Ascot claimed it had been well-intentioned. But issuing race-goers who failed to meet the new dress code with a very public orange sticker of shame was never going to be a PR triumph. Organisers thought that it would prevent attendees from being bothered again and again by officials, telling them for the umpteenth time that their look didn't cut it. But what if other cultural fixtures started to embrace this humiliating practice? Could "stickergate" spread? Here's our guide to some of the summer's key events and what may or may not cause you to get orange-stickered by the wardrobe police.
The Olympics
Navigating E20 chic won't be easy. A show of national support is good, though head-to-toe Wenlock motifs would place you firmly in orange sticker territory. One Stella McCartney-designed Olympic top should suffice.
Euro 2012
After-work football-viewing chic is a low point on any fashion calendar. An England shirt with a square-toes office lace-up would attract a rash of orange stickers in the pub. Even a fan in facepaint is preferable. Far better to wear something slightly sporty but not at all logoed from Cos, like a boxy sweatshirt.
Stone Roses reunion gigs
What is less likely to be stickered? A 40-year-old man in a bad leather jacket, bootcut jeans and the babysitter's goodwill, or one who attempts to recreate the Spike Island look – 22in flares and fishing hat – wholesale? On balance, I'd say the latter.
Tate Modern's Damien Hirst exhibition
It's a blockbuster. No point in pretending that attendance qualifies you as an art critic. Pale, Brian Sewell-style slacks are thus a pretentious sticker magnet. Soho jeans and late-90s Savile Row tailoring suggests Damien-Hirst wannabe, but shouldn't fall foul of the sticker police. Meanwhile Jonathan Saunders polka dot pyjamas (or appropriations of) should be the alpha fashion woman's approach to visiting Hirst.
The Queen's jubilee
You would think that channelling HM herself is asking for a stickering. But, happy news, pastels are a big look this summer, so feel free to indulge at your local street party with no fear of sartorial humiliation.
