The third day of Royal Ascot is officially known as Gold Cup Day, since it features the oldest and one of the most prestigious races of the week, the Gold Cup, first staged in 1807 and run over the marathon distance of two-and-a-half miles. The first Royal Procession took place in 1825, during the reign of King George VI, but, by that stage, the Thursday of the Royal Meeting was already known, colloquially, as ‘Ladies Day’ after an anonymous author wrote of ” Ladies’ Day…when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.” two years earlier.
Ladies Day was originally so-called because of concessions, in the form of free or discounted admission, to encourage women to attend. Such concessions no longer exist, but Ladies Day at Royal Ascot remains the epitome of style and sophistication and one of the highlights of the British social calendar. Summing up the ethos of the Royal Meeting, Nick Smith, Director of Racing & Public Affairs at Ascot, said, “Royal Ascot is as much a fashion event as it is a racing event and that’s something we say with unashamed pride. We’re very fortunate that none of the fashion is forced, there are no competitions for best-dressed lady or gentleman.”
There may be no competitions off the track, but the Ascot Racecourse Authority does impose a dress code, demanding formal daywear, on Ladies Day and, indeed, for the whole of Royal Ascot. Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee, or longer, while trouser suits and jumpsuits must be full-length, falling below the knee. Shoulder straps should be at least 1″ wide and halter neck, off-the-shoulder, sheer and strapless styles are all prohibited, as are spaghetti straps. On the other side of the coin, a fascinator, hat or headpiece is a mandatory item for all ladies, although it is worth noting that fascinators are not allowed in the Royal Enclosure, regardless of size.