Morning Dress
Morning dress (or 'formal day dress') is the traditional dress for weddings and formal daytime events in the presence of The Queen, such as Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour. The jacket is always referred to as the morning coat.
Morning Dress for Men
The morning coat has curved front edges sloping back at the sides into long tails. It is single-breasted with peaked lapels. Black or grey morning coats are nowadays considered equally acceptable.
Waistcoats are usually buff, grey or duck-egg blue and double or single-breasted. Double-breasted waistcoats may have a lapel, either shawl or peak, and are worn fully buttoned. Single-breasted waistcoats either have a step collar or no collar, and the lowest button is always left undone. Fancy waistcoasts, such as those worn by members of the Eton Society, are sometimes worn, especially at weddings. Avoid anything backless.
Trousers are grey or grey and black-striped.
Morning dress should be worn with a white or light-coloured shirt with a white turned-down collar, double cuffs and cufflinks.
Ties are preferred to cravats; a smart woven silk tie is acceptable.
Shoes should be highly-polished black lace-ups or smart slip-ons.
A grey or black top hat is worn with morning dress for racing but at most other events it is carried rather than worn and may be dispensed with.
Morning Dress for Women
Women should opt for smart daywear, such as a dress or skirt worn with a jacket.
Dresses should not be too short or revealing, especially if worn without a jacket in the summer.
Very high heels or evening-style shoes should be avoided - wedges are sensible if it is going to be soft underfoot.
Hats are usual, especially at weddings, but not always required. They are essential for certain settings, such as the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.
