Just days ago, Royal Ascot 2026 once again delivered incredible fashion moments with royal ladies stepping out in some truly stunning designs. But while this year’s looks are still making headlines, Royal Ascot has been serving unforgettable fashion for generations. From Princess Margaret’s glamorous Dior era and Princess Diana’s iconic race day style to Catherine’s modern elegance and Zara Tindle’s contemporary chic, the Royal Racecourse has given us some of the most memorable fashion moments in history. So today we’re counting down
the 18 best Royal Ascot looks of all time. Queen Elizabeth II, 1976. I’m going to start this list with Queen Elizabeth II. Now, the truth is I could have picked dozens of her royal ascot outfits because she delivered iconic looks year after year for decades. But I’ve chosen this particular look because it made headlines at the time and perfectly showcased her talent for turning a classic royal outfit into something unforgettable.
When the Queen arrived at Royal Ascot in 1976, she stepped out in a striking white coat dress accented with vibrant orange detailing that immediately caught everyone’s attention. In an era when many royal outfits leaned towards softer, more traditional tones, this bold color combination felt fresh, modern, and impossible to miss.
The coat dress featured a tailored double- breasted design with a high neckline and crisp structuring. Bright orange bands framed the collar, cuffs, pocket openings, and center front closure, creating a sharp contrast against the clean white fabric. It was a perfect example of 1970s fashion while still remaining unmistakably regal.
What made the look so successful was its simplicity. It also reflected one of the Queen’s most famous fashion rules, wearing colors that allowed her to be easily spotted by the thousands of people gathered around the raceourse. The accessories tied everything together beautifully. She paired the outfit with a structured orange hat featuring coordinated orange white accents beneath the brim, likely created by one of her favorite milliners, Simone Murman.
A white loner handbag, pristine white gloves, and classic white leather shoes completed the polished daytime ensemble. As always, her jewelry remained timeless. The queen wore her signature triple strand pearl necklace along with a beautiful gold and gemstone brooch pinned to her left lapel. Nearly 50 years later, this remains one of the standout royal ascot looks of her reign and a reminder that Queen Elizabeth never needed flashy fashion to make a lasting impression.
Princess Diana, 1988. If there’s one royal who completely transformed royal ascot fashion, it has to be Princess Diana. And in 1988 alone, she delivered not one but two unforgettable looks that perfectly captured her growing confidence and evolving style. The first look, and arguably the more iconic of the two, appeared on June 15th, 1988.
Even today, this outfit remains one of Diana’s most celebrated royal ascot appearances and has inspired royal fashion decades later. The centerpiece was a crisp white midi dress covered in bold black polka dots custommade by Victor Edelstein. The elegant silhouette was elevated by a beautiful shoulder wrap detail that draped gracefully across the front, adding movement and sophistication to the design.
What really made the outfit unforgettable was the coordination. Diana paired the dress with a dramatic flat topped boater hat by Frederick Fox crafted in the exact same polka dot fabric. The result was polished, striking, and instantly recognizable. The accessories were equally timeless. Black and white captoed heels, a structured white clutch, and matching pearl drop earrings completed a look that still feels effortlessly chic nearly four decades later.
But that wasn’t the only standout Diana moment of Royal Ascot 1988. Just a day earlier on June 14th, she stepped out in a completely different aesthetic that showcased her talent for making classic tailoring feel fresh and modern. Created by Catherine Walker, the sleek white silk day dress featured a structured mid-length silhouette, clean lines, a modern boat neckline, and elegant 3/4 sleeves.
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While the dress itself was beautiful, the real star of the outfit was the navy and white striped silk scarf draped around her shoulders. Designed to mimic a nautical sailor collar, the scarf was wrapped and knotted asymmetrically at the front, giving the look a sophisticated maritime feel without appearing costume-like. The nautical theme continued with an extraordinary Philip Somerville hat.
The dramatic wide-brimmed design featured bold navy and white concentric stripes that perfectly echoed the scarf detailing and added a striking visual element to the ensemble. What makes these two outfits so remarkable is how different they are. One embraced timeless monochrome glamour while the other leaned into crisp nautical tailoring.
