Royal Ascot Outfits & Shoes:
What Shoes to Wear, Plus the Best Outfits and Looks
With styling notes from Emmy Scarterfield, Founder and Creative Director of Emmy London
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Josie Mid Block Heel
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Josie Low Block Heel
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Claudia Mid Heel
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Harriet Block Heel
How to Choose Your Shoes for Royal Ascot
“I designed our shoes for women who want to look beautiful and feel comfortable at the same time. Royal Ascot is the ultimate test of that.” Emmy x
1. Choose a block heel for the grass. A block heel is the most practical choice for Ascot. It spreads your weight evenly and keeps you steady on soft ground, without the sinking of a stiletto. Our Josie block heel is a firm favourite at the races, available in low and mid heights.
2. Pick the right heel height. A mid heel gives you elegance and ease. If you love a higher heel, our Rebecca is a good choice, and our Tess low heel is lovely if you want maximum comfort. All our shoes are padded and supportive, so you can stay on your feet from the first race to the last.
3. Think about colour. Suede in a soft or rich shade adds depth to your outfit. Neutral tones such as blush, latte and ivory pair with almost anything, while bolder shades make a statement. Our suede shoes come in a wide range of colours, from soft pastels to rich darks, so you can match your outfit exactly.
4. Match your shoes to your clutch. Coordinating your shoes and bag gives a polished, seamless finish. Our Natasha and Mabel bags are available in a wide range of colours to pair with your heels.
5. Prepare for the ground. Our Shoe Care and Comfort Kit includes reusable clear heel stoppers for our slimmer heels, gel insoles and a suede cleaning block, ideal for grass and uneven surfaces.
6. Check the dress code. Royal Ascot has a dress code that varies by enclosure, so check the official guidance before choosing your outfit.
Why Emmy London?
Each pair is handcrafted in our own workshop for a balanced, comfortable fit, with a signature crystal on the sole for a little hidden sparkle. Emmy chooses every material with care, favouring comfortable, breathable fabrics. We love seeing so many women, including Zara Tindall, Francesca Cumani and Rosie Tapner, choose Emmy London for Royal Ascot year after year.
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Brand Ambassador Francesca Cumani
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Zara Tindall Wearing Emmy London Shoes
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Effortlessly Elegant Rosie Tapner
Dresses: Elegance and Compliance
Royal Ascot has a strict dress code, especially for those in the Royal Enclosure. Here's how to choose a dress that meets the standards while reflecting your personal style.
Dress Length and Style:
- Knee-Length or Longer: Dresses and skirts should be modest, typically knee-length or longer.
- Strap Requirements: Ensure your dress has straps that are at least one inch wide. Strapless, off-the-shoulder, and spaghetti straps are prohibited in the Royal Enclosure.
Fabric and Fit:
- Breathable Fabrics: Opt for light, breathable fabrics like silk, chiffon, or high-quality cotton to stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Tailored Fit: Choose a well-tailored dress that flatters your figure without being too tight, ensuring ease of movement and elegance.
Hats: The Crowning Glory
No Royal Ascot outfit is complete without a striking hat. Here's how to find and style a great hat that complements your ensemble.
Finding the Perfect Hat:
- Shape and Size: Choose a hat that balances your proportions. Larger hats are statement pieces, while smaller ones are chic and easier to manage.
- Face Shape: Match the hat to your face shape. For instance, wide-brimmed hats suit long faces, while angled hats are flattering for round faces.
- Colour Coordination: Select a hat that complements or contrasts with your outfit for a cohesive or standout look.
Styling Tips:
- Secure Fit: Ensure your hat fits well and is secured with discreet pins or headbands so you don't have to worry about it slipping.
- Hair Styling: Opt for hairstyles that support your hat choice, like low buns or side-swept hair, allowing the hat to sit correctly on your head.
Pretty Pastel Ascot Outfits
Pastel outfits are a Royal Ascot tradition, and suede accessories pair perfectly with them. Soft powder blue, blush pink, buttery yellow and cream all look beautiful in the summer light, and suede gives each shade a velvety depth that photographs beautifully.
Choose a neutral shoe; ivory often works beautifully with lemon yellow or powder blue, or try a soft blush or misty rose to let a pastel dress take centre stage. Or try a tonal approach, pairing a pale dress with shoes a shade or two deeper. Keep your accessories soft too, with a delicate shoe clip or pearl detail for a touch of sparkle. And because Ascot means long days on the grass, a pastel block heel keeps you looking fresh and feeling comfortable from the first race to the last.
Floral dresses: The Blooming Trend at Royal Ascot
From oversized, statement-making prints to delicate, intricate blossoms, florals were undeniably in full flourish at this year’s Royal Ascot. A perennial favourite for occasion dressing, these botanical designs brought a fresh sense of romance and vibrancy to the enclosures. Whether it’s an oversized print or a delicate blossom, florals work best with shoes that let the dress shine. Choose a shade from the print, or a neutral.
Emmy's favourite shoes for florals: Josie in Greenery or Misty Rose, Claudia Powder Blue and Rebecca in Makeup.
Monochrome Looks At Ascot
Monochrome is one of Royal Ascot’s most enduring looks, and it’s easy to make your own. A white dress with black accessories is a classic: a pair of black suede block heels, like our Josie Jet, a black clutch and a striking hat give you crisp contrast and a polished, graphic finish.
If you’d prefer a softer take, go head to toe in white or ivory, then add interest through texture, such as cream tweed courts, a satin clutch or a delicate shoe clip. You can also work it the other way round, with a black dress and white or ivory shoes and bag for a fresh, modern twist. Whichever you choose, keep the palette tight and let the details do the talking.
“A shoe clip is a lovely way to add a little sparkle. You can clip one onto a classic court or block heel in seconds.” Emmy x
Ascot Styling Tips From Emmy
Yes. Block heels are comfortable and stable, which makes them well suited to grass and long days.
Neutral tones such as blush, latte, ivory and black are versatile. Pastels, bolder shades and metallics are all popular. Match your shoes to your outfit or clutch.
A clutch is the classic choice for Ascot. It keeps your hands free for a glass in hand, a race card, and it looks polished with a formal outfit. Look for a size that fits your essentials (phone, lipstick, cards) without feeling bulky.
For the most put-together finish, match your bag to your shoes. Our Natasha and Mabel clutch bags come in a wide range of colours, so you can coordinate with your heels or choose a contrasting shade that picks up a detail in your outfit. If your dress or hat is bold or patterned, a neutral bag in blush, latte or ivory keeps the look balanced.
You can, but stilettos can sink into soft ground and become uncomfortable over a long day. A block heel is more practical, and heel stoppers can help slimmer heels.
Choose a comfortable heel that works on grass. A block heel, such as our Josie, is a popular choice because it gives you stability and style.