose accents, that added a romantic touch to the day.

9/25

© Kirstin Sinclair

Louise Roe – 2023

TV presenter and style icon Louise Roe attended day four of Royal Ascot in a stunning daisy adorned netted beret.

10/25

Hana Cross – 2022

Hello! Fashion’s December 2022 cover girl Hana Cross was the moment on Ladies Day last year in a rose-adorned dress by Alessandra Rich, paired with a black floral headpiece by Monique Lee millinery.

11/25

© Chris Jackson

Princess Kate – 2022

Princess Kate’s sophisticated wide-brimmed hat was a classic. The hat combined a chocolate base with white floral accents along the brim, creating a striking contrast.

12/25

Betty Bachz – 2022

Betty stunned in a Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress paired with the ‘Mimi’ boater boasting three origami crinoline birds from Awon Golding millinery.

13/25

© Getty

Princess Beatrice – 2022

Beatrice oozed femininity in a Zimmermann dress and a floral headpiece by Juliette Botterill Millinery.

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Rosie Tapner – 2022

Racing TV presenter Rosie Tapner wore a totally royal-approved outfit, and a stunning hat. Both her chic lace dress and blue, grey and cream headpiece were created by Catherine Walker.

15/25

© Kirstin Sinclair

Hum Fleming – 2021

British fashion insider Hum Fleming wore a menswear-inspired headpiece designed to emmulate a classic top hat during Royal Ascot 2021.

16/25

© Max Mumby/Indigo

Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath – 2021

Emma Thynn’s unique hat was a pale pink creation featuring an abstract, sculptural form. The hat includes intricate, folded fabric details that create a sense of movement and texture, complemented by the delicate pink hue.

17/25

Lady Kitty Spencer – 2019

Princess Diana’s niece wore this monochrome Phillp Treacy piece (noticing a royal millinery theme here?) in 2019. Rumour has it that she had to lie vertically in the car thanks to the OTT black spike sticking upwards. The kind of dramatic outfit we love.

18/25

Princess Kate – 2019

This look has become one of Princess Kate’s most iconic in her tenure as British royal. Ascot 2019 is where she first wore this stunning powder blue Elie Saab dress and Phillip Treacy hat combo. Since then she sported the exact same look for the 2023 Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

19/25

© Getty

The Duchess of Sussex – 2018

For the opening day of Ascot in 2018, Meghan oozed chic in a wide black-and white-hat by Philip Treacy. Meghan opted for a custom Givenchy dress made by creative director Clare Waight Keller.

20/25

© Tim Graham

Viscountess Serena Linley – 1994

The future Countess of Snowdon, who married David Armstrong-Jones, the only son of Princess Margaret, dazzled in a oversized lilac hat covered in purple plumage.

21/25

© Tim Graham

Flower Power – 1990

A guest took florals in summer and made it dramatic in the coolest poppy hat we’ve ever seen to grace Ascot.

22/25

© Princess Diana Archive

Princess Diana – 1988

The late of Princess of Wales wore a super chic black and white spotted dress by Victor Edelstein and a Philip Somerville hat.

23/25

© George W. Hales

Princess Margaret – 1969

For the fourth day of the races in 1969, Princess Margaret wore a dramatic white hat adorned with daisies.

24/25

© Mirrorpix

Mrs. James Elliott – 1965

The racegoer stunned in a large hat crafted from French lace and net. More is more.

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© Fox Photos

Yvonne Bentley – 1964

Yvonne protected her tall hat from the rain on Ladies Day at Ascot racecourse. The hat, which she made herself, was 18 inches high and made of white nylon.