Yet both were unmistakably Diana. Princess Diana 1990. If 1988 showcased Diana’s elegance, then 1990 showcased her fearlessness. By the start of the new decade, she was no longer simply following fashion trends. She was setting them. And at Royal Ascot that year, she arrived with two bold looks that embraced the era’s love of powerful color blocking.
On the opening day of the races, Diana stepped out in one of the most vibrant outfits of her royal career. Designed by Catherine Walker, the ensemble paired a striking red double- breasted blazer with a rich purple pencil skirt, creating a dramatic contrast that instantly stood out among the crowd.
The blazer featured the sharp structured shoulders that defined early 1990s fashion, while a soft gold yellow blouse peeking through the collar added yet another layer of color to the look. It was bold, confident, and completely impossible to ignore. To tie everything together, Diana wore a coordinating Philip Somerville hat featuring matching red and purple tones.
Purple pumps completed the ensemble while her jewelry remained understated, allowing the powerful color palette to remain the star of the show. But Diana wasn’t finished making fashion headlines. For her second Royal Ascot appearance, she once again turned to Catherine Walker, this time embracing an even more playful combination of colors.
The centerpiece was a striking hot pink double- breasted skirt suit featuring vivid sapphire blue accents on the buttons, lapels, and pocket trims. The contrast was dramatic, energetic, and perfectly captured the fashion mood of the early 1990s. One of the most memorable elements of the look was the hat. Rather than choosing a traditional design, Diana opted for an eye-catching sculptural pink and purple chapo with a distinctive upturned brim.
The angular shape beautifully echoed the strong tailoring of the suit and added an extra touch of drama to the overall ensemble. Both outfits perfectly reflected the fashion energy of 1990 and proved once again that Diana had an extraordinary ability to make even the most daring trends look effortlessly elegant. Sarah Ferguson 1990.
Throughout the race meeting, she delivered two memorable looks that perfectly captured the bold, colorful fashion of the era and proved she wasn’t afraid to take style risks. Her most famous appearance came in a striking all red ensemble that immediately turned heads. At a time when fashion rules often claimed red heads should avoid wearing red, Sarah completely ignored the advice and confidently embraced the vibrant shade from head to toe.
The look featured a structured red dress paired with a matching jacket designed with strong padded shoulders, a signature silhouette of late 1980s and early 1990s fashion. The sharp tailoring gave the outfit confidence and presence, making it one of the standout looks of the entire event. She paired the ensemble with a dramatic wide-brimmed straw hat in the same vivid red shade, a bold black band wrapped around the crown, creating the perfect contrast against the monochromatic outfit.
Simple gold and pearl jewelry, classic black pumps, and understated makeup completed the look while allowing her auburn hair and vibrant outfit to remain the focus. Whether she was embracing bold headto toe red or elegant navy and white tailoring, Sarah brought confidence, personality, and unmistakable early 1990s glamour to the event.
Kitty Spencer 2019. If there’s one person who understands how to make an entrance at Royal Ascot, it’s Kitty Spencer. And on the opening day of the 2019 meeting, she delivered one of the most elegant and memorable looks of the entire decade. Mastering the famously strict royal enclosure dress code.
Kitty embraced a sophisticated vintage inspired monochrome aesthetic that felt timeless, glamorous, and completely effortless. The centerpiece of the look was a custom Dolian Gabana creation crafted entirely from intricate white lace. The midilength dress featured a refined high neckline, a beautifully defined waist, and a distinctive pepleum detail that flowed into a classic fit and flare skirt.
The silhouette felt both regal and feminine, proving that sometimes elegance speaks louder than bold colors. But as stunning as the dress was, the real talking point of the outfit sat on top of her head. Created by legendary milliner Philip Trice, Kitty’s tilted white cocktail hat featured a dramatic black quill rising high above the design.
