Navy is the new black for men as Royal Ascot updates dress code

IT WAS the early 19th 9th century when Beau Brummell, the confidant of the future King George IV, V, declared that “men of elegance” should wear “waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons” ” when attending the races.

But now, more than han 200 years later, Royal Ascot is s having its biggest shake-up in men’s formalwear, and allowing ng racegoers to wear navy morning rning suits in the Royal Enclosure ure for the first time. “Playful” ” ties and waistcoats will also be e allowed, but “novelty and branded randed or promotional clothing” ng” is not permitted. Patterns of a patriotic nature, such as s a national flag, are acceptable.

“Royal Ascot sets s the trends for event dressing across ac the summer season, and this change cha to the dress code recognises an emerging e trend in formal menswear as we allow navy morning dress in the Royal Enclosure for the first firs time,” said Juliet Slot, chief commercial com officer at Ascot Racecourse. Racecour Changes to the dress code at Royal Ascot Asco typically relate to womenswear. womensw For example, in 2017 jumpsuits were permitted permitt in the Royal Enclosure. Enclosu

But after feedback from racegoers, ra the fashion industry indu and working with menswear me partners, it was decided de navy morning suits should sh form part of a dress code c update. Until now, they the have always had to be black bla and grey, with many opting for pinstripe trousers. To celebrate the sartorial first, Favourbrook – an official licensee of Royal Ascot – was commissioned to design a navy morning suit.

Oliver Spencer, Favourbrook founder, said: “There hasn’t been anything added to the Royal Ascot dress code for decades, so this is a big turning point for menswear. I think it is a much needed update”

Bow ties and cravats are still forbidden from the Royal Enclosure.

The event is part of the Government’s Events Research Programme, meaning 12,000 spectators can attend. Any face masks must also meet the dress code.

“We ask that they are of a tasteful nature and selected with the same considerations in mind as when choosing a hat, waistcoat or tie to ensure it isn’t deemed to be novelty,” a spokesman said.