Ascot dress code: how to get the perfect look

People often ask me what the key to
dressing well is, and the answer is simple: be sure your garments
are well maintained, adequately pressed, and well fitted. You don’t
necessarily need to spend a fortune to look good; ensuring your
outfit is considered and comfortable is key.  

These same exact rules apply to
dressing for Ascot, possibly even more so, as it is all about
“peacocking” and asserting your style. Ensuring you have all of the
correct components of morning wear is essential.

The perfect Ascot
outfit

Of course, there are quite a few
obscure styling details when it comes to morning dress. For
example, there are white cotton Marcella strips called “dress
slips” that fasten underneath the waistcoat, and are only intended
to peek through underneath to give the impression of layered
waistcoats. The slips frame the outfit, giving an immaculately
clean aesthetic.

Cashmere trousers are a traditional
and essential element to morning wear, but curiously, cashmere
striped trousers aren’t actually made out of cashmere, as many
believe.

Obviously, at Ascot a top hat must
be worn at all times – apart from when entering a building or
marquee.

Morning wear is one of the most
traditional forms of tailoring, with very specific components. It
is for this reason that the traditional styling is rarely deviated
from. Some may wish to update their morning wear by choosing a
contrasting coloured waistcoat. Other than that, you will very
rarely see anyone in the Royal Enclosure wearing anything too
extravagant or far from the classic morning wear
silhouette.

At Huntsman, we manage to retain our
traditional heritage, yet are moving forward with the times. Having
traded for more than three centuries, we are the go-to for classic
bespoke tailoring.

From top (hat) to
toe

To get the perfect look starting
from the top, your hat should fit correctly. I would personally go
to Lock and Co and have your top hat measured and fitted using
their bespoke service.

The traditional cloth of a morning
coat is black feather weave, which gives a very specific
aesthetic. 

The trousers should always be cut to
be worn with braces. As for stripe size, go for a mid-width stripe
with a strong contrast between the black and grey, which elongates
the wearer’s legs. 

The way in which Ascot-goers can
differentiate themselves from the crowds is through their choice of
accessories; a paisley tie always looks very smart, especially with
a pocket square that incorporates similar hues. 

Follow these simple rules and you
will be in perfect shape for the big day.

For more, visit huntsmansavilerow.com