What to Wear to the Races: A Style Guide for Women

The tickets are booked and you’ve got your eye on the horses, but what about your outfit? Before you start shopping, it’s worth putting some thought into your look.

 

Dress codes: Some races (or specific enclosures at certain courses) have style etiquette you must follow. The Royal Enclosure at Ascot is the strictest and most formal, but top enclosures at other meets can also have firm dress codes. If you’re unsure about the rules for your event, check the website before deciding on an outfit.

 

Ladies’ Day: A special fixture at many meets, there isn’t necessarily a written dress code for Ladies’ Day, but there’s definitely an emphasis on making a statement with your outfit. If you have tickets to Ladies’ Day, embrace the fun and go full glam.

 

Elegant always wins: If you’re not sure what to wear, play it safe with something chic and sophisticated. You’ll always look the part in a maxi skirt and high-neck top with broad shoulder straps, for example.

 

Comfort comes first: You’ll be out and about on your feet for most of the day, so comfort is non-negotiable. This starts with the shoes but includes clothes made from loose, breathable fabric to keep you comfortable and confident from first race to last.

 

The weather: Check the forecast before you go, and make sure you have all bases covered. Rainy? Bring a brolly. Windy? Leave the hat at home. Chilly? Bring an extra layer. 

Planning your outfit for Ascot, Cheltenham or a local derby? Race day is one of those rare occasions where more is genuinely more.

 

Bold colour, striking prints, and showstopping hats aren’t just welcome, they're practically part of the tradition. Here's how to dress the part, whatever the season.

Think smart occasion wear with an extra dash of glamour. Aim for something as formal as a wedding guest outfit, but with a little more flair and personality.

 

During Flat racing season (May to October), the warmer weather gives you room to go all out. A midi dress would be the perfect choice - they’re polished, versatile, and in line with virtually every enclosure dress code going.

 

For more formal areas like the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, try an elegant maxi dress that cuts a striking silhouette. A sophisticated wrap dress is another reliable pick, flattering all body types and easy to dress up with the right accessories.

Don’t worry if dresses aren't your thing. A well-chosen jumpsuit can look just as polished and is a particularly strong choice if you prefer something more contemporary. Look for tailored cuts in luxe fabrics to keep the level of formality just right.

 

Smart co-ords and trouser suits have started stealing the spotlight on race day too, and for good reason. A matching set or a sharp waistcoat-and-wide-leg-trouser combo feels modern, intentional and perfectly elegant.

 

The dress code tends to be more relaxed for winter National Hunt meets, so a pair of well-fitted smart jeans can work, as long as the rest of the outfit is polished enough to carry them.

While horse racing outfits are usually at the more glamorous end of the spectrum, it’s important to prioritise comfort and practicality with your footwear.

 

Whether you’re walking around the enclosure or jumping up and down as your horse comes in, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so choose shoes you can wear for hours on end.

 

They should also be sturdy enough to take on grass, gravel and possibly mud, and let’s not forget that these are crowded events - toe coverage will be very welcome.  

 

If you choose heels, we’d recommend styles with a low or mid-height stacked heel. Reach for ones with a wider surface area too, for better balance and comfort - block heels or wedges would be the way to go.

 

Flats are your most comfortable option, and a chic pair of Mary Janes, ballet pumps or slingbacks will fit the dress code perfectly.

 

For winter meets, mid-calf or knee-high boots will keep you nice and warm. Choose ones in a darker colour so inevitable mud splatters won’t show up, and opt for styles with a smooth leather grain that’s easier to wipe down