With the warmer weather jumping into action, we're looking ahead to the best race day dresses - most importantly, we're looking forward to deciding how we can be looking hot-to-trot in the best Ascot dresses this year.
With Ascot hitting soon in mid-June, starting from the 18 June to be exact, horse racing events are just starting to rack up. If you haven't already got your tickets, you'd better get your hands on some, as well as a flashy dress to put on with it.
Take inspiration from ITV host, Charlotte Hawkins' Ascot look from last year - pastel shades with something eye-catching like a statement headpiece - is something you might want to consider.
![charlotte-hawkins-ascot](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-scaled.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
According to eBay trends, searches for 'Ascot dresses' have ramped up by 316 per cent - and we really don't want to miss out. With everyone tapping their fingers away to find the best summer dress (and be the best dressed) we've been on the hunt. We've found the ultimate Ascot dresses that you should be wearing this season.
Fascinators and headpieces at the ready...
The best Ascot dresses for 2024, at a glance
Eye-catching
Tailored Maxi
Sell-out Swing
Old-money boucle
SHOP: The best Ascot dresses for 2024
Eye-catching
![Nobody's Child Blue Watercolour Floral Zora Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-2.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.nobodyschild.com
From Nobody's Child, this Blue Watercolour Floral Zora Midi Dress is everything we'd ever want to wear to race day. Featuring a bold print, midi length and long sleeves, it's an eye-catching dress that's sure to turn heads. Team with matching colour fascinator and contrasting bag for a winning look.
Tailored Maxi
![Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Waterfall Sleeve Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-3.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.karenmillen.com
The Fluid Tailored Waterfall Sleeve Maxi Dress from Karen Millen comes in a colour similar to the one Charlotte Hawkins wore last year at race day. An empire bustline, pretty flutter sleeves and pastel colourway make it perfect for the occasion.
Sell-out Swing
![River Island Brown Chiffon Spot Belted Swing Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-1.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.riverisland.com
We are obsessed with this Brown Chiffon Spot Belted Swing Maxi Dress from River Island. This dress is ideal for Ascot and beyond. If spot print isn't your thing, there are a few other prints to choose from. But run, don't walk to add this to your basket - it's getting loads of attention on the site.
Old-money boucle
![Karen Millen Tailored Boucle Pocket Detail Long Sleeve Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-4.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.debenhams.com
Last year we saw lots of tweed, checked prints and tartan as people took the country 'old money' look for a ride. This Tailored Boucle Pocket Detail Dress is so unbelievably classy - and so fitting for the Royal Ascot races.
Multicoloured wrap
![Gini London Multicoloured Floral Wrap Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-5.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.newlook.com
For a pop of floral print, Gini London's Multicoloured Floral Wrap Midi Dress over at New Look is a fab one for the occasion. Not only is it affordable, but it's so versatile so you can wear it as your next wedding guest dress as well.
Sophisticated ruffles
![Phase Eight Ruffle Belted Maxi Waisted Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-6.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.marksandspencer.com
Ruffles are all in this season. So, if you've got a wedding to attend or you're off to the races, Phase Eight's Ruffle Belted Maxi Waisted Dress will soon have you dubbed as best dressed. It's flattering belted waist and ruffle details balance feminine and sophisticated perfectly.
Bold print
![Warehouse Floral Printed Fluted Sleeve Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-8.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.warehousefashion.com
Make an entrance with Warehouse's Floral Printed Flute Sleeve Maxi Dress. Pick a colour within the dress and pair with matching accessories. It has dramatic fluted sleeves and a stunning bold print, so we can't imagine anyone will forget about this dress any time soon.
Flattering pleats
![New Look Green Satin Wrap Front Pleated Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-13.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.newlook.com
This trending Satin Wrap Front Pleated Midi Dress from New Look comes in this fresh green colour. It features a wrap design and belted waist - which, let's be honest, is flattering on just about anyone. The dress is finished with a dreamy plated skirt that swishes while you walk.
Pleated Maxi
![Phase Eight Rosa Floral Pleat Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-7.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.phase-eight.com
Another pleated dress that we love is Phase Eight's Rosa Floral Pleat Maxi Dress. The maxi length is designed to just brush your feet, but, there's also petite options for ladies on the shorter side. The floral print is stunnin', and we couldn't think of anything better to wear to the races on a warm summer's day.
Classy silhouette
![JD Williams Joanna Hope Jacquard Spot Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-11-1.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
This Jacquard Spot Maxi Dress from Joanna Hope is enough to brighten anyone's day. We can see this beingworn with strappy sandal heels and a pink fascinator for a co-ordinated look. It's balloon sleeves and tea dress silhouette are classy, sophisticated yet full of personality.
Fluttery sleeves
![Quiz Blue Abstract Print Midaxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-races-day-dresses.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.quizclothing.co.uk
Extremely popular at Quiz at the moment (and it's no wonder why), this Blue Abstract Print Midaxi Dress is ideal to wear for the summer. With fluttery sleeves and watercolour floral print featuring shades of blue, pink and green, there are so many ways to style and accessorise this dress.
Range of colours
![Karen Millen Tailored Structured Crepe Roll Neck Pencil Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-12.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.karenmillen.com
For something structured, Karen Millen's Tailored Crepe Roll Neck Pencil Midi Dress couldn't be a better choice. It comes in a few different colours to shop, but we just love this camel colour that looks so smart (and so stylish).
Pastel perfection
![Quiz Lilac Wrap Maxi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-10.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.quizclothing.co.uk
This Lilac Wrap Maxi Dress from Quiz is also available in a baby blue, and either of the two pastel shades would make for a fab dress to wear while enjoying the sun at Ascot. Not to mention its incredibly affordable price - at just under £40.
Effortless High Neck
![Closet London Cobalt Blue High Neck Midi Dress](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2024/04/best-ascot-dresses-9.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
closetlondon.com
If your approach is more minimal, this Closet London Dress is the one for you. The brand nails formalwear ideal for occasions like the races, and there are loads of options to browse. The Cobalt Blue High Neck Midi Dress is effortless to wear. Make a statement with a standout fascinator if you want to go all out.
What should I wear to a day at the races?
As long as you follow the dress code, you should wear whatever you feel good in. Your dress style should be formal, modest and sophisticated. And, all ladies must wear a fascinator or a headpiece with a base of four inches. Halter neck, strapless, off the shoulder and spaghetti straps are strictly not permitted and midriffs must be covered.
Whether it's something floral and free-flowing, or something more structured, we've seen a variety of styles at Ascot in earlier years. In fact, it doesn't have to be a dress at all. You could wear a co-ordinated top and skirt. Or, a trouser suit of full length with matching colour and material. The choice is yours.
Caitlin Casey was a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covered shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.