If you’re wondering what to wear to the races, this guide will help you work out what’s a good option and what to avoid, depending on what type of race meeting you’re attending.
In 2023, The Jockey Club announced that formal dress codes will no longer be in place at any of its 15 racecourses in order to make racing more accessible and inclusive, but many racegoers will still choose to dress up for a day at the races, especially if they’re heading to one of the big meetings. Not every outing requires you to dress up as if you’re heading to Royal Ascot, but there are still several things to consider when deciding what to wear to the races.
That said, some racecourses (as not all are owned by The Jockey Club) do employ dress codes, especially for prestigious racedays. The dress codes usually vary between enclosures and will also differ for men and women. For example, men may be required to wear a particular type of jacket, such as a morning coat, while women may need to wear a hat or fascinator. If you’re struggling with what to wear to the races, we always recommend checking whether there are rules for the meeting and enclosure at the racecourse you plan to attend.
It’s currently National Hunt season, which means dressing for the weather as well as for style.
What to wear to the races: the considerations
As there is quite a difference in what to wear to the races depending on the fixture, there are a few things you need to consider before you start thinking about individual items of clothing. It’s currently National Hunt racing season (until the end of April) and this calls for stylish yet practical attire, focusing on warmth, comfort and, often, country chic.
Weather
Much of the excitement at a fixture is outside, whether it’s heading down to the parade ring to check out the runners, placing a bet at the bookmakers in front of the grandstand or standing at the rail to watch your horse come in, so it’s important you’re dressed for the weather.
Some seating areas are covered, but not all, so be sure to check your ticket.
Time of year
All-weather racecourses mean that racing can go on year round, but traditionally the Flat racing season runs from the Newmarket 2000 Guineas meeting at the start of May until Champions Day at Ascot in mid-October, while the bigger meetings in the National Hunt season run from the end of October to the end of April.
Enclosure
Generally, the more expensive an enclosure is to access, the smarter people tend to dress. Some enclosures will have dress codes you’ll need to adhere to, but these vary so it’s best to check on the racecourse’s website.
Time of day
Most meetings are held in the daytime, but some racecourses, such as Windsor, are known for their evening meetings, while many all-weather tracks also hold evening meetings under lights throughout the winter. Some jumps meetings also take place in the evening during the summer months. If you’re heading to an evening meeting, it’s definitely worth taking a jacket or something to cover your shoulders.
For specific areas of advice or inspiration, jump to:
Although not compulsory in all enclosures or at all racecourses, men usually dress smart.
Dressing for the weather is important during the jumps season.
At jumps meetings, men tend to adopt a “dress for the weather” approach as most of the big meetings take place during the winter months. Many traditionalists wear tweed, but this is personal preference. If you’re a corporate guest at a big meeting, such as the Cheltenham Festival, a suit is more appropriate.
During the Flat season, men usually dress smart.
For Flat racing, men usually wear a collared shirt with trousers and smart shoes. Some choose to finish the look with a tie and blazer, but again this is personal preference and not essential – and to some extent determined by the weather.
Men’s footwear
First thing’s first – you can expect to be on your feet all day at the races. Consequently, the footwear you select needs to be comfortable and suitable for day-long wear. If you’re keen to buy a new pair of shoes for the races, ensure your first wear of them does not coincide with raceday. To ensure the shoes have suppled up and moulded to your feet, wear them in a good few times around the house or in the office.
Next, consider the style of shoe you want to wear. As as general rule, trainers are largely regarded as a no-go for the races – however, they are often welcome at more low-key racedays or weekday meetings. Oxfords or brogues pair well with a suit, and you may want to opt for a boot, such as a Chelsea, for the depths of winter. In summertime, loafers can help keep you cool and comfy.
You should also ensure the colour you opt for compliments the colour and material of your attire. As a rule, black suits should be paired with black shoes, while navy suits may go more pleasantly with a brown or burgundy shoe. Light or grey suits can be successfully paired with a warmer colour, such as shades of brown, navy or oxblood. That said, black shoes are a classic and usually pair well with most suits.
Finally, be sure your shoes are in good order before you go. In essence, make certain they are clean and polished and the laces are in a good state of repair. It would be a shame to detract from an otherwise chic look with shabby shoes.
