Heading to Royal Ascot this year – but haven’t a clue what to wear? Good news, because Royal Ascot has just unveiled the 2026 Royal Ascot Handbook: The Art of Dressing Well – a celebration of British heritage, individuality and contemporary style.
Although horse racing is the main event of this iconic summer festival, fashion has always played an important role, with the designer ensembles and bold fascinators showcased throughout the week making for a spectacle in itself.
In fact, Royal Ascot is as famed for its couture outfits as it is the prestige of its racing pedigrees, so if you’re attending, then you simply can’t afford to get your fashion choices wrong.
The concept of this year’s handbook, ‘The Art of Dressing Well,’ speaks to a celebration of personal expression within the framework of tradition
Presented by Official Ascot Partner Beyond Developments Dubai and fronted by British fashion icon and supermodel Erin O’Connor MBE, The Art of Dressing Well campaign is creative director Daniel Fletcher’s third annual guide to Royal Ascot and social season dressing, and also marks the announcement of Royal Ascot’s first ever official Colour of the Year: Bright Tomato. So, if you were wondering which colour to go for to really make a statement, then now you know.
Leading the campaign, longstanding Royal Ascot attendee Erin O’Connor stars on the cover and in a dedicated edit of the campaign titled ‘Think Outside the Box’.
Shot within a sculptural box inspired by the Winning Post and positioned across the picturesque Berkshire racecourse, this striking series features standout looks including tailored pieces by Edeline Lee, dresses by Rebecca Vallance and Roksanda, and accessories from Longines, Christian Louboutin and Bucherer, paired with statement millinery from the likes of Emily London, Harvy Santos and Jane Taylor.
“To be a part of such an iconic fashion campaign is a total honour; I’m always in awe of the creativity and thought that goes into Royal Ascot attire, and how it sets the tone for the summer social season,” says O’Connor.
Royal Ascot’s first ever official Colour of the Year is Bright Tomato
And she certainly isn’t the only one.
As part of the campaign, Ascot introduces style notes for its inaugural Royal Ascot Colour of the Year, so you know exactly how to wear it for maximum impact. Bright Tomato is an unapologetically vibrant hue, and draws from expert trend forecasting, SS26 runways and the enduring flair of the Royal Ascot crowd.
The colour weaves through multiple edits of the campaign, brought to life in standout bespoke pieces, which include a custom hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, and additional custom looks by British designers Claire Mischevani and Suzannah London.
If you’ll be heading the event, then be sure to embrace the colour on Gold Cup Day, which falls on Thursday 18 June 2026. For women, this may take the form of statement dresses or bold millinery, while men can incorporate the hue through tailoring, ties, pocket squares and subtle accents.
Royal Ascot is as famed for its couture outfits as it is the prestige of its racing pedigrees
The wider campaign unfolds through a series of creative edits that celebrate the spirit of Royal Ascot style. From ‘Show Us Your Silks’ – a playful nod to the bold graphics and colours of jockey silks, to ‘Tell Us Your Story’ – a more whimsical, art-led interpretation of raceday moments and rituals such as car park picnics and afternoon tea, each edit offers a fresh lens on occasion dressing, providing all the inspiration you need to get it just right.
According to Daniel Fletcher, creative director of Royal Ascot, Bright Tomato is set to make a lasting impression at this year’s event.
He said: “Every year at Royal Ascot, there is always one trend that stands out as a big hit, with butter yellow and periwinkle blue being recent examples.
For 2026, we’re seeing a distinct shift towards confident, expressive colour with Bright Tomato set to take centre stage as a defining shade in occasionwear, bringing a bold new direction for the Royal Ascot palette. That bright orangey-red of a ripe tomato creates an instant feeling of summer joy.”
The Royal Ascot Dress Code remains part of the very DNA of the world-renowned event
The concept of this year’s handbook, ‘The Art of Dressing Well,’ speaks to a celebration of personal expression within the framework of tradition. The Royal Ascot Dress Code remains part of the very DNA of the world-renowned event and maintains the event’s elevated sartorial standards while allowing greater freedom for personal expression is at the heart of this year’s fashion campaign. Yes, there are some serious style tips to be taken note of – but it’s also about having fun with fashion, and making your outfits your own.
“The launch of the Royal Ascot Handbook is always a special moment, marking the beginning of the journey towards the week itself,” says Tom Johnson, commercial director at Ascot.
“Daniel has once again brought the season’s key trends and styles to life with great flair, and we hope The Art of Dressing Well inspires racegoers to fully embrace the occasion.
This year’s fashion campaign reflects the evolving style of our audience while celebrating the much‑loved ritual of dressing up – something that remains central to the spirit and identity of Royal Ascot.”
Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 20 June 2026. Book your tickets here.
