When Royal Ascot announced Daniel Fletcher as its first-ever Creative Director last year, eyebrows raised – in the best possible way. Could one of British fashion’s most dynamic designers breathe new life into the sartorial codes of the season’s most tradition-steeped event?

The answer, resoundingly, was yes. Now Fletcher returns for round two with the 2025 Royal Ascot Lookbook, and it’s a masterclass in how to evolve an institution without losing the fabric of what makes it so special in the first place.

This year’s collection of edits moves with the same rhythm as last year’s debut – part heritage, part high fashion, with a healthy pinch of irreverence – but offers an even richer and broader ensemble.

Think: British eccentricity with an editorial eye; global style through an Ascot lens; and a welcome invitation to reimagine race-day dressing with a little more personality.

The 2025 Royal Ascot Lookbook redefines the dress code playbook, offering fresh sartorial cues for every kind of racegoer:

The Archive Edit

The Archive Edit is Fletcher’s answer to fashion’s well-considered shift towards sustainability – vintage, borrowed and rented pieces that feel more heirloom than hand-me-down. It’s occasionwear with a past, and that’s precisely the point.

Best of British

Best of British returns in full technicolour, a celebration of UK fashion in all its eccentric, preppy glory – set, naturally, against a backdrop of oversized strawberries, orchard fruits and summertime whimsy. Fletcher’s styling leans playful but polished – garden party meets catwalk.

The International Edit

The International Edit acknowledges Royal Ascot’s global audience with a more minimalist tone – and this year, it officially embraces traditional national dress within the style code. Kilts, saris, and cultural silhouettes aren’t just accepted – they’re celebrated.

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns does exactly what it says on the tin, dialling up the dopamine with polka dots, florals and unapologetic colour. It’s Ascot maximalism, and we’re here for it.

Elsewhere, the Lookbook highlights 'matcha green' as the pastel to beat for SS25, alongside Mocca Mousse – Pantone’s Colour of the Year – and lashings of silk, ruffle, and sheer layering. It’s elegance with edge, carefully wrapped in Ascot’s ever-considered dress codes.

“Returning for a second year, I wanted to push things further,” says Fletcher. “To show that occasion dressing isn’t about rules – it’s about self-expression.” Mission accomplished.

Royal Ascot takes place from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June 2025, with tickets available from ascot.com. Styling your summer occasionwear is an integral part of the Royal Ascot tradition, woven into the very essence of the event. Each enclosure at Royal Ascot upholds its own distinguished Dress Code. We kindly encourage you to familiarise yourself with the guidelines specific to your enclosure prior to your visit.