Are mini-skirts appropriate? Is there such a thing as 'too much' champagne? And what sort of hat should you wear to get within curtseying distance of the Queen? JO HAYWOOD hasn't got a clue when it come to Ascot, so she asked an expert.

SHE quaffs champagne for breakfast, has an assistant to help choose her outfit and travels in a chauffeur driven limo. Is it HRH? No, it's JJ - Janet Jones of Clifton Moor, York.

Janet is an Ascot regular. She has been for the past five years and is looking forward to when the event hits York on June 14.

In fact, she's already in training. "I do a 14-day detox before any big event, including Ascot," she said. "I follow Carol Vorderman. I couldn't follow her for longer because I love my food, but I can cope for a fortnight.

"I go without meat, dairy, wheat, caffeine, alcohol and sugar, and it makes me feel fantastic. I take all the bad stuff out of my body, then go to Ascot and put it all back."

Janet's sister lives in Tamworth and invited her down for Ascot five years ago. Since then it has become an annual girlie away day.

"My husband has his golfing trips and I have Ascot," she said. "I don't have to travel far this year, of course, but at least that means I'll get a bit of a lie-in."

As a member of York Racecourse, she got an invitation to join the Queen in the Royal Enclosure this year, but has declined because her husband is not really a top hat and tails type of man. Janet, on the other hand, likes to dress up.

She has already bought a "reserve" outfit from Browns and, with a bit of help from a personal shopper, is putting the finishing touches to her first choice: a turquoise number by Coast from Fenwick.

"I would never have chosen it myself, but as soon as I put it on I knew it was right," she said. "I would probably have gone for a jacket, but I've been persuaded into a pashmina.

"It will also be the first year I wear a fascinator a dinky little hat made fashionable by Victoria Beckham."

As a regular racegoer, she studies the form and is not just there for the hats. But Janet, who works at Next, still enjoys indulging in a bit of people watching. "You see the most amazing sights," she said. "Last year there was a woman with what looked like a garden on her head and another group that looked like the Addams family, all dressed in black with scary make-up. It's all part of it though."

She likes to make Ascot a day to remember with a champagne breakfast and door-to-door travel in a limo. But some days are more memorable than others.

"I remember one year wearing a halter top that was boned," said Janet. "As soon as I got into the limo I felt one of the bones snap. I struggled out at the other end saying I'd broken a bone. Everyone thought I meant a rib, which would probably have been a lot less painful."

:: Janet's top tips for Ascot

Check the dress code for the area you will be in so you can avoid problems before they arise. Getting chucked out in front of the Queen may be a bit embarrassing.

Fascinators will be frowned on in the Royal Enclosure if they don't cover the crown of the head, so position yours carefully.

If you want to avoid the queues, put all your bets on at once. You don't have to queue up for each race.

It's an expensive day out, so budget carefully. Don't forget to factor in your outfit, your food and drink, your bets and your limo (or your bus fare, depending on your pocket).

Go for style and comfort when it comes to shoes. One year we had to leave a friend in the car because she couldn't hobble on to the course. She missed everything.

Sip the champagne. It's a long day, so take a break for a coffee or a soft drink every now and then. There are some who let the side down and end up stumbling about in the gutter. But you need to maintain a bit of decorum - this is Royal Ascot after all.

:: Ascot dress code

Ladies are required to wear formal day dress with a hat. This means shoulders and midriffs must be covered and full-length trouser suits must be of matching material. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat, with a top hat. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country. Those not complying with the dress code will be asked to leave the enclosure and will be relieved of their badge.

Grandstand Enclosure

Visitors usually dress smartly for this traditional occasion. Many women wear hats, although this is not obligatory. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit or jacket, in both cases with a tie. Jeans, shorts, sports attire or trainers are not permitted. To avoid doubt, this includes football and rugby shirts, T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Yorkshire Course and Rail Enclosures

While many racegoers like to wear smart clothing at Royal Ascot, no formal dress code applies to these areas.

Hospitality Areas

Hospitality guests who are using facilities within the area designated for the Royal Enclosure are required to adhere to the Royal Enclosure dress code. All other hospitality guests should wear either morning dress or suit and jacket, in both cases with a tie. Most women wear hats, although this is not obligatory. Jeans, shorts, trainers or sports attire are not permitted.

Private Boxes

Boxholders who are using facilities within the area designated as the Royal Enclosure have to adhere to the strictest dress code. All other boxholders should follow the advice offered to hospitality guests.

Updated: 09:14 Tuesday, May 31, 2005