Men’s legwear
A formal, tailored trouser in a slim or regular fit looks smart and is comfortable – but think about your material. A wool, tweed or a heavier cotton twill are good choices for cooler weather, while a linen or linen/cotton blend will help you beat the heat at a summertime fixture.
A chino is also a great move for raceday – but be wary of shorts. Some events where dress codes are in place do not permit them. Even so, the general consensus is a preference for longer trousers, so at the end of the day it’s about your comfort. If it’s baking hot and you want to rock a short, in most cases you’ll be at liberty to.
Smart jeans are out for the more prestigious racedays and the fanciest enclosures, though smart casual racing outfits featuring denim are very popular on weekday meetings.
Men’s shirts and jackets
Shirts with a collar are the obvious choice and it’s your choice to opt for a dress shirt if you wish – cufflinks are a fun accessory. Most men opt for a classic Oxford shirt, however.
If you’re not going to a full tailored suit, a suitable blazer or jacket will be what to wear to the races. Fabric will be a major player as with trousers, and it’s advisable to avoid a high polyester content if you can. Jackets with a high concentration of polyester are not especially breathable and could cause you to overheat.
Some men like to opt for a three-piece suit, which has the addition of a waistcoat. These are smart and add a little personality to an outfit (especially if they have a fun lining). What’s more, they give you an layering option in changeable weather. On the coldest racedays (or nights), you might add an overcoat to you look.
Men’s accessories
A smart belt is great, if it matches your shoes then even better. A wristwatch is another nice touch, especially if the strap also ties in to your belt and shoe colour.
Most men pair their collared shirt with a tie and you could even go the extra mile and choose a matching pocket square (like this one).
A pair of smart gloves are just the ticket on chilly winter racedays.
What ladies should wear to the races
Although ladies do tend to dress up for the races, you do not need to go to the lengths you would for Royal Ascot for other race meetings.
As with the gentlemen, it is a case of wearing weather-appropriate clothing in the winter for National Hunt racing. We wouldn’t advise heels as the conditions are likely to be wet and you’re likely to spend much of the day on your feet.
Many ladies attending Flat racing meetings in the summer use it as a chance to get dressed up, although this is not always compulsory. Some of the more prestigious meetings, such as Royal Ascot, and the increasing number of ladies’ days put the spotlight on fashion. Some meetings also offer competitions for the best-dressed racegoers to enter.
Women’s footwear
It’s a caution that’s worth repeating – at the races about 90% of your time is spent on your feet, so it’s a very good idea to ensure you’re shod primarily for comfort. That said, there’s no need to sacrifice on style and there are so many chic options at your fingertips. Even so, if you’re buying new, give them a few wears before you step out on raceday.
Strappy sandals and open-toed stilettos are tempting for aesthetic purposes – but a few words of caution. Firstly, racedays can draw huge crowds and you wouldn’t want your toes getting trampled on. Secondly, there’s a high chance you’ll be walking across grass at some point and risk sinking into the turf. Finally, the grace period for which most people can tolerate such shoes is usually very short. Strappy, thin-heeled shoes are likely suspects in causing tired, aching and blistered feet. So, what to wear to the races?
Chunkier, close-toed shoes are a great choice and heeled pumps or court shoes are elegant yet practical. Block heels are especially comfortable. If you aren’t keen on fully enclosing your foot, a slingback pump is a good shout and makes for a summery look. Or, why not go for some smart flats? Loafers, Mary Janes or mules would be ideal choices.
Heels are seen much less in the winter and many ladies opt for a pair of stylish boots instead. Ankle and Chelsea boots are popular options, or invest in a pair of knee-highs that will serve you well through the colder months.
As with the men, trainers are not traditionally worn, but are becoming more popular as dress codes become more and more relaxed.
Women’s dresses and jumpsuits
When we think of the ultimate raceday look, a dress is often the thing that springs to mind. Dress code pointers that apply to dresses usually relate to straps, sheer fabric and skirt length, so double check before you attend.
Sky’s the limit in terms of style, cut and fabric – the most important consideration is your comfort and wearing something you feel good about. One thing to bear in mind is that synthetic fabrics do not have the breathable properties of natural ones, and can be more liable to pilling. Cotton jersey dresses are on the casual end of the scale, linen and cotton poplin somewhere in the middle and wool, silk, satin and velvet numbers offer the most polished look.