It instantly became one of the most photographed accessories of the entire royal ascot meeting and even created its own unexpected fashion story. Because of the pouring rain and the extraordinary height of the quill, Kitty reportedly couldn’t even sit normally in her car on the way to the racecourse. To protect the headpiece, she had to travel lying flat across the seats, turning the hat into almost as much of a headline as the outfit itself.
As a bulgary ambassador, Kitty completed the ensemble with spectacular diamond drop earrings and a luxury watch that added a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the look. Her styling was equally polished. Blonde hair was swept into a sleek low shinan, allowing the high neckline and dramatic Philip Tracy hat to take center stage.
Fresh, radiant makeup and a soft pink lip completed the elegant finish. What makes this royal ascot appearance so unforgettable isn’t just the beautiful lace dress or the statement hat. It’s the way every detail worked together. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 2019. Some royal ascot looks are elegant, some are memorable, and then there are the outfits that become instant classics.
Catherine’s 2019 appearance firmly falls into that category. After several years of favoring white lace ensembles at the races, Catherine surprised royal fashion watchers by stepping out in a breathtaking powder blue creation by a Saab. The icy blue look instantly stood out and quickly became one of the most celebrated royal ascot outfits of her royal career.
The ensemble was customized from look number 49 of a Saab’s resort 2019 collection and showcased the designer’s signature romantic aesthetic. The top featured a sheer bow blouse crafted from delicate Swiss dot fabric. A prominent bow collar framed the neckline, while long sheer sleeves with elegant cuffs added a touch of vintage glamour.
The sleeves were specially modified from the original runway version, giving the look an even more regal feel. The coordinating skirt was equally beautiful, falling between midi and maxi length. It was crafted from layers of embroidered tulle covered in intricate polka dot detailing. Beneath the sheer fabric, Catherine wore a matching cornflour blue slip that provided modesty while allowing the delicate embroidery to remain the focal point.
The result was soft, feminine, and effortlessly elegant. The accessories elevated the look even further. Catherine paired the ensemble with a bespoke Philip Tracy saucer hat dyed to perfectly match the icy blue shade of the outfit. One of the most beautiful details was a dramatic tonal flower tucked discreetly beneath the left side of the brim, adding texture and dimension without overpowering the overall look.
Her jewelry was equally impressive. She wore stunning blue topaz and diamond drop earrings by Kiki Mcdana, crafted in 18 karat white gold and featuring both oval and cushion cut stones surrounded by sparkling diamonds. What makes this look so memorable is how effortlessly everything worked together. From the soft powder blue palette to the intricate embroidery and perfectly matched accessories, every detail felt carefully considered.
Princess Eujeni 2019. Princess Eujenei has often found herself on fashion critics worst dressed lists over the years with many of her outfits attracting far more scrutiny than praise. But Royal Ascot 2019 was one of those rare moments when even her critics had to admit she got it right. Throughout the race meeting, Eujenei delivered two completely different looks that showcased both her willingness to take risks and her ability to embrace classic elegance.
On the opening day, she turned heads in a vibrant turquoise and yellow ensemble that perfectly demonstrated the art of color blocking. The look centered around a sleeveless Calvin Klein 205W39 NYC pleated midi dress featuring a bright turquoise blue base and unexpected flashes of vivid yellow hidden within the pleats and along the side hem.
What made the outfit so eye-catching was the movement. Every step revealed bursts of yellow against the turquoise fabric, creating a playful and modern effect that stood out among the more traditional race day looks. She paired the dress with a bright yellow Maggie Mobre dappel beret hat embellished with delicate crystal beading along the headband.
The headpiece perfectly echoed the yellow accents of the dress and brought the entire outfit together. But her fashion success didn’t stop there. For ladies day, she revealed a much more refined and understated side of her style in a sophisticated forest green ensemble. The centerpiece was the Mia silk satin midi dress by Sephin, featuring an elegant asymmetric hemline and keyhole detailing at the neckline.
