Royal Ascot.

Choosing the right hat for Ascot is part of the joy of dressing for one of the most fabulous occasions in the British summer season. It is a moment to be expressive, polished and beautifully considered - not simply to match a hat to a dress, but to complete the whole look with confidence.

The best hats for Ascot have presence. They frame the face, balance the silhouette and bring a sense of occasion from every angle. Whether your style is softly romantic, sculptural and contemporary, or boldly colourful, your hat should feel like a natural extension of your personality. If you need some guidance and expert advice we offer appointment at our Wiltshire based studio, or online with one of our expert stylists

Our collection of Ascot hats for ladies includes elegant brims, feathered headpieces, intricate trims and refined race day designs, each created with the attention to detail expected from the Vivien Sheriff studio. From clashing colours to delicate textures, Royal Ascot is the perfect place to enjoy the possibilities of dressing well.

Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious events in the British summer season calendar, combining world-class racing with centuries of tradition, pageantry and formal dressing. Since its origins in the early 18th century, Ascot has been closely associated with elegant race day style, and hats remain one of the most recognisable parts of this very British occasion.

For many guests, choosing the right hat for Ascot is as important as choosing the dress itself. A beautifully made hat for Royal Ascot can bring balance, colour and individuality to an outfit, while still respecting the formality of the event. From sweeping brims and sculptural silhouettes to refined headpieces with feather, lace or sinamay detail, Royal Ascot hats are designed to be seen, admired and remembered.

Vivien Sheriff’s collection of hats for Ascot celebrates this tradition with luxury millinery created for formal summer dressing, race day elegance, or summer season events.

The Royal Ascot dress code varies depending on the enclosure that you have entry to, so it is always worth checking the latest official guidance before attending. For ladies in the Royal Enclosure, dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer, shoulder straps must meet the required width, and hats must be worn. A headpiece or fascinator is acceptable only if it has a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm.

Our Royal Ascot hats and structured headpieces are designed with these requirements in mind, making them beautifully suited to formal Royal Enclosure dressing.

The Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure allow a hat, headpiece or fascinator, giving guests more flexibility while still encouraging polished race day style. The Windsor Enclosure has no formal dress code, although smart daywear and a hat, headpiece or fascinator are encouraged.

When choosing hats for Ascot, the safest approach is to select a piece that feels elegant, structured and appropriate for the enclosure you are attending. For the most formal settings, a substantial hat or beautifully proportioned headpiece is usually the strongest choice. For less formal enclosures, guests may choose lighter designs, statement trims or more contemporary occasion headwear while still keeping the overall look refined and elegant.

The Royal Enclosure calls for the most formal interpretation of Ascot style, where tradition, poise and individuality meet. For ladies attending the Royal Enclosure, a hat or structured headpiece is an essential part of the dress code, making your choice of millinery one of the most important elements of the day.

This is where a beautifully crafted hat comes into its own. Think elegant proportions, considered trims, graceful shapes and designs with enough structure to feel appropriate for such a prestigious setting. A Royal Enclosure hat should never feel like an afterthought; it should bring together the dress, shoes and accessories with quiet confidence.

Vivien Sheriff hats are made for moments like these. Designed by skilled artisans using delicate finishes, fine materials and couture-inspired detail, each piece has a sense of refinement while still allowing room for personality. For the Royal Enclosure, choose a hat that feels polished, memorable and unmistakably yours.

Ladies Day at Ascot is a celebration of colour, creativity and the art of dressing beautifully. It is the day when racegoers
often feel most free to enjoy fashion, from vibrant shades and dramatic silhouettes to playful textures, feathers and floral details.

A Ladies Day hat or headpiece can be expressive, but it should still feel elegant and well balanced. The most successful looks are not necessarily the loudest; they are the ones where colour, shape and proportion work together. A sculptural feather headpiece, a sweeping brim or a beautifully trimmed occasion hat can bring just the right amount of drama while still feeling refined.

This is the perfect opportunity to explore the more spirited side of Ascot millinery. Whether you are drawn to soft pastels, joyful brights, classic monochrome or unexpected colour combinations, your hat should make you feel confident, individual and ready to be photographed from every angle.

Styling a hat for Ascot is all about balance, proportion and a little sense of theatre. The hat should feel beautifully
connected to the rest of your outfit, but never too expected. Sometimes the most striking looks come from a thoughtful contrast: a soft silk dress with a sculptural feather headpiece, a classic silhouette with a joyful burst of colour, or a tonal look brought to life with texture and movement.

Begin with the overall shape of your outfit. A sweeping brim can bring elegance and drama to a simple dress, while a more structured headpiece can feel wonderfully modern with tailoring or a clean, contemporary silhouette. Colour can be matched, softened or deliberately clashed - Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy the limitless
possibilities within the rules.

Think too about how your hat will be worn throughout the day. Consider your hairstyle, the angle of the piece, and how it frames your face from every direction. A beautifully styled Ascot hat should feel secure, comfortable and confident, allowing you to enjoy the day without fuss.

Whether you are dressing for the Royal Enclosure, Ladies Day or a stylish summer gathering at Ascot, the final look should feel polished, personal and full of character. Choose a hat that brings the outfit together, but also brings something of you to the occasion.

Need a different colour or a customised piece? Many of our hats and headpieces are available in multiple colourways, which can be selected from the menu when placing your order.

If you cannot see the perfect colour for your outfit, we offer a bespoke colour-matching service. Simply select ‘Bespoke’ when ordering, and we will be in touch once your order has been received to discuss your chosen colours and ensure your piece beautifully complements your outfit.

Our hats are made to order, so please allow 4–6 weeks for delivery to ensure your piece arrives in good time for your occasion.

Once we receive your order, we will contact you to confirm when you can expect delivery.

If you need your order sooner than the timescale stated in our delivery information, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We are always happy to assist with rush orders where possible.