How to Make Elegant Race Day Outfits
The races are your chance to dress up and show off your sophisticated style. From long dresses that ooze femininity to tailored jumpsuits and statement hats that turn heads, the races are the perfect opportunity for creating an outfit you'll feel fabulous in all day long.
Racegoers have favoured formalwear for these prestigious occasions for hundreds of years, and these sophisticated styles aren't leaving the enclosure anytime soon. So with dress codes to follow, Ladies' Day looks to finalise, and the Great British weather to account for, how can you make sure your outfit for the races is classy, elegant, and comfy?
Read on to learn how you can piece together a race day outfit worthy of winning the gold cup.
What is a Race Day Dress Code?
Whether you’re heading to your local race course or one of the most famous events in the calendar (think ) Royal Ascot or Aintree Ladies’ Day), a dress code is guaranteed to be in place. Every course has slightly different requirements on what is and isn’t suitable to wear, so make sure you look over it carefully before planning your outfit.
As the races unite some of the most celebrated jockeys and horses in the world, dress codes tend to reflect the formality of the occasion. So, too, do the attendees. Most people like to make an effort with what they wear on race day, and one of the easiest ways to approach it is to dress like a wedding guest . Think a three-piece suit for the gents and fitted dresses paired with heels and a fascinator for the ladies. If you decide to go against the grain and turn up in casual wear, like a sports shirt, it’s highly likely you’ll be turned away.
Top tip: Dress codes can vary depending on the stand your ticket is for. Check stand-specific advice for your race day so you dress appropriately.
What Types of Dresses Can I Wear to the Races?
A dress is a classic choice for race day. We always recommend wearing a dress you feel comfortable in, whether that’s a flowing maxi frock or a pleated midi. You’ll find race-appropriate pieces in our collection of occasion dresses , which have been designed to help you dress up and feel gorgeous, without sacrificing comfort.
Dress styles that are popular at Cheltenham, Epsom, and the Grand National include:
- Shift dresses for a classy, elegant look
- Midaxi dresses to show off some statement heels
- Pleated dresses for understated elegance
- Printed dresses to stand out from the crowd
- Maxi dresses that work well with flats for hotter race days
Shop all dresses.
How Should I Style My Race Day Dress?
How you style your race day dress is the part where you can have lots of fun! If you’ve opted for a frock with a statement pattern or textured fabric, then let your dress do the talking. Choose one of its colours and focus your accessories around it for a put-together look that exudes class. Avoid over-accessorising or you could risk taking attention away from your gorgeous gown!
Classic race day dresses are designed to work well with hats or fascinators. From modern takes on the wide-brimmed sunhat to nods to the pillar box style hat favoured by the Royals, your choice of hat is more than a fashion accessory - it will also help keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes while you’re watching the horses gallop around the track.
How to Dress for Ladies’ Day
The dress code for Ladies’ Day is pretty much the same as all the other days at the races. However, as the day is focused on women attendees, there’s an elevated sense of wanting to go all-out with outfits. After all, when else do hundreds of ladies have the chance to gather in one place with friends and family and dress to the nines?
Ladies’ Day is all about having fun and showing off your personal flair. Dresses are still the most popular choice for a classy Ladies’ Day outfit, but in recent years there’s been more and more jumpsuits, co-ords , and tailored sets making appearances.
Outfits tend to be taken to another level for these events in the racing calendar, meaning the hats are bigger and better than ever and the fascinators really do what they say on the tin: fascinate! If you’re heading to a Ladies’ Day this summer, keep your eyes peeled for some attention-grabbing accessories, from flamboyant headwear to themed handbags, and revel in the wonders of race fashion.
What does a Ladies’ Race Day Outfit Look Like?
On Ladies’ Day, most racecourses like attendees to continue to follow traditional dress codes for ladies’ meetings. You can’t go wrong with a formal dress or tailored jumpsuit paired with an elegant hat - and you never know, you might be in with a shot at winning the coveted ‘best dressed lady’ or ‘best hat’ prize!
Why not speak to your girlfriends in advance of the event and go shopping for your ladies’ race day outfits together? It’s always nice to get a friend’s opinion on what you’re planning on wearing, and it’s also a great opportunity to make sure your outfits all have the same level of occasion.
Locate your nearest Klass shop with our Store Finder . Or if you prefer to shop together online, view all race dresses.
Top Tips for Race Day Dressing
1. Do a trial run
Before the big day, try on your full race day outfit to make sure it fits comfortably, looks classy, and you’re happy with your look. If you feel there’s something missing, try adding a hint of metallic jewellery, like a chunky bangle or delicate necklace, or popping on a slick of bold lipstick to bring your outfit to life.
2. Check the weather
At the end of the day, you want to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear, so remember to account for the temperature. While the Great British weather isn’t always reliable, you can always rely on an umbrella to keep you dry or cover up with a delicate shawl or lightweight scarf to keep the wind off. For sunnier days, remember to pack your SPF and shades to keep you looking and feeling cool in the heat.
3. Choose comfy shoes
Heels tend to be the footwear choice for ladies on race day, but make sure they fit well and are comfy, as you’ll be walking around in them all day! A lower, chunkier heel is your best friend for a shoe that looks gorgeous and feels fantastic, but doesn’t have you reaching for the plasters before the first race has begun.
On hotter days, why not switch your heels for a pair of embellished sandals? With a design just as beautiful as their counterpart, flats are a tried-and-tested way for keeping your feet cool in the rays (and make walking in the heat a breeze).
Ready to Feel Like a Winner?
As the countdown to peak race season begins, we hope you find the outfit that makes you feel as though you’ve won a gold cup. For more styling tips and tricks, head to our blog or keep up-to-date with the latest trends by following us on Instagram,.