The rich green shade continued through her matching saucer hat by Bundle McLaren Millinary. Wrapped in silk and finished with dramatic peacock feather trim, the headpiece added texture and drama while maintaining the monochromatic feel of the outfit. She finished the look by rewearing her nude M2 Malateier clutch and pairing it with classic nude pointed toe pumps, allowing the deep green tones to remain the focus.
What makes Royal Ascot 2019 so memorable for Eujenei is that it showcased two very different sides of her fashion personality. One look was bold, colorful, and fashionforward, while the other embraced timeless elegance. Together, they became some of the strongest style moments of her royal career. Sarah Ferguson 2019. Sarah Ferguson has never been afraid of color, and that’s exactly what made her 2019 Royal Ascot appearance so unforgettable.
While many guests played it safe with soft pastels and neutral tones, Sarah arrived in a look that was vibrant, bold, and full of personality. Attending day four of the meeting, she stepped out in a striking sunshine yellow shirt dress that instantly brightened the racecourse. The canary yellow silk design featured a tailored collared bodice, long sleeves, and a beautifully gathered waist that created a flattering and elegant silhouette.
But Sarah didn’t stop there. To complement the dress, she wore a bespoke bottle green pillar box fascinator by JCM Creations. Created at the last minute, the headpiece was decorated with dramatic peacock feathers that added height, texture, and a real sense of occasion. The color coordination throughout the outfit was particularly impressive.
She carried a matching bottle green Gucci leather clutch that echoed the tones of the hat and belt, creating a beautifully connected look from head to toe. Then came the unexpected twist. Instead of choosing yellow or green shoes, Sarah opted for rich purple velvet heels. The contrast shouldn’t have worked on paper, but somehow it added even more personality to an outfit that was already impossible to ignore.
Her signature red hair was worn down in voluminous, bouncy curls, bringing softness to the bold color palette. Meanwhile, her makeup leaned into a more dramatic direction, featuring a radiant complexion and a defined smoky eye that perfectly matched the confidence of the overall look. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 2022. Sometimes the most memorable royal fashion moments are the ones that beautifully honor the past.
And Catherine’s 2022 royal ascot appearance did exactly that. The moment she arrived at the raceourse, royal watchers immediately noticed the similarities to one of Princess Diana’s most iconic royal ascot looks from 1988. Rather than creating a direct copy, Catherine delivered a modern interpretation that felt elegant, sophisticated, and unmistakably her own.
The centerpiece was a stunning custom Alisandra rich silk crepeene midi dress adapted from the designer’s spring 2019 collection. The design featured a high buttoned neckline, an off-center pleated bow scarf detail, softly puffed shoulders, fitted cuffs, and a beautifully gathered asymmetrical bodice. A built-in belt cinched the waist and created a flattering silhouette that balanced vintage inspiration with contemporary refinement.
What makes this outfit so special is how effortlessly it captures the glamour of classic royal fashion while still feeling completely modern. The styling was equally impeccable. Catherine paired the dress with a bespoke Sally Anne Proan nava boater hat crafted with a light straw base. The design featured hand-crafted white flowers, rich chocolate brown trim.
The hat perfectly echoed the warm tones of the dress and became one of the standout millinary moments of the entire meeting. The coordinated color palette continued through her accessories. Dark chocolate brown gianvito Rossi suede pumps complemented the brown polka dots beautifully while a matching suede clutch completed the look with understated elegance.
The most meaningful detail, however, was her jewelry. Catherine chose Princess Diana’s South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop earrings, one of the late Princess’s most recognizable pieces. Featuring a diamond knot motif suspending a large pearl drop, the earrings added a subtle yet powerful connection to the woman whose style inspired so much of the look.
Her hair was swept into an intricate low bun, allowing both the hat and the heirloom earrings to take center stage. Classic makeup featuring her signature smoky eye, soft rosy blush, and a neutral pink lip completed the polished appearance. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 2023. When it comes to royal mascot, Catherine rarely gets it wrong.
Year after year, she delivers elegant, polished looks. But her 2023 appearance felt particularly unforgettable because she stepped away from soft pastels and embraced one of the boldest colors in royal fashion, headto toe red. The moment she arrived, she instantly became one of the most talked about figures of the entire meeting.
