Ascot kilted or not

[Father Bill]

I’m always amazed at the number of people who think that their opinions can over-rule the stated requirements of the hosts or organizers. Be a welcome guest, not a clod or boor.

[Tarheel]

This is a tricky subject in my opinion, thus the question by gazbot.
Is the OP going for the chase or to mingle among those wanting to be seen and judged for their attire?

The event is held during winter. Some attending, will dress warmer and enjoy the outside where the races are held. Others will be toasting wins and discussing breeding while watching screens of the event in a controlled environment.

What is your plan gazbot? Are you an invited guest or love the ripple of horse flesh dashing about under the hands of a skilled rider?

[macmanjim]

Hello the rabble. I am attending Ascot chase race day in February and can’t decide upon Kilt or no Kilt?

From their site: Ascot Racecourse reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed to be dressed inappropriately.

Depends on whether you want to take the piss or not. Might be interesting to wear the Irish National tartan.

[Jock Scot]

Please don't confuse the attire needed for The Royal meeting at Ascot (held mid June) to other race meetings at Ascot, where dress requirements are not quite as vigorous. The Stewards have heard every reason under the sun and some, for why you should gain entry to the event and they are experts at turning people away nicely and very firmly if necessary, if you do not conform to the event requirements. Regardless of whether you have a very expensive and hard to get ticket.

From memory(things may have changed, but I doubt it) at the Royal meeting, bow ties and cravats are a no-no, but National Attire and proper military uniforms are allowed, however, HOWEVER, I do recall a non Scot with a distinctly non Scottish (UK) accent dressed very appropriately in kilt attire being asked for his passport, which was not a UK one, being turned away. All very embarrassing for his exceedingly pretty and well known partner. So take note.

I would check with the dress code and if still unsure, enquire further from the Course Office. I could be wrong, but I cannot see that wearing appropriate kilt attire to other race meetings at Ascot would cause upset, apart from being the "lemon" amongst the "apples". Remember please that this is the UK where sometimes one's attire does, on occasion, need to conform.

[Tarheel]

Sage advice has been offered and I agree that a direct contact to the course officials may be in order.

I am often the lemon in a venue of apples while I wear my kilt during college football season in the Southern US. The Ascot races are a different circumstance with rigid guidelines that keep the event unique and (dare I say) demand historic protocol.

Thank you all for a lively debate. I hope there is an acceptable resolve for gazbot.

[Hirsty]

I have seen kilts at Royal Ascot. The dress code does state that overseas are welcome to wear their formal national dress.

So I suppose it depends on which way you voted during the Referendum.

[Graeme H]

It seems I'm fairly well suited to pipe in on this, despite being new!

My shop is a stone's throw from Ascot racecourse and being a tailor I dress an awful lot of gentlemen for events hosted there throughout the year, especially Royal Ascot in June. We would be remiss if we did not swat up on all the nuances of the dress code at the racecourse. The staff at Ascot are renowned for the strict enforcement of its dress code (and rightfully so). However the only event and area that has no wiggle room whatsoever is the Royal Enclosure during Royal Ascot in June. During the rest of the year and depending on which area of the course you are attending the dress code is relatively relaxed.

HOWEVER

What you CAN do and what you SHOULD do are up for debate. Ascot racecourse is a British institution, and in my eyes no matter what part of the racecourse you are attending, you should always be dressed in a suit and tie (don't forget your handkerchief!), and with your shoes well polished - and preferably black.

If you have Scottish heritage then by all means take the opportunity to wear your National dress, however given the occasion and venue the same sartorial etiquette should be observed; A formal version of your Highland attire should be your choice, but saying that I would stay away from wearing a prince Charlie with a bow tie for example as this is considered evening wear rather than morning dress. I would recommend an Argyll jacket, worn with a white shirt and a smart plain silk tie (or perhaps one with a very subtle pattern). A waistcoat would be optional but not necessary. You would get away with wearing a tweed jacket but for me I find it a little too casual, if you choose this route then I would suggest a matching waistcoat and definitely a white shirt and a smart tie. And to the gentleman who suggested a hat; I would respectfully disagree - a hat would be far too casual for a highland ensemble in this context.

Have a cracking time, whatever you decide!

[Father Bill]

Wonderful to hear from the local sartorial expert. Thank you for putting a knowledgeable end (one might hope) to the discussion.

[Tarheel]

Thank you Graeme for the clarification. I suggested the hat only for protection from the elements, not to conflict with rules in place. I hope the OP finds the experience rewarding whatever the dress decision.

[FossilHunter]

Graeme, that advice about wearing Highland dress applies to everywhere except the royal enclosure, correct? I would assume that there one would comply with the letter of the dress code (morning dress with top hat).

Not that I’m going kilted or anything, I just find the thread interesting and wanted to clarify.