Enormous feathered hats that block out the sun for anyone who gets within a metre of them, a giant Union Jack-themed bow fascinator and wide brims festooned with more blooms than the Chelsea Flower Show – it can only be Royal Ascot.
The high society occasion is one of the main events in the fashion calendar, with celebrities, royals and average folk alike showing off their very best looks in a bid to be crowned best dressed.
Known for ostentatious hats and vibrant dresses, the Berkshire racecourse turns into a sea of bright shades and elegant pastels as revellers dressed to the nines parade their looks at the five-day occasion.
Glamorous guests often include the King, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family for the famous carriage procession, while stars such as Georgia Toffolo and Charlotte Hawkins are Ascot regulars.
But despite being rich and famous, some celebrities – and even royals on the odd occasion – still miss the mark when it comes to their race day style – and have ended up turning heads for all the wrong reasons.
Fashion faux pas from previous years include former Made in Chelsea star Georgia’s ‘most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever’ in June 2025.
The TV star braved the heatwave in a gigantic white and black feather hat from brand Jane Taylor as she led the glamour at the event.
She teamed it with a pretty polka dot dress and matching bag as she posed for the cameras.
Fashion faux pas from previous years include former Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo’s (pictured) ‘most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever’ in June 2025
Princess Beatrice at Royal Ascot in 2012 wearing a red and white lace number
Lizzie Cundy poses for photographers on day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in 2018
Sharing a clip to her Instagram before arriving she said: ‘My most outrageous Royal Ascot look EVER? are you ready for this?!
‘Try it on with Toff for Day 3 and yes, I’ve officially taken the polka dot trend to the extreme. I couldn’t decide on one hat, so naturally… I’m trialing TWO. Which hat are we loving more?!? NEED YOUR HELP xxxx.’
She showed off the feather one and another much smaller hat – eventually opting for the bigger and more flamboyant one.
Another celeb who failed to impress with her hat selection one year was Lizzie Cundy, who in 2022, looked patriotic in a Union Jack hat, which was designed to look like an enormous bow.
She also missed the mark in 2018, wearing a racy gold and red dress, teamed with a feathered fascinator.
Last year, it was TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins’ red and hot pink floral dress complete with a matching fascinator that failed to impress critics.
But it isn’t just celebrities who sometimes miss the mark – royals have also had fashion mishaps at Royal Ascot in previous years.
In 2012, Princess Beatrice wore a red and white lace dress that looked slightly out of place at the elegant occasion, while the Duchess of Edinburgh in 2001 turned heads for the wrong reason with her enormous hat choice.
Angela Menz attends the second day of Royal Ascot on June 18, 2025
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, in 2001 at Royal Ascot
Charlotte Hawkins attends day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 20, 2025
Lady Victoria Hervey arrives on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, in 2024
Molly Rainford attends the fifth day of Royal Ascot 2025
Carole Middleton attends day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2025
Rosie Tapner attends Royal Ascot 2022
Kirsty Gallacher arriving at Royals Ascot in 2019
Princess Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson in the parade ring on day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2015
Zara Tindall attends Royal Ascot 2022
Lizzie Cundy attends Royal Ascot 2022
Join the discussion
Should Royal Ascot relax its famous dress code?
Royal Ascot is known for its strict dress code. While no rules apply in the Windsor Enclosure, although the majority of guests choose to dress up regardless, a strict dress code operates across the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures.
For the Royal Enclosure, a dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer must be worn, featuring shoulder straps that are a minimum width of one inch, or a trouser suit of matching material and colour.
Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of four inches (10cm) is acceptable.
For the Queen Anne Enclosure, meanwhile, a dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps is acceptable, as well as a trouser suit of matching material and colour.
