Lance Avery Morgan
The Regal Gathering Is An Unrivaled Fashion Event For The Sporty Set
We never think you need a reason to wear a fancy hat, but at some events it’s quite literally required. We welcome you to the most exciting fashion events of the year, Ascot, which also happen to feature the world’s fastest horses…so hold onto your hats.
Every May, crowds of well-dressed spectators jet to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, the first event in the American horse racing season. It’s a thrill a minute if you’ve never attended. Now, across the pond, many Texans and Britons don their best attire for the Royal Ascot, the world’s epitome of summer equestrian elegance. As harlequin jockeys rush their mounts toward the finish line, well-heeled fans place bets and mingle in the stands. The thoroughbreds’ performance is a wondrous thing to witness, but the greatest spectacle of all is the audience itself: exquisite fashions draped upon the spectators and perched atop their heads. Naturally, it’s morning coats, top hats, and all that entails, for gentlemen race fans.
The competition on the track is fierce, but some might say the spectators’ sartorial show is the better contest. Fans of the races pay homage to the race’s traditionally elegant dress code, yet every year the fashions get more ambitious, and in some cases, outrageously extravagant. Ladies always take the opportunity to express themselves with incredible dresses and accessories, and no expense is spared. Perhaps most important of all, the hat is the crown of the outfit, with many wide-brimmed pieces custom-made for the occasion.
“Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance,” the event’s organizers proclaim. “This is upheld by our dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right.” Indeed, the dress code is strict, and the Ascot’s own fashion police will pull aside those who violate the rules. Think we’re kidding? Just try to wear a hem that doesn’t fall too far above your knee – you may look fabulous, but the heads you turn will wear a look of disapproval. However, don’t worry; you can still look great while adhering to the rules. In fact, Britain’s most stylish royalty and upper crust have been strutting their finest stuff at Ascot for centuries.
Want to experience the ultimate girls’ day out? Why not make a last-minute decision to fly with your friends and family to England from June 17 to 21 (make sure to secure your Ascot tickets in advance) and enjoy the festivities? The Ascot takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, but be sure to attend on Thursday, which is traditionally set aside as Ladies’ Day, the most prestigious day for women to go all out to impress themselves and others. So don your finest fascinator and mingle with your fellow spectators. You never know, you might befriend an aristocrat or ten. Then imagine what could happen.
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend pooling a set amount of money with your friends and placing some bets. It’s a traditional part of the race, and the thrill of a win adds an inimitable rush of adrenaline to the exciting races. Raise a glass of bubbly in a toast to the horses, the lovely summer weather, and the elegant tradition. Does it really matter who wins the race? The joy of the experience is what counts. So, cast aside your betting slips and savor the moment as the sun sets over the English countryside.
