Royal Ascot Tightens Dress Codes, Bans Mini Skirts and Fascinators (PHOTOS)

New dress codes released by the organisers of the Royal Ascot event have set some strict standards following allegations that visitors, particularly ladies, were too casually dressed for the occasion.

According to guidelines released by the organisation, fascinators, a millinery style head-piece often worn by the likes of Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Hurley and Princess Beatrice, has been prohibited from the event. In its place, headpieces which have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (above 4 inches / 10cm) will only be permitted.

Apart from this, women are also required to wear dresses and skirts of modest length falling just above the knee or longer. Moreover, strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted.

For men, only black or grey morning dress is permitted which should include a black or grey top hat and black shoes. Any form of customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is also not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.

Regarded as an important event in the British social calendar, the Royal Ascot is Europe's most famous race meetings, and dates back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne.

Every year the event is attended by Queen Elizabeth II and various members of the British Royal Family such as The Prince of Wales, arriving each day in a horse-drawn carriage with the Royal procession taking place at the start of each race day and the raising of the Queen's Royal Standard.

Take a look at the images given below and find out which ensembles should be avoided for the coming 2012 Royal Ascot event: