The Royal Ascot has very specific style rules

Hilary Hagerman
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An approved Emilia Wickstead look (via The Royal Ascot)

The Royal Ascot is a huge sporting event – and it’s arguably just as well known for the lavish fashions.

The five-day event has long been host to extravagant styles – but a few years ago, standards started to slip, with patrons wearing the unthinkable: spaghetti straps and mini skirts.

So, in 2012, event organizers rolled out a more strict set of rules for the dress code – and they’re still holding true today.

Here are the 2016 dressing dos and don’ts:

The Royal Enclosure – the rules here are the most strict:

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.

• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour.

• Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.

• Midriffs must be covered.

• Fascinators are not permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a solid base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches/10cm).

In the Queen Anne enclosure, it’s much the same:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.

• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted.

• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above.

• Midriffs must be covered

• Shorts are not permitted

To give an example of acceptable Royal Ascot wear, Ascot Racehorse teamed up with British retailer Fenwick to showcase some acceptable looks, featuring high-end brands like Emilia Wickstead, Christian Louboutin and more.

What do you think of the strict rules for attendees of Royal Ascot? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.