What to Wear to The Races: Your Guide to Ladies Raceday Fashion Etiquette

Attending a raceday event can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. But it can just as easily be exhausting, and overwhelming, especially in regards to what you should wear. With our extensive expertise in raceday fashion, stemming back over half a century, we've put together a comprehensive but concise guidebook to help you navigate ladies raceday fashion etiquette with ease and style.

From knowledge of the relevant dress codes to making sure you're prepared regardless of the weather while adhering to the extensive race day traditions, we've got you sorted with tips and advice to make sure you make a lasting impression wherever, and whenever you go. So, if you're not certain about what to wear to the races, keep reading take a scoop from our insider tips!

Understanding Raceday Dress Codes

Going to a horse racing event is a unique oppertunity to showcase your style. However, it's of utmost importance to remember that the way ones dresses must align with the protocol and and (mostly formal) dresscode of the event. Dress codes can vary greatly depending on the exact type of event, from formal to smart-casual clothing, it can be a challenge to figure out the nuances of each set of restricitions and ensure you stay within them. Having a strong understanding and knowledge of these dress codes will allow you to make the most informed decisions when choosing your raceday attire, creating a look that can meet the requirements whilst letting your personal style shine through (not to mention having some good bits of raceday trivia in your backpocket).

Here are some of the more general tips to follow when dressing for the races:

• Always check the dress code for the specific event you are attending, different enclosures can on occasion have seperate codes and the fashion lines drawn at many major UK equestrian events change year on year..
• When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of dressing more formally, oftentimes with a defference to more traditional shapes and styles (especially with headwear)..
• Avoid anything too revealing or overly casual, such as shorts and trainers (exceptions can be made at smaller, private events but we always recommend to stay on the safe side of the line)
• Accessories such as jewellery and tassles are a great way to add a personal touch to your ensemble, but also be mindful of the relevant dress codes when choosing them.

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Holland Cooper Handbag - Mayfair Scarf Bag - £349.00

Below are some of the more common raceday dress codes and their corresponding style guidelines:

Formal

Semi-Formal

Smart Casual

Keep in mind that while the dress code is important, expressing your personal style is just as paramount. The goal in a raceday outfit is to strike a well-heelled balance between compliance with the dress codes (however loose or strict they may be) with being comfortable and confident in your outfit. With this knwoledge, you should be able to confidently put together a brilliant raceday outfit that should stand out from the crowds.

Anna Lascata Abby Jacket Herringbone Tweed - £449.00

Key Racedays and Fashion Trends in the UK

The UK is home to a selection of the most iconic and popular horse racing events in the world, with the fashion playing an important role in the glamour of the event, it's imperitive to keep yourself in good style when attending. Take a browse through our list of some of the UK's most popular racedays and the fashion trends that define and dominate them.

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious events in the UK racing calendar and calls for the most formal in formal raceday attire. Women are encouraged to showcase their fashion flair through dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, oftentimes paired with elegant headpieces or hats. Many of the newest equestrian event fashion trends we've noticed at Ascot includes the use of softer pastel shades, laced details and reserved use of bolder prints, often being reserved to accessories including handbags, the expected use of traditional English tailoring styles such as overcoats from classic British brands and designers including Anna Lascata and Wellgogs are a staple of this central event to the equestrian calendar.

The Cheltenham Festival

Known for its thrilling races and vibrant fashion atmosphere, Cheltenham is a one of the most anticipated equestrian events by racing enthusiasts. The fashion trends found at this festival are noticeably more relaxed than many of the other key dates, with tweed and traditional woolen fabric reignning supreme. The Women's equestrian fashion trends dominating this event include statement coats, along with premium wellies (The premium French wellington brands Le Chameau and Aigle being the traditional go-to's) or tall boots suitable for walking due to Cheltenham's notoriouslt muddy racetrack (the Holland Cooper Zip Chelsea Wellington Boots have become Julie's favourite for this event). Due to the March start of the event the whether is notoriously unpredictable, a more recent trend we've been seeing at this event is knitted as well as faux-fur headbands, thermally insulative and effortlessly stylish, you can easily find a range of colours, styles and mock-animal furs from Dubarry of Ireland.

The Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby (originally known as the Epson Stakes) is perhaps Britains most iconically heritage horse race. Attracting over 100,000 visitors per anum, and held during early June (the first Saturday) this event has become the pinnacle of 'dress to impress' fashion. Women's typical dress for this formal yet lively event include flowing dresses, pastel colours mixed with bright accessories and elegant headwear, oftentimes incorporating feathers and satin. The overriding fashion trends at the Epsom Derby are chic, sophisticated with use of bold, statement pieces that makes your all-round ensemble stand out amongst the seas of onlookers.

Welligogs Balmoral Tailored Jacket - £350.00

Popular Fashion Trends at UK Racedays

From subdued pastel shades to pure statement-making pieces, UK raceday fashion trends are increasingly reflecting the beauty and heritage of these events, a thoughtful touch of glamour here and there that sets the UK racing scene apart from many international events. Whatever raceday you're attending, be sure to check and follow the dress-code whilst allowing your personal fashion to shine bright.

