Morning Dress: What It Is and How It’s Worn in London Today

When you think of formal daytime events in London, morning dress, a traditional British formal attire for daytime occasions, typically consisting of a black or grey tailcoat, striped trousers, a waistcoat, and a tie or cravat. Also known as day dress, it’s the uniform of royal weddings, horse races like Ascot, and high-society morning ceremonies. It’s not just old-fashioned — it’s still alive in the city’s most exclusive corners, worn by people who value tradition, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence.

Unlike evening wear, which leans toward tuxedos and gowns, morning dress is built for daylight. The tailcoat, with its curved front and long tails, isn’t for show — it’s functional, designed to sit cleanly while standing or walking. The striped trousers, usually grey or charcoal, match the coat’s formality without being too heavy. A waistcoat, often in silk or wool, adds structure. And the tie? Not a bow tie — that’s for evening. It’s a tie or cravat, neatly tied, always in a muted pattern. You’ll see this look at the Royal Ascot, where thousands still dress to the code, and at formal garden parties at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s dress code is still strictly enforced. Even in 2025, Londoners who attend these events know: if it’s daytime and it’s official, morning dress is the only answer.

But it’s not just for royalty. Over the last decade, a quiet revival has taken hold. Younger professionals in finance, law, and heritage industries are bringing morning dress back — not as a costume, but as a statement of personal style rooted in history. Some rent it for weddings; others invest in bespoke pieces from Savile Row tailors like Henry Poole or Anderson & Sheppard. You’ll spot it at charity luncheons in Mayfair, at graduation ceremonies at Oxford and Cambridge when they’re held in London, and even at high-end art gallery openings where the crowd leans into tradition. It’s not about showing off — it’s about respect. For those who wear it, morning dress isn’t outdated. It’s deliberate.

What makes it work in London is the city’s odd blend of old and new. You can walk from a morning dress event at the House of Lords to a street art festival in Shoreditch, and both feel equally at home. The same people who wear morning dress to Ascot might be the ones posting about sustainable fashion on Instagram. That tension — between heritage and innovation — is what keeps morning dress relevant. It’s not about copying the past. It’s about carrying it forward, with care.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from Londoners who live with this style — whether they wear it every year or just once. You’ll learn where to rent or buy authentic pieces, how to style it without looking like you’re in a play, and which modern twists are actually working. No fluff. Just what you need to understand, appreciate, or even wear morning dress yourself.