Royal Ascot Fashion Etiquette For Ladies' Day

Royal Ascot is a racing spectacular which combines high fashion with the pinnacle of equine stardom.

Thursday: Ladies' Day.

The stakes have been raised. This isn't the day to show too much flesh. However, Ladies' Day can mean many different things to many different people. For some, it's head to toe, Karl Lagerfeld. You hear from afar: ''I wonder what Vivienne Westwood is up to these days?''

The air is a potent mix of Chimmy Choo perfume and Cuban cigars.

While those more brazen keep their mitts on a bottle of Holsten Pills! Very much like an episode of Are You Being Served, it's expected, for the most part, that a lady will always dress with style.

You may have to gamble on the weather. One thing you can guarantee these girls will be dressed to impress.

Short skirt, big coat, matching lipstick. The list goes on...

From quotes: ''Does my bum look big in this?'' To pouting in front of the mirror. Women from up and down the land know one thing. It takes time, money and plenty of pampering to look this good!

So how should a lady dress for Royal Ascot? In truth, you may be pleased to read that you don't have to squeeze into that whalebone corset before slipping effortlessly into that retro Coco Chanel little black dress.

If you don't care for protocol, dress codes or that bloke on the gate who would just love to turn you away, make sure you purchase a ticket that suits your pocket, style, fashion sense and personality ta boot.

The Royal Enclosure:

Formal daywear is key for those lucky enough to attend this most prestigious of enclosures. Dresses and skirts may fall just above the knee. Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Jackets and pashminas may be worn but undergarments should comply with the Royal Ascot dress code. For the fashionista, you may wear a trouser suit as long as it is matching colour. Hats should be worn although headpieces are acceptable as long as they have a 4-inch diameter. Unless you wish to be shown the exit don't go strapless, wear halter necks or spaghetti straps. If you show off your midriff you will most likely be shown the door. Love a fascinator? Not in the Royal Enclosure, Madam.

The Queen Anne Enclosure:

Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner which befits a formal occasion. A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. As the saying goes: If you want to get ahead, get a hat! Girls, please, no strapless numbers. Trousers must be full length. Definitely no short or midriffs.

The Windsor Enclosure:

If you are not into a formal dress code then you're in luck. While racegoers are encouraged to dress smartly you can get away with pretty much anything except replica sports shirts.

What will you be wearing this Royal Ascot?

Ladies, remember if taking your other half he needs to brush up on his dress code too. Heaven forbid if he turns up without a tie. You'll be going alone!