Amber le Bon launches Royal Ascot's 'fashion police' uniform: Army of style assistants in silver dresses set to enforce dress code at this year's racing meet

• Amber le Bon models new outfit for Ascot 'Dress Code Assistants'
  
• Second year a group will be on site to offer 'corrections and advice'
• Follows introduction of tighter dress codes to the Royal Enclosure
• Silver shift dress and matching jacket designed by Hobbs

By Katy Winter

PUBLISHED: 09:14 EST, 22 May 2013 | UPDATED: 09:41 EST, 22 May 2013

Royal Ascot is one of the most popular events in the sporting and social calendar, with an annual attendance of nearly 300,000 people.

Dressing properly is part of the experience, at least it was until recent years when standards started to slip and spaghetti straps, mini skirts and - horror upon horrors - fascinators began showing up in the Royal Enclosure.

In a bid to reintroduce style befitting such a prestigious event the bosses at Ascot introduced stricter dress code regulations in 2012 for certain parts of the course, employing a fleet of well-dressed fashion police to enforce the rules.

Naturally, the dress code assistants' own outfits will be under strict scrutiny and today model Amber le Bon unveiled the chic new designs that will be worn by the women policing the racegoers outfits.

Amber Le Bon heads up a group modeling the outfits of Royal Ascot's 2013 Dress Code Assistants

Bosses at Ascot introduced stricter dress code regulations in 2012 for certain parts of the course, employing a fleet of well-dressed fashion police to enforce the rules

The silver shift dresses and matching jackets are designed by high-end High Street brand Hobbs and they adhere to the rule banning strapless or spaghetti straps, and that ladies hems must be of 'modest length'.

The jacket is finished with a slim bow belt and the outfits at today's photocall were completed with nude heels and elaborate yet elegant hats that organisers hope will set the tone for the event.

The specially trained team of Dress Code Assistants was first introduced in 2012.

Available outside the racecourse to help visitors with any last minute concerns over their attire the women also manned the ticket stiles to make sure that nobody wearing the wrong sort of clothing entered the stands without first being made over in accordance with the new rules.

The assistants will be wearing the grey outfits, designed by Hobbs, and be outside Ascot to offer advice and provide minor corrections if necessary as they did last year

Model Amber seemed to be enjoying the day, which saw photographers and crowds gather to catch the first glimpse of the Dress Code Assistant's outfits

Alongside a brochure detailing the dressing-up dos and don'ts of the sporting festival, Ascot organisers have launched a video to remind racegoers how long dresses ought to hang and what sort of top hats gentlemen should be wearing.

They claim that this is is to keep the ancient tradition of the annual race alive and to make sure the atmosphere remains the same.

At the heart of Royal Ascot is the Royal Enclosure which, like the tradition of the Royal Procession, dates back to the early 1800’s and the reign of George IV. Within this area, a strict dress code of morning dress for men and formal day wear for ladies applies, including no fascinators or thighs on display.

Guests in the Grandstand Admission are required to wear smart dress with gentlemen required to wear a shirt and tie and ladies a hat or fascinator. No branded clothing or strapless outfits are allowed.

And the final admission area, the Silver Ring is the least formal enclosure with no applicable dress code, designed for those people looking for a more relaxed day out.

The 2013 dress code guide provides example outfits for both men and women: Three piece suit by Reiss, shirt by Jaeger, shoes and tie by Boss Selection (right) Dress by Nanette Lepore, clutch by Gina, shoes by Zoe Jordan and fascinator by Philip Treacy (left)

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse said: ‘We were delighted with the reception of the new dress code last year, which endorsed our decision to make such changes. Royal Ascot is an event where people like to dress up and they feel a bit let down when those around them don’t.

'The Dress Code Assistants were a tremendous addition to the customer welcome last year, providing advice and where necessary minor corrections. Once again Hobbs London will be providing their outfits, so that they are beautifully presented at the entrances and easily identifiable.’

Sandy Verdon, Creative Director at Hobbs added: ‘We are proud to once again support Ascot with the outfits for the Dress Code Assistants.  Royal Ascot is such a special event and everyone enjoys dressing up for the occasion.  The bespoke outfit is perfect for the Assistants as they are modern, elegant and all in keeping with the unique dress code.’

Dress by McQ by Alexander McQueen, shoes by Christian Louboutin, bag by Mascaro and headpiece by Jane Taylor (right) and trousers by Gerard Darel, a blue jacket and white shirt by Reiss, shoes by Gina, bag by Nancy Gonzalez and headpiece by Philip Treacy (left) 

 

Your guide to fashion at Royal Ascot 2013