Interview with Julie Toland: The Expert's Guide to Raceday Formal Attire

We were lucky enough to get a sit-down with Julie Toland amongst her packed schedule, a renowned UK country clothing expert, about raceday formal attire for ladies. Her advice will ensure you put together a standout look that sticks to race day fashion etiquette whilst showcasing your unique style.

"When putting together an iconic racedya outfit for women, comfort and elegance are key. It's paramount to pick the right fabrics and colours before you pick the specific garment. Make sure you keep in mind how these shades will complement your skin tone and body shape. Soft and breathable materials like cotton, silk and linen are go-to's for the warmer months, while wool, cashmere and velvet are the classic choices for cooler months. Remember that keeping in mind the climate is paramount as comfort is always the greatest fashion statement. Neautral colours and delicate pastels including cream, beige and baby pink or blue are ever-popular choices for raceday outfits. Use of these lighter tones allow for more experimentation with accessories, ensuring you can make a statement with ease"

Julie went on to emphasize the importance of statement accessories when it comes to raceday fashion. "A statement headpiece or fascinator is a boarderline requirement for most raceday outfits. It's important to pick pieces that complement the dress and enhances the all-round look. When it comes to footwear it's common knowledge to avoid stietto heels as they can easily sink into thinly covered ground or wet grassy areas, wedge heels are my personal favourite but any flat-heeled show from formal trainers to thicker equestrian tassle boots such as those from Penelope Chilvers should do the trick!"

Raceday Formal Attire: Top Tips from Julie Toland

• Choose comfortable yet elegant fabrics such as cotton, traditional tweed patters, silk, or wool
• Pick neutral or pastel colors for a traditional raceday look, paired with bright accessories or experiment with bold hues for a modern twist
• Accessorize with a statement headpiece, fascinator, or hat, for colder racedays a fur headband or trapper/cossack hat can work well.
• Opt for comfortable shoes that won't sink into the ground, such as wedge or block heels, white soles are guarenteed to get muddy so opt for darker footwear when possible.
• Accessorize with understated jewelry to keep the focus on your outfit. In-keeping with the horse raceday themeing, a hand-made piece from County Equestrian Jewellers is always a good bet.

With these expert tips from Julie, you'll be able to create a sophisticated raceday look that is both stylish and comfortable in no time!

Premium Brands for Raceday Fashion

There are a wide variety of country lifestyle brands that have become associated with the races. The traditional leaning towards classic British designers is central to racedays, with emphasis put on standout accessories and high-quality fabrics, equestrian fashion trends regularly evolve whilst maintaining traditional silhouettes and premium fabrics. To fit within these changing landscapes and to ensure you stay stylish on concourse our selection of premium equestrian formal brands have you covered.

This range of premium brands allow you a wide range of clothing and accessories that are perfect for raceday fashion inspiration. From classic and timeless to bold and contemporary, these extensive range of premium outdoors brands and equestrain-adjacent designers will ensure you create a look thats head-turning and is sure to impress. With all of these pieces being stocked for their timeless qualities it's never been a better to time to invest in some high-quality pieces from these premium brands and take your raceday fashion to the next level.

Holland Cooper Chiltern Tweed Cape - £549.00 (RRP: £649.00)

Dressing for Different Weather Conditions

Never let the unpredictable British weather ruin your perfect raceday outfit! It's important to dress for the conditions to ensure both comfort and style. Here we've compiled some of our best tips and outfit idea inspiration for varying weather conditions.

Hot Summer Days

Ensure you stay cool in warmer weather equestrian events with lightweight fabrics including cotton and linen. Breezy dresses or flowery skirt paired with a sleeveless top are perfect choices for summer raceday fashion, and don't forget to protect your face and shoulders from the sun with a fashionable hat and a generous serving of sunscreen. Perfect accessories for these formal meets can include earrings and a statement bag, brands such as Salthouse England and Holland Cooper have become summer staples of ladies race day fashion.

Rainy Race Days

If the forecast is looking like rain it's always best not to risk it and ensure you've got some stylish waterproof gear. A long wax jacket such as the Welligogs Louise Coat or the Holland Cooper Longline Field Coat are a virtual requirement for most UK racing, especially the Cheltenham Festival due to its mid-March start. Longline waterproof jackets are always a perfect pairing with ankle boots, waterproofed Gore-Tex ankle boots are perhaps most synonymous with Dubarry of Ireland and their iconic Strokestown Leather Boot another recommendation by Julie for the oftentimes marshy conditions of Cheltenham Racetrack. On days where the wind is likely to pick up a good addition to add to your race-day bag is always a silk scarf or a lightweight waterproof hat,

Chilly Autumn Meets

As the temperatures start to drop around August (notable as the start of the Goodwood Stakes) it's time to layer up. A key investment in a stylish coat or timeless blazer that can be worn over a cozy sweater or formal shirt is an effortless fashion statement that can work year round for all events, not just equestrian. Pair with trousers or a midi skirts and knee-high boots such as the Classis Tassle Boot from Penelope Chilvers (a favourite of Kate Middleton) or the Regina Boot from Fairfax and Favor for an effortlessley elegant autumn look. The addition of deep jewellery tones or classic neutrals are a fool-proof means to stay on-trend. A dress watch is foolproof accessory for this outfit and a dark-tone leather handbag such as the Dubarry Dalkey Bag is the perfect way to round this look out and keep all of your raceday essentials safe and dry.

