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There’s nothing quite like a trip to the races in the middle of summer. People in the UK love an excuse to get dressed up in their best outfits for the occasion and enjoy a drink or two in the sun! The hugely popular Cheltenham festival in March marked the first of many racing events taking place all over the country this summer. So, if you’re lucky enough to have tickets and you want to look your best, this style guide should give you all the inspiration you need!
Photo by Whitney Combs on Unsplash
As you’ll probably want to look your best for the occasion, your main outfit is the first thing you should consider. Alternatively, you might be going for a birthday, stag or hen party and might want to go fancy dress. Bear in mind that, depending on which enclosure you’ve got tickets for, fancy dress or casual outfits might not be allowed. Follow our handy tips below and always check the venue’s website for extra style advice — you don’t want to be refused entry when you arrive!
Women are lucy enough to have a huge range of options when it comes to getting dressed up. A safe bet is a dress with a fascinator and comfortable heels or flat boots. Consider the event that you’re going to for more inspiration though. At Cheltenham, for example, you’d expect to see people wearing classic country colours and neutral shades but the Grand National is described as a “spectacle of colour” so bold and bright is best at this festival.
You should bear dress codes in mind however, as some venues can be quite strict. In the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot for example, dresses must fall just above the knee or longer and must have a strap of one inch or greater — strapless, off-the-shoulder and halter-neck dresses are a definite “don’t”. Similarly, in the Village Enclosure at Royal Ascot, midriffs are required to be covered and if you opt for a trouser suit, it should be full-length, or you might find that you’re not allowed in.
Men’s dress codes also tend to lean towards the more formal side of things, but playing it too safe isn’t always the best option, It goes without saying that you should avoid trainers and tracksuits. In fact, they are not permitted in the Club Stand at the Ayr Grand National or in the Winning Post, County and Tattersalls Enclosures at the Boodles Festival. Even though some venues might accept this sort of dress, it’s likely that you’d feel underdressed for the occasion. Similarly, ripped or torn denim jeans are discouraged, instead suits with a slim fit shirt and trousers are recommended. In fact, in the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot, jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern.
You should also note that footwear such as trainers are banned at most racing events, so think smart when it comes to your choice of shoe. You should opt for footwear such as a brogue or men’s derby shoe in a subtle tone that pairs well with your look.
The weather in the UK is famously changeable, so adding an extra layer to your outfit is never a bad idea.
Macs and duster coats show no sign of going out of fashion in 2019. These coats look chic and formal, while keeping your outfit dressy. Avoid denim, leather or bomber jackets as these create more of a casual tone that you want to avoid on these elegant events.
Men should stick to smart coats to match their outfit. A covert coat is a popular choice for race day, this is an overcoat that’s traditionally worn for hunting or horse-riding but also creates a smart tone for these types of events. Pair with a checked scarf on a cooler day and avoid short-length coats which are suede or shearling to prevent looking less formal.
Accessories can make or break a look, so it’s important to get them right. Co-ordination and unusual pieces are key to standing out on race day.
Fascinators are extremely popular with women at the races. This is useful not only as an accessory but also to protect from the cold, especially closer to the start of the racing season! Oversized hats and funky fascinators are often the centre of attention on race day and many winners of the best dressed category are known to wear weird and wonderful headpieces.
Some venues don’t allow fascinators, however. For example, they’re not welcome in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot but ‘substantial fascinators’ are encouraged at the Investec Ladies Day in May. At the Scottish Grand National in Ayr, ‘hats and fascinators are optional, but on display in abundance’, suggesting you might feel out of place without one.
Men should keep it simple, adding a hat or tie to bring the outfit together. For the Ayr Scottish Grand National, a tie isn’t compulsory in the Hospitality Facilities, but you might want to wear one to look the part. However, in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, a tie must be worn and this doesn’t include cravats or bow ties. A black or grey top hat and black shoes are also necessities to enter this part of the venue. In the Village Enclosure you must take care of all details and socks should cover the ankle!
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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