The monochromatic look was confident, sophisticated, and impossible to ignore. The centerpiece was a bespoke Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton. The tealength silhouette featured a fluid a-line shape that moved beautifully as she walked. The bodice showcased a draped wrap style front with a modest V-neckline and wide tapered tucks creating a refined and flattering structure.
The long sleeves featured slightly puffed shoulders and elegant cuffed wrists adding just the right amount of drama without overwhelming the silhouette. A sharply defined belted waist flowed into a pleated calf-length skirt, giving the entire outfit a timeless and feminine feel. Of course, no royal ascot look is complete without spectacular millinary, and Catherine’s hat was every bit as striking as the dress itself.
Created by Philip Trice, the wide-brimmed saucer hat perfectly matched the vivid red palette of the outfit. The standout detail was an oversized silk flower perched on top, adding texture, dimension, and a touch of classic ascot glamour. Her accessories continued the monochromatic theme beautifully. She carried a vintage red Hermes Rio clutch featuring a fold over design, subtly curved edges, and a concealed snap closure beneath the house’s signature black and gold H logo.
For footwear, she chose red suede Jennifer Chamandi Lorenzo 105 pumps. The sleek stiletto heels complemented the flowing lines of the dress and completed the powerful all red statement. Her hair was styled into an intricate low-swept woven bun perfectly positioned beneath the wide-brimmed hat. Meanwhile, her makeup remained classically Catherine, featuring a soft smoky eye, defined brows, and a neutral pink lip.
What makes this look so memorable is its confidence. Rather than relying on delicate details or understated elegance alone, Catherine embraced bold color while maintaining the sophistication she’s known for. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh 2024. If there was one royal ascot look in 2024 that perfectly blended elegance, romance, and personal meaning, it had to be Sophie’s.
Not only was this one of the most praised outfits of the entire meeting, but it also carried special significance because she wore it on June 19th, 2024, the exact day she and Prince Edward celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Known as the Carara’s design, the dress offered a fresh take on traditional race day fashion. The look combined an opaque strapless white inner column dress with a completely sheer silk organza overlay creating an ethereal layered effect that immediately stood out among the crowd.
What made the gown truly special was the exquisite detailing. The ankle grazing organza overlay was covered in intricate white daisy patterned lace appliques giving the entire ensemble a romantic almost dreamlike quality. The millinary was equally beautiful. Sophie paired the dress with a bespoke cream and white straw hat by Jane Taylor Millinary.
Featuring a dramatic sweeping brim angled perfectly around her face, the design felt elegant and refined while maintaining the airy aesthetic of the dress. For the finishing touches, her hair was swept back into a soft textured low shinan allowing the high orza neckline and statement earrings to take center stage.
Her makeup remained true to her signature style, featuring glowing skin, soft taupe smoky eyes, defined brows, peach toned blush, and a nude pink satin lip. Princess Anne 2024. Princess Anne has made headlines for years as one of royal ascots most consistently best dressed attendees. Season after season, fashion critics praise her timeless tailoring, incredible reweares, and effortless confidence.
But in 2024, she didn’t just impress royal fashion watchers. She absolutely stole the show. Across the meeting, Anne delivered multiple standout looks, but it was her opening day appearance that became one of the biggest fashion talking points of the entire event. Embracing her signature commitment to sustainable fashion, she revived a striking Shabumi Nero coat that she had originally worn at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2021.
Crafted from a luxurious cashmere and silk blend, the coat featured a rich red backdrop covered in intricate silver and gold botanical embroidery that immediately caught the eye. While many attendees opted for traditional florals and pastels, Anne’s bold choice felt fresh, confident, and completely unforgettable.
The vibrant red instantly stood out against the crowd and proved once again why she remains one of the most underrated style icons in the royal family. The real surprise came with the accessories. She paired the dramatic coat with a quirky turquoise hat topped with a matching bow, creating a striking color combination that shouldn’t have worked, but somehow worked perfectly.
