Best Dressed At Royal Ascot 2026: All Our Favourite Looks

Dust off those top hats and fluff those fascinators, Ascot season has trotted around again and with it comes the annual migration of Britian’s boldest and most bewilderingly dressed. Some traditionalists are busy studying form guides and whispering about their odds, but we know the real sport is people watching. The horses may have crossed the finish line, but the real champions were already parading past the grandstands, the ones who gracefully embody the elegance of the Ascot dress code.

As the horses strut their colours around the enclosure, royalty is showing off their labels. Day three of ascot marks one of the most glamorous days on the Calander, Ladies Day. Catherine, Princess of Wales, never fails to be counted among the best dressed. A standout in her sunshine- yellow dress and proudly sustainable look, she proved the point effortlessly: if the Princess of Wales can re wear an outfit, so can the rest of us. The dress in question is from London based designer, Roksanda Ilinčić, featuring short sleeves, a long A-line skirt with a bow detail on the shoulder. Kate employed another British designer: Jane Taylor for her hat. In a similar sunny hue to her dress, the hat featured a veiling detail. Of course, it is no surprise that Kate turned to UK- based brands for such a quintessentially British occasion; she remains the undisputed master of diplomatic dressing. After years in the global spotlight, Kate has perfected her signature style that rarely misses.

Princess of Wales as seen in Yahoo News

Joining the ranks in the class of 26” best dressed was naturally, Zara Tindall. The equestrian daughter of Princess Anne stepped out in a bespoke pale pink midi dress designed by Rebecca Vallance teamed with matching hat, shoes and bag. Joining Tindall at Ascot, was her sister-in-law, Harriet Sperling, who recently tied the knot with Peter Phillip in a custom lace number from Emilia Wickstead. For her first outing as Mrs Phillips, she chose a powder blue button-down high neck dress by Suzannah London which she paired with a floral- adorned saucer in a matching hue, icy slingbacks and an emerald clutch.

Zara Tindall as seen in Town and Country Magazine

Another fabulous face in the royal carriage was opera It-girl, Danielle de Niese. The voice that can shutter chandeliers was tucked behind the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in a horse drawn carriage. For the occasion the star was wearing a fabulous watercolour print dress, hitting the high notes of glamour with a swirling scarlet hat. It was glamour dialled up with operatic precision: effortless, expressive, and impossible to ignore.

It was a dazzling debut for the nation’s favourite races- a whirlwind of glamour, girt and galloping glory. But do not go emptying your wallet just yet; the week has only just slipped its heels on, and there are plenty more twists, turns and photo finishes still to come.