What to Wear to the Races? A Race Day Outfit Guide

The races are not just about the thunder of hooves, they are a theatre of elegance where fashion takes its place alongside tradition. Choosing what to wear at races is less about rules and more about storytelling: every suit, every dress, every hat is part of the spectacle. From the timeless charm of horse racing outfits to the bold flair of contemporary tailoring, your outfits for race day set the tone for how you experience the event. This guide unravels the details, seasonal fabrics, dress codes, and the artistry of accessories, so that your look is not only appropriate but unforgettable.

SUMMARY

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Women’s Race Day Style: Do’s & Don’ts

Category	Do’s	Don’ts
Clothing	· Chic dresses (midi, floral, velvet, silk) · Tailored trouser suits · Elegant jumpsuits	· Strapless or ill-fitting dresses  · Loud prints · High-polyester fabrics
Footwear	· Block heels, wedges, chic flats · Ankle or knee-high boots in winter	· Stilettos sinking into grass · Casual trainers
Headwear	· Wide-brimmed hats · Fascinators (traditionally on the right)	· Skipping headwear at formal events · Novelty hats
Outerwear	· Blazers · Trench coats · Faux fur · Capes/ponchos	· Hoodies · Activewear layers
Accessories	· Clutch bags (with straps optional) · Jewellery that complements outfit	· Over-accessorising · Clashing jewellery

 

Men’s Race Day Style: Do’s & Don’ts

Category	Do’s	Don’ts
Clothing	· Tailored suits (linen/cotton for summer, tweed/wool for winter) · Morning suits at formal venues	· Ill-fitting suits · Casual T-shirts · Ripped denim
Footwear	· Polished Oxfords, brogues, monk straps, loafers (summer) · Chelsea boots (winter)	· Dirty or casual trainers · Worn-out shoes
Headwear	· Fedora Hat · Panama Hat · Top Hat (for Ascot and formal enclosures)	· Baseball caps · Casual sunhats
Outerwear	· Tailored trench coats · Wool overcoats · Rain-ready outerwear	· Sports jackets · Casual windbreakers
Accessories	· Pocket squares · Silk ties · Subtle watches · Matching belts	· Loud novelty ties · Excessive accessories

 

I. Key Considerations Before Choosing Your Outfit

A. Dress Code Governance and Customization

A day at the races is a stage where fashion meets ritual, and the first step to planning your look is knowing the ground rules. When wondering what to wear to the races, always begin with the dress code: each racecourse has its own traditions. At Royal Ascot, a morning suit or formal dress is practically part of the ticket, while Cheltenham in March leans into tweeds and heavier tailoring. By contrast, Aintree’s Grand National often embraces a smart-casual look, where sharp blazers and chic separates hold sway. Although The Jockey Club has recently relaxed its codes to make racing more accessible, the majority of racegoers still see the event as a stage for elegance. The golden rule is simple: check the enclosure guidelines. The higher the enclosure, the higher the formality.

B. Practicality and Comfort (The “Do’s”)

The romance of racing is often outdoors, which means your outfit is at the mercy of the sky. A day of sunshine can turn quickly into showers, and biting winds are no stranger to March meets. When planning your race day outfits, always check the forecast, and be ready with a cover-up or umbrella that complements your look rather than distracts from it.

Comfort is not a compromise but a cornerstone. Races stretch across hours, and the joy of the event lies in walking the grounds, mingling, and celebrating between races. Shoes must balance polish with practicality, breaking them in beforehand can be the difference between floating through the paddock and limping before the last bell.

Lastly, fit and finish matter. Ill-fitting clothes, however expensive, will always betray you in photos or under the sharp eye of tradition. A well-tailored suit, a perfectly fitted dress, or a polished jacket elevates not just your look but your confidence. Grooming, too, is part of the ensemble, the final brushstroke that completes the story your outfit tells.

II. Gentlemen’s Race Attire

For men, race day dressing is about channeling timeless sophistication while adapting to season and setting. The best outfits for the races balance heritage with practicality: a suit or blazer as the foundation, shirts and ties to add character, and footwear that blends elegance with comfort. Outerwear and accessories, meanwhile, polish the look and prepare you for the unpredictable British weather. From the strict traditions of Royal Ascot to the more relaxed tone of Aintree, a gentleman’s style is a performance in itself, formal enough to honor tradition, yet flexible enough to carry him confidently through the day.

A. Suits and Jackets

The foundation of a gentleman’s outfits for race day is a well-tailored suit or blazer. Light linens or cottons are perfect for summer meets, while textured wool, tweed, or flannel carry authority and warmth in cooler months. At Ascot, the morning suit remains the pinnacle of formality; elsewhere, a two-piece in navy or grey provides the perfect middle ground.

 

B. Shirts and Ties

Crisp shirts set the tone, white for timeless elegance, pale blue or fine patterns for individuality. Ties remain a symbol of respect: silk for tradition, knitted textures for a contemporary twist. For enclosures where rules soften, smart blazers with chinos and patterned ties embody the spirit of what to wear to the races casual.

