Royal Ascot reveal stricter dress code: we solve your dressing dilemmas -

With the news that flimsy fascinators are out for good, we take a look at some of the most stylish headwear that ticks all the right boxes.

Favourites of the Duchess of Cambridge, James Lock & Co Hatters have a beautiful array of ladies headwear, perfectly in-keeping with the Royal Ascot dress-code which has, this year, completely ruled out headwear that does not cover at least 4 inches of your head i.e which does not measure at least 10cm in diameter. Founded in 1676 Lock & Co. is a family owned business providing ladies’ and gentlemen’s quality headwear and a high standard of personal service developed from over 300 years of experience. These stunning headpieces all adhere to the new rules and are set to ensure you look elegant and chic.

For anybody who isn’t aware of the new dress-code rules and restrictions for 2012, here they are:

Ladies
Ladies are kindly reminded that formal day wear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:

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; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:

Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
Midriffs must be covered
Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Gentlemen
Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear either black or grey morning dress which must include:

A waistcoat and tie (no cravats)
A black or grey top hat
Black shoes.

Some stunning (below the knee) dress options can be found at Revival Retro, a stunning boutique found in the heart of London on Soho’s Carnaby Street.

We help you to make sure your hemline is playing by the rules with a selection of beautiful dresses from one of London’s top vintage boutiques, Revival Retro.

Revival Retro supplies vintage replica pieces in a variety of sizes so that we can all experience the fashion of eras gone by. Their dresses are classic, structured and of perfect length and style for the races. Here is our selection of the best from Carnaby Street’s hottest vintage destination.