The contrast made the outfit even more memorable and turned it into one of the most photographed looks of the week. Navy leather gloves, a classic black handbag with a gold chain strap, and her signature multistrand pearl necklace completed the ensemble, while a matching berry red lipstick added the perfect finishing touch.
For her second appearance, Anne switched gears completely, stepping out in a sharply tailored navy and white double- breasted suit. The polished silhouette showcased her love of classic royal dressing and was paired with a dramatic navy picture hat featuring elegant white piping and a floral focal detail.
A structured navy clutch and her beloved equestrian themed gold brooches completed the timeless look. What made Princess Anne’s Royal Ascot 2024 wardrobe so remarkable wasn’t just the clothes, it was the confidence behind them. From bold botanical prints and unexpected color combinations to classic tailoring and elegant pastels, she demonstrated exactly why she remains one of royal ascots most celebrated dressers.
Princess Beatatrice 2025. Just like her sister, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatatrice spent years making headlines for all the wrong fashion reasons. For more than a decade, royal fashion critics frequently placed her on worst dressed lists, and almost every major appearance seemed to spark debate. But trust me, royal ascot 2025 proved just how far her style has come.
Stepping out on the opening day of the races, Beatatrice delivered one of the prettiest and most polished looks of the entire meeting in a beautiful pale pink and white gingham ensemble by Bula London. The outfit combined the brand’s Gabriella top with the matching Arabella skirt, creating an elegant skirt suit silhouette that felt both classic and fresh.
The jacket featured dramatic bishop sleeves, a structured belted waist, and large statement buttons down the front, giving the look beautiful shape and definition. The matching a-line midi skirt flowed gracefully below the knee, perfectly adhering to royal enclosure dress codes while maintaining a soft, feminine feel. The bubblegum pink and white gingham pattern added a charming vintage inspired touch that felt ideal for a summer day at Ascuit.
Her accessories were equally well coordinated. Beatatric paired the outfit with a blush pink Juliet Bterel millinary headpiece featuring elegant swirled bow detailing. The soft millinary choice complemented the gingham pattern beautifully without overwhelming the outfit. She completed the look with a miniature structured white top handle bag by Ana Hind, keeping the overall styling clean, polished, and perfectly balanced.
What makes this outfit stand out is how effortless it feels. There’s nothing overly complicated, nothing trying too hard, and yet every single detail works together beautifully. For someone who spent years being criticized for her fashion choices, this royal ascot appearance was a reminder that Princess Beatatrice has quietly become one of the royal family’s strongest dressers.
And honestly, this was easily one of her best ascot looks ever. Harriet Sperling 2026. Just days earlier, Harriet Sperling was making headlines around the world because of her stunning wedding to Peter Phillips. Royal watchers couldn’t stop talking about her bridal look and naturally all eyes were on what she would wear for her first major royal event as Mrs. Peter Phillips.
Then she arrived at Royal Ascot 2026 and completely wowed everyone. Making her post-wal debut on the opening day of the races, Harriet delivered one of the most elegant looks of the entire meeting. Fashion commentators were quick to describe the outfit as Kateco coded thanks to its polished tailoring, soft color palette, and timeless royal aesthetic.
The centerpiece was Susanna London’s beautiful barit dress, a custommade baby blue silk midi inspired by late 1940s tea dresses. The design featured a refined high collar neckline, self-covered dome buttons running along the bodice, softly pleated shoulders, and a beautifully contoured waist defined by a detachable matching belt. The silhouette felt classic, feminine, and perfectly suited to royal ascot.
Instantly establishing Harriet as one of the standout newcomers on the royal fashion scene. She paired the dress with a coordinating baby blue Jane Taylor hat decorated with delicate floral detailing. The accessories also included a sweet personal detail. She carried Ana Henarch’s bespoke pearl mod clutch which featured her new married initials HP monogrammed onto the bag, a subtle nod to her recent wedding.