Penelope Chilvers Artisan Tassel Suede Boot - £259.00 (RRP: £375.00)

Recommended Accessories for Different Weather Conditions

Make sure you stay on-trend and comfortable by dressing appropriately for the weather conditions at your chosen event. Whether protecting yourself from the sun or rain, our range of country and formal equestrian clothing ensures endless fashionable options are available. With our specially-trained staff and consultants all having a background in equestrian and formal dress, a quick stop by our Worcestershire country clothing store is perfect to browse through the complete range and get personalised styling and tips to suit your statement pieces and personal style.

Now you're as ready as ever to face any raceday event, trial or stakes, come rain, sleet or shine!

Schoffel Lyndon Fleece Gilet Gunmetal - £159.95

Styling Tips for Raceday Fashion

When it comes to working together the perfect ladies raceday outfit, the devils always in the details. The correct accessories can make or break an outfit and can make the difference to ensure you stand out from the crowd. Here are some of our country clothing experts top tips for stylish raceday fashion.

1. Choose the Right Raceday Fashion Accessories

Equestrian raceday fashion accessories are characterised by their ability to add a pop of colour or texture to an outfit. In regards to choosing accessories, the possibilities are truly endless. A classic statement hat or fascinator is a historically popular choice but we have seen a more modern shift toward minimalist formal headwear. Tweed caps that were previously the chosen headwear of formal equestrian menswear has become a more minimalist and modern approach to ladies headwear at raceday events. A chic clutch, elegant tote bag or bold handbag is perfect not only for holding the essentials, but also tying together the wider look and ensuring you stay glamourous on the concourse.

2. Don't Overdo It

While accessories make up an important facet of any equestrian outfit, it's important to not overdo it. Too many accessories can overwhelm the all-round look and deract from the desired aesthetic. The safest bet is to go with one or two statement pieces (i.e. a designer bag or bold pendant necklace) and keep the rest of your accessories understated. Remember that less is often more...

3. Consider the Weather

The weather on the day can play a not insignificant role in your raceday attire, so choosing accessories to match is of utmost importance. For example, a lightweight scarf or stylish shawl is perfect for keeping warm if a chill wind decides to blow, these can often be used in tandem with existing headwear ensuring you don't lose any of your style on a chilly race day. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat such as the Hicks & Brown Hemley Fedora is an essential raceday accessory to keep you cool on a hot summer afternoon.

4. Choose Shoes Wisely

The choice of footwear can make or break any raceday outfit. Choosing shoes that ensure style and comfort are paramount to your enjoyment. As you'll be spending much of the day on your feet, wedges and block heels are the perfect choice for those who wanted the added height. With the traditional grass surfaces found across much of Englands equestrian racetracks, stilettos are a risky choice that also rarely serve the comfort facet of your raceday attire. A pair of chic flats deck shoes or loafers from Dubarry of Ireland or the iconic Galion Nubucks from Le Chameau are an easy way to create a sophisticated, yet comfortable and relaxed look.

5. Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette

A solid colour palette is paramount to building a polished, stylish raceday look. Choosing accessories that add to and suit the outfit's colour shceme, whether it's a matching hat, fascinator or clutch. Statement jewellery, both of colour or traditional metals are an easy to add this colour. Remember, the accessories you pick should enhance the outfit, not take away from it.

6. Have Fun with Fashion

Finally, but definitly not last, never be afraid to have a bit of fun with your raceday fashion. Horse racing events and formals are a brilliant excuse to dress up and embrace not only the fashions of the day, but styles and combinations that make you unique. Whether it's the addition of bold animal prints, bright and unusual colour combinations, or mismatched accessories, the main importance is ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in what outfit you're wearing.Clare Haggas Scarf Ring - Rose Gold - £45.00

Browse the Full Range

Well, that's it, the complete guide to ladies raceday fashion etiquette and style tips. This guide should has provided you with the inspiration and confidence you'll need to dress in elegance and style for your next big raceday event. Remember to double check the dress codes for your chosen event(s) and suit your outfit to those bounds. With these tips, you should have no effort turning heads and making a lasting impression. So, what are you waiting for? Dress your best, strut your style and have an amazing time!

If you'd like free tips and advice from our specialist assitants don't hesitate to visit our Worcestershire country clothing store in Stourport on Severn.

Key Takeaways:

• Women's raceday fashion is about elegance, sophistication, and keeping within the boundaries to traditional race day customs.
• Understanding the dress codes associated with different raceday events, enclosures and stakes is essential to create a fitting outfit.
• You can still showcase your unique style while adhering to the dress codes through incorporating modern prints with traditional shapes..
• Premium equestrian brands such as Holland Cooper offer unique designs and attention to detail, perfect for creating a statement raceday outfit.
• Accessories are essential components of any raceday fashion and can help you achieve a cohesive and stunning look, following similar rules to the wider outfits.