The first Royal Ascot Colour of the Year has been announced as ‘tomato red’, so we’ve rounded up 5 of the best red race day dresses to wear to Ladies Day
Royal Ascot and Daniel Fletcher have teamed up to unveil their dressing guide for 2026 with The Royal Ascot Handbook: The Art of Dressing Well. The style guide is full of race day dressing inspiration with Erin O’Connor leading the campaign in looks from Edeline Lee, Rebecca Vallance and Christian Louboutin.
It’s also the first year they’ve launched the Royal Ascot Colour of the Year, which has been selected as Bright Tomato. And Ascot attendees are encouraged to wear this vibrant red shade on Ladies Day (18th June), either as a full statement look or as an accent.
If you are heading to Ascot next week and are in need of some help with what to wear, we’ve rounded up five of the best high street ‘tomato red’ dresses to ensure you’re on theme and look your very best.
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Nobody’s Child Red Ruched Naomi Midi Dress
Priced at £120
Shoppers have praised this Nobody’s Child midi for being the “perfect length- long enough to be elegant and formal without tripping over”, making it an ideal choice for impressing on Ladies Day. Finish of the look with a contrasting fascinator to really make a statement.
Principles Structured Fit And Flare Midi Dress
Priced at £65
This structutred fit and flare midi from Principles at Debenhams has hidden pockets making as practical as it is stylish. Team with matching tomato red accessories for a monochromatic moment or keep it simple with gold or neutral finishing touches.
Love & Roses Red Lace Angel Sleeve Midi Dress
Priced at £115
The flattering angel sleeves and cutout back add a gorgeous finishing touch to this lace dress from Love & Roses, making it the perfect choice for race days or even summer weddings.
Next Red Short Sleeve Midi Cinched Hip Shirt Dress
Priced at £56
If you prefer keeping your upper arms covered up, this Next shirt dress is a great option. The belt detail helps cinch in the waist for a figure-flattering silhouette and the classic shirt details adds a formal, polished touch to the outfit.
Phase Eight Ansley Strappy Maxi dress
Currently priced at £119
At Ascot, the rules state that straps on dresses must be minimum 1 inch wide to enter the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, with strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, and halter-necklines being strictly prohibited across most enclosures. While the Windsor Enclosure has no formal dress code, it’s best to follow suit of the other enclosures, and luckily this strappy maxi from Phase Eight meets the requirments.