For the finishing touches, her blonde hair was styled in a romantic low bun with soft wispy tendrils framing her face, creating an effortlessly elegant look that perfectly suited the vintage inspired outfit. Adding another charming detail, Peter Phillips subtly coordinated with his wife by wearing a light blue tie alongside his traditional morning suit.
Elegant, polished, and effortlessly sophisticated, it was the perfect post-wedding debut and instantly secured her place among royal mascots best dressed attendees of 2026. Zara Tindall 2026. If there’s one royal who never misses at Royal Ascot, it’s Zara Tindall. Year after year, she lands on best dressed lists thanks to her effortless ability to balance modern fashion with classic race day elegance.
And at the opening day of Royal Ascot 2026, she delivered yet another standout moment that instantly caught the attention of royal fashion watchers. Stepping out on June 16, Zara embraced one of the season’s biggest trends in a beautiful pastel lilac ensemble that felt fresh, feminine, and perfectly suited to a summer day at the races.
The centerpiece was a Rebecca Valance wrapover shirt dress from the designer’s upcoming unreleased collection. The pastel lilac design featured short puff sleeves, a flattering waist cinching belt, and a distinctive scalloped edge collar that added a playful yet sophisticated touch. The soft color palette immediately stood out and gave the entire look a light, elegant feel.
The coordination throughout the outfit was absolutely flawless. Zara paired the dress with a vivid purple pink boater hat by Juliet Millinary, a striking design decorated with interlocking floral-shaped loops that added texture and drama without overwhelming the look. The bold millinary choice brought the entire outfit to life and created one of the strongest hat moments of the day.
Her accessories continued the soft romantic color story. She wore her trusted Emmy London Rebecca pointed toe court pumps in misty rose suede, a style she returns to again and again for major royal events. The jewelry added an extra layer of luxury. Zara debuted Kiki Mcdana’s stunning fireworks amethyst oval sparkler drop earrings featuring amethyst stones accented with blue topaz, parido, and diamonds.
The colorful gemstones perfectly complemented the lilac tones of the dress while adding a touch of sparkle. She also rewore her rosehued Bulgari sunglasses, giving the outfit a modern and slightly glamorous edge. For the finishing touch, her blonde hair was styled in a sleek chign knot, a refined variation of the classic shinan that has become one of her signature hairstyles this season.
Queen Camila 2026. Queen Camila has delivered countless elegant royal ascot looks over the years, but her 2026 appearance reminded everyone why she remains one of the events most consistently polished dressers. While many attendees embraced bold colors and dramatic prints, Camila opted for timeless sophistication and the result was absolutely stunning.
Arriving on the opening day of Royal Ascot, she stepped out in a beautiful bespoke creation by her trusted designer Anna Valentine. The light blue dress featured a structured silhouette, elegant long sleeves, and a flattering V-neckline, creating a look that felt refined and effortlessly regal. What elevated the design even further was the delicate floral embroidery scattered across the fabric.
Soft blue and pink floral accents added texture and color while maintaining the understated elegance that has become a hallmark of Camila’s style. The coordination throughout the outfit was impeccable. She paired the dress with a dramatic light blue wide-brimmed hat by Philip Tracy, one of the most celebrated milliners in royal fashion.
The sweeping design perfectly complemented the soft palette of the dress and created a classic royal ascot silhouette, but the true stars of the ensemble were undoubtedly the historic royal jewels. Another remarkable detail could be found in her hat. Catherine, Princess of Wales, 2026. If there was one royal everyone was waiting to see at Royal Ascot 2026, it was Catherine.
After missing the race meetings in both 2024 and 2025, her return to Ascot became one of the biggest stories of the entire week. And when she finally arrived on day two, she absolutely lived up to the anticipation. The princess made a triumphant return in the traditional royal procession, sharing a carriage with Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.
The crowd’s reaction said it all. After 3 years away from the event, seeing Catherine back at Ascot was one of the most celebrated moments of the festival. What made the appearance even more remarkable was her packed schedule. This marked her third major royal engagement in less than a week following her appearances at Trooping the Color and the Order of the Guarder Service, proving she was steadily returning to public life with confidence and grace.