Another all-in-one option that shouldn’t be overlooked is the jumpsuit – a super garment for overcast days when you don’t need a jacket, but a summer dress would leave you chilly. Alternatively, you might opt for a jumpsuit if you’re a habitual trouser wearer and fancy a compromise. The styles vary from super slim-fitting, to a tailored bodice and wide-leg pant, or even a relaxed all-over fit.
Women’s legwear
If you’re more of a trouser person, your options are far ranging. Whether you’re after a high-waisted nautical vibe, a statement culotte or a wide-leg linen, you can build an outfit as casual or chic as you like.
On wintery days a wool or tweed trouser with a boot will keep the cold at bay. Dark colours disguise any mud and opting for a smooth grain leather will be easier to clean.
Jeans can be on the agenda dress code permitting – we can recommend bootcut, wide leg or flared styles to give your look an upmarket feel, while skinny jeans fit nicely under knee-high boots in winter.
Women’s tops and jackets
Double check for any rules on straps and sheer fabrics, but other than that sky’s the limit on the top you choose. If you’re struggling to pair a top and trousers it can sometimes help to go for opposite fit styles for each garment. For example, pair a loose, wide-leg trouser with a more fitted top.
Similarly, you can use your top to dress down a more elegant trouser to give off a smart-casual vibe. A nicely-fitted, well-made white cotton jersey t-shirt would pair wonderfully tucked in to a high-waisted statement trouser.
When dressing for colder weather, you have the opportunity to elevate your look with whatever you choose to layer up with. Long wool or tweed overcoats, capes or ponchos – especially those with a faux fur trim – keep you cosy while looking looking glam.
Women’s accessories
We need to talk headwear. Again, you’ll need to check the dress code for the meet you plan to attend to know if you need one, but in the majority of cases preference will be the decider.
There are two obvious options when it comes to raceday headwear: a hat or a fascinator. What you choose will come down to budget, style and personal preference. The main difference between the two is that fascinators affix to the head using a headband or clip, ideal for fine, silky hair, or a comb, best suited to thicker hair. Traditionally, fascinators are worn on the right side of the head.
Hats and fascinators can be as subtle or as bold as you like, so consider how best your headwear can complement your outfit. If your look is thus far muted, opt for a more striking colour or style. On the other hand, you’re already sporting eye-catching attire, opt for a more subtle hat or fascinator so as not to detract from your outfit.
If you need a winter style, a fedora, trilby, pill box or cossack-style hats are smart and chic. Look for felt-type or velvet options for a wintery feel.
What to wear to the races at Cheltenham
Known as the home of jump racing, Cheltenham holds a number of racedays and meetings throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Cheltenham Festival. If you’re heading to Cheltenham, we’ve put together a specific guide on what to wear to Cheltenham races. You can also find Cheltenham edits by brands including Fairfax & Favor or Really Wild.
What to wear to the races at Royal Ascot
The dress code and expectations at Royal Ascot are different to almost all other race meetings in the UK. There is a strict Royal Ascot dress code and in some Ascot enclosures you’ll be required to wear an appropriate hat or fascinator. We’ve picked out a selection of suitable hats for Royal Ascot and dresses for Royal Ascot to help give you some inspiration and guidance on what’s accepted.
Things to take to the races
Depending on the time of year and type of meet you’re heading to, there are a few things you shouldn’t be without:
Picnic basket, like this one, if you’re heading to a summer meeting
How to save money on raceday outfits
Without doubt, picking up a new look for a trip to the races can be a pricey affair. Given that there’s the cost of travel and the price of entry, investing in a new look on top might feel like a stretch. With this is mind, can you be smart about your spending? Here’s how…
Think multi-purpose – could the boots you’d like to top off your winter raceday look work in your regular wardrobe rotation? On the other hand, maybe the hat you want for Ascot would go perfectly with your wedding guest outfit later in the year? There’s nothing worse than buying something beautiful and wearing it once. Instead, think about what to wear at races in terms of your closet as a whole.
Hit the charity shops – it’s an age-old tip but truly, you never know what hidden gems lie in these treasure troves of preloved articles.
Rent your look – wear something flashy for the fraction of the cost with designer clothing rental services like By Rotation. You can rent garments and accessories to upscale your look and when you’re done, simply return them. No wasted money or wardrobe space – and it’s a greener way to style yourself, too.
