ASCOT is as known as much for the fashion as it is for the horse-racing.

There is endless coverage of the bright, tight, short and shiny outfits chosen by women at the event.

However, this year the organisers of the annual week-long event in Windsor kept a close eye on people to make sure they adhered to the new dress code.

Those who did not conform were handed out hats, pashminas, waistcoats and ties by dress code assistants outside the entrance gates.

The new rules stated that strapless, halterneck and spaghetti-strap dresses were a ‘no no’ and fascinators were no longer be acceptable for women in the royal enclosure.

In the grandstand, which is open to the public, a hat or fascinator was compulsory for women men had to wear a suit and tie.

But should people be dictated to about how they should dress?

Or is the sometimes outrageous clothing all part of the fun?

We asked fashion experts from across Essex for their views Lisa Shapiro and Amanda Holmes run the ultra fashionable boutique Ursula and Odette in Leigh.

They believe that reserving the dress etiquette at Ascot is a positive step.

However, they still think women can push the fashion boundaries while still conforming to the code.

Lisa says: “There aren’t actually that many events that require a dress code and you can pretty much get away with looking stylish in casual wear. Ascot is different, it is a chance for people to really dress up and be formal.

“The fact that there have been some real fashion shockers at Ascot in the past has meant that oganisers have probably introduced the dress code in order to instil etiquette back to the event.”

Lisa and Amanda styled one of their clients especially for the event in a Samantha Sung design and she was scouted by Vogue TV while in the owners and trainers enclosure.

Amanda says: “We knew that there was a dress code for Ascot because we had read about it in the press we didn’t necessarily have it in mind when working with our client.

“With Ascot I think you already have an idea of what will be appropriate to wear. Short skirts are not something we would have in mind for an event like that.

“Our store is not your typical Ascot clothing, we deal with fashion and everything is on trend. However, we do showed that it is possible to adhere to the dress code and still be fashionable and express your individuality.”

Visit www.ursulaodette.co.uk for details.

Vicki Wheeler, owner of the women’s boutique Ambiance in Crouch Street, Colchester, feels very strongly in favour of the Ascot dress code.

“It is something I really believe in.

“We sell outfits to a lot of people who are going to events such as Ascot and I think having the dress code and keeping up that standard is part of the charm and tradition of it.

“If you lower standards it would not be the same.

“I have been to Ascot Ladies Day, I go most years but was away this year and could not make it, and I just love getting dressed up and seeing everyone else and what they are wearing.

“I was at Waterloo Station this week and when I saw all the ladies in their outfits and fascinators I just felt really happy and wished I was going too.

“It is something this country does so well and I think the Queen, in her Jubilee year, and the senior members of the Royal family have really shown how we can get dressed up for special occasions and how important that is.

“When ladies come in to buy wedding outfits, or for other special occasions like Ladies Day at Ascot, they sometimes put on the fascinators and hats and get the giggles.

“They tell me it is because it is ‘just not them’ and they aren’t used to wearing that sort of thing but of course they aren’t.

“It is a special occasion, we don’t do it every day, and that is why I think the tradition of the dress code is so important.

“I rather like the fact they have a height restriction for fascinators and hats and other rules, I don’t think they are too strict. If you start to drop standards it just wouldn’t be the same.”

Visit www.ambianceofcolchester.co.uk for detals.

Fathom McCormack is the owner of Brazen Hussy fashion boutique in Leigh.

She believes that Ascot is all about people having fun and enjoying getting dressed up and there should not be a dress code.

She says: “Ascot is like one great big giant wedding! For women getting dressed up in all their finery is all part of the fun.

“If you’re wearing your best clothes and your hair and make up look great who’s to tell you don’t look good?”

This year Fathom went to Ascot and wore a customised £600 white dress decorated in Swarovski crystals, cream Louboutin boots and a Hermes bag.

She had to customise the dress in order to meet with the dress code requirements.

Fathom says: “My dress had one full sleeve on one side and was sleeveless on the other. I had to add a strap to the sleeveless side in order to be allowed in.

“It seems crazy to me that they focus on the small details in that way - how do sleeves make something inappropriate?”

She believes that rather than limiting people on what they wear, organisiers should be encouraging people to pull out all the stops with their clothes.

Fathom says: “I think people should be able to express themselves how they want. Rather than have people on the door checking that people are wearing ties and have sleeves, they should be checking that everyone is dressed up enough, and have made enough of an effort.”

Visit www.brazen.villagewebsmith.biz for details.