And of course, the fashion did not disappoint. Fully embracing one of summer 2026’s biggest trends, Catherine stepped out in a vibrant canary yellow Roxand midi dress that instantly landed her on countless best dressed lists. The striking design featured short sleeves and a distinctive knot detail on the shoulder, creating a silhouette that felt both modern and elegant.
In true Catherine fashion, the outfit was also a sustainable rewear. Royal fashion fans quickly recognized the dress from her 2022 Caribbean tour and later from the 2022 Wimbledon Women’s Final, proving once again that some of her best looks deserve more than one outing. She paired the dress with a spectacular lemon yellow wide-brimmed hat by Jane Taylor.
Finished with delicate netting, the hat perfectly matched the bright summer palette and created one of the most eye-catching monochromatic looks of the entire meeting. The jewelry added an extra layer of royal history. Catherine wore diamond chandelier earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II alongside Princess Diana’s famous Nigel Mil three strand pearl bracelet, blending two generations of royal heirlooms into one elegant ensemble.
Even the family coordination was perfectly executed. Prince William subtly echoed his wife’s sunny color scheme by wearing a yellow flower on the lapel of his morning suit. Meanwhile, Carol Middleton was also in attendance, looking elegant in a pastel pink Katherine Walker coat dress. What makes this appearance so memorable isn’t just the beautiful outfit.
It’s the moment itself. After a difficult period away from public life, Catherine returned to one of the royal calendar’s most glamorous events, looking confident, radiant, and effortlessly stylish. Princess Margaret 1950s. And topping this list is a woman who completely changed what royal fashion could look like.
Long before modern royals became fashion icons, there was Princess Margaret. Throughout the 1950s, she wasn’t just one of the best dressed women in Britain. She was one of the most glamorous women in the world. While Queen Elizabeth II embraced traditional royal dressing, Princess Margaret used royal ascot as her personal fashion runway, turning heads with couture designs, dramatic hats, and silhouettes inspired by Christian Dior’s revolutionary New Look.
The dress itself was crafted from flowing cream chiffon and featured all the hallmarks of the famous New Look aesthetic. A tightly cinched waist created a beautifully feminine silhouette, while the fluid skirt added movement and elegance. The simplicity of the cream palette allowed the craftsmanship and shape of the dress to take center stage.
To complete the ensemble, Margaret chose a dramatic architectural hat. The bold millinary perfectly framed her face and added the sophisticated glamour that became one of her trademarks throughout the decade. By 1955, Margaret was pushing fashion boundaries even further. At the July Royal Ascot meeting, she embraced a vibrant floral summer dress that showcased her growing confidence and willingness to experiment with color and texture.
The dress featured a classic mid-century silhouette, but stood out because of its bold floral print, a choice that felt refreshingly youthful compared to the more restrained royal fashions of the period. She paired the look with elegant gloves, delicate strappy sandals, a structured handbag, and her beloved multistrand pearl necklaces, effortlessly balancing couture fashion with royal protocol.
What truly made Princess Margaret’s royal ascot style so iconic wasn’t any single outfit. It was the signature formula she created throughout the decade. She also brought a youthful, almost Hollywood inspired glamour to royal ascot. Whether it was statement earrings, modern accessories, or fashionable sunglasses, Margaret always found ways to make traditional royal dressing feel fresh and exciting.
More than 70 years later, her royal ascot appearances remain some of the most glamorous in the events history. Elegant, daring, and effortlessly fashionable, Princess Margaret transformed ascot style forever. And that’s exactly why she deserves the number one spot on this list. And those were our picks for the 18 best royal ascot looks of all time.
From Princess Margaret’s timeless glamour and Princess Diana’s unforgettable fashion moments to Catherine’s elegant modern style and the newest generation of royal fashion stars. These looks prove that royal ascot remains one of the most stylish events on the royal calendar. Now I want to hear from you.
Which look deserved the number one spot? And which royal do you think has the best royal ascot style of all time? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll see you in the next video.