 

C. Legwear

Trousers should be tailored, structured, and in keeping with the formality of the enclosure. Wool and heavy cotton work for cold-weather meets, while linen blends breathe through summer. Chinos may only enter the picture at relaxed venues, always paired with sharp tailoring above.

 

D. Footwear

Shoes silently define a man’s style. Oxfords, brogues, and monk straps remain classics, while loafers evoke summer ease and Chelsea boots lend polish in winter. Above all, shoes must be spotless and comfortable, ready for hours on turf and concrete alike.

 

E. Outerwear and Accessories

The unpredictability of race day weather makes outerwear essential. Tailored trenches, wool overcoats, or rain-ready coats protect without compromising elegance. Accessories complete the story: pocket squares, wristwatches, and hats ranging from fedoras to the Royal Ascot’s traditional top hat. Together, they embody the art of dress for races, where confidence is expressed in the smallest details.

 

III. Ladies’ Race Attire

For women, the races are as much about spectacle as they are about sport. Choosing ladies race day clothing is less about blending in and more about celebrating individuality with elegance. Dresses, suits, and jumpsuits set the foundation, while headwear crowns the ensemble and transforms an outfit into a moment of theatre. Comfort, practicality, and seasonality guide every choice, because the best outfits for race day are those that look as stunning at the first race as they do at the last.

 

A. Main Garments

The dress remains the star of outfits for the races. Chic midi silhouettes, floral prints, or bold colors feel at home in summer, while velvet, tweed, or structured tailoring suit cooler months. Alternatives like elegant jumpsuits or trouser suits in pastel or neutral tones offer sophistication with modern flair. Rules vary, strapless styles may not always pass, but elegance and confidence never go out of fashion.

 

B. Footwear

Shoes are the secret to surviving the day. Stilettos often sink into lawns, so block heels, wedges, or chic court shoes are highly recommended. For summer, smart flats like loafers or mules carry a casual grace; for winter, ankle or knee-high boots add structure and warmth. Comfort is not a compromise, it’s the quiet strength behind every confident stride.

 

C. Headwear

Hats and fascinators are the crown jewels of dresses to wear to a horse race. A wide-brimmed hat offers drama and sun protection, while a races fascinator adds sculptural elegance. Tradition places fascinators on the right side of the head, but modern couture celebrates individuality, whether it’s feathers, veiling, or architectural lines. On Ladies’ Day, headwear is not just an accessory; it’s the moment people remember.

 

D. Outerwear and Accessories

Even the most carefully chosen races outfit needs the final touch of outerwear and accessories. A tailored blazer or trench complements spring, while faux fur or a cape brings winter glamour. Clutch bags remain the classic choice, often with straps for practicality. Jewellery should never fight the outfit but echo it, delicate pearls for statement dresses, bold cuffs for understated silhouettes. These are the flourishes that turn clothing into character.

 

IV. Hats for the Races

No race day look is complete without the crowning glory of headwear. From timeless wide-brimmed silhouettes to sculptural fascinators, the right hat transforms a dress into a statement and a suit into theatre. Our handcrafted designs are made to turn glances into admiration, because at the races, hats are not just accessories, they are declarations of style. Below are five pieces from our Race Day Hats collection that capture the spirit of the track, each crafted to elevate your presence from the paddock to the winner’s circle.

Bijoue Pillbox Fascinator

 

Celestine Pillbox Fascinator

Celestine is an opulent ode to fantasy, its black pillbox base drenched in iridescent crystals and crowned with a sweeping quill. This piece sparkles like the excitement of the track itself, dramatic, celestial, and full of energy. Pair it with minimalist attire and let Celestine’s kaleidoscopic shimmer carry your presence through the day.

Vogue Fascinator

For those who love theatre, Vogue is unapologetically bold. Its oversized sculpted black flower, layered petals, and feather accents create a couture headpiece that demands attention. Whether paired with a sleek gown or a tailored dress, this fascinator embodies confidence, the kind that makes the crowd turn twice.

Aether Fedora Hat

Aether takes the classic black fedora and infuses it with intrigue. Golden wirework ripples across its felt base like a thought mid-flight, minimalist, modern, and quietly commanding. Perfect for those who prefer subtle power over extravagance, Aether shifts seamlessly between understated chic and race day drama.

Fleur Wide Brim Boater Hat

Fleur is grace with a commanding edge. A wide-brimmed boater in black felt, embroidered with satin florals and finished with a flowing organza scarf, it blends vintage glamour with modern artistry. Romantic yet assertive, Fleur is made for those who dress with intention, ensuring they leave an impression long after the last race.

 

V. What Outfits to Avoid for the Races?

The races may be a stage for individuality, but certain choices risk breaking the spell. While experimenting with colour, cut, and accessories is encouraged, some styles simply clash with the spirit of the day. From casual denim to precarious stilettos, knowing what not to wear ensures your races outfit celebrates tradition rather than undermines it.

 

A. Highly Informal Items

Activewear, sports jerseys, or vests may work for the gym or pub, but they have no place at the track. Even when dress codes are relaxed, showing respect through smart attire is part of the ritual.