Royal Ascot is due to arrive at York next week. Women's Editor Lindsay Jennings compiles a guide to the strict Ascot etiquette and discovers how to avoid falling at any style hurdles.

ROYAL Ascot may be coming North to York this year, but the dress code will be as rigorous as ever. In the sought-after Royal Enclosure, that code means no bare midriffs or shoulders; skirts must be on the knee and trouser suits must be in the same material.

This season, skirts are all about volume, from the belled "tulip" styles, which look very chic with jackets nipped in at the waist, to voluminous print skirts. Leave the gypsy skirts alone - there's a reason it's called the peasant look and it doesn't belong in the Royal Enclosure.

Hats must also be worn in the Royal Enclosure - modesty is key and most parts of the body need to be covered up here - but the fashion rules relax a little in some of the other enclosures.

Here are the dos and don'ts to keep ahead in the style stakes:

WEAR A GREAT HAT

WHETHER it's a specially designed creation to match your Ascot attire or an off-the-peg number from Marks & Spencer, a hat really does offer the opportunity to shine. Headpieces are proving really popular this year with the trend being more for smaller, intricate pieces than wide brimmed, holiday type affairs. For the fashionistas out there you cannot fail in the style stakes with a headpiece or hat by milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy. For Philip Treacy hats head to The House, High Street, Yarm.

DRESS IT UP WITH ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORIES from chic handbags to statement-piece necklaces have grown in popularity over the last few seasons. A striking corsage can make a huge impact to a dress or jacket; likewise a pair of detailed, jewelled earrings. One word of warning however - don't be tempted to wear every accessory going in an attempt to be individual. For fantastically ornate and up-to-the-minute accessories go to Accessorize (www.accessorize.co.uk) or visit Lone Star in the High Street, Yarm.

LESS IS NOT ALWAYS MORE

AS the fashion features editor of Harpers & Queen, Sara Buys should have known better when she was escorted by fiancee Tom Parker Bowles to the wedding of his mother, Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles. The same goes for Royal Ascot - by all means raise the hem a little (although only if you have the legs, are aged under 30 and are not in the Royal Enclosure) but ensure that you protect your modesty at the same time. This obviously means ensuring that your skirt is not tucked into your knickers.

CAREFULLY SHOD

WATCH out for stilettos on grass. You don't want to end up disappearing or with turf dangling from your carefully shod heels. Go for heels with a bigger surface area or this season's platforms, and wear shoes which are comfortable - there's often a great deal of parading around to do.

GROOMING

ATTENTION to details counts and beautifully manicured hands and feet will stand out. A manicure, and pedicure if toes are on show, is an absolute must, but stay away from gaudy reds.

HAIR RAISING

UP dos are chic and tidy at Ascot and fit neatly underneath hats. Take your hat along to the hairdressers with you for a practice before you go.

AND NOT FORGETTING THE MEN...

IN the Royal Enclosure, men should wear a morning suit in black or grey, a uniform or national dress. Men can add their own personal touches by adding a coloured waistcoat and tie to wear with their morning suits - but stay away from rainbow colours. Pastels work best.

Outside of the Royal Enclosure, men should opt for a suit or jacket with a tie. Jeans, short, sports gear and trainers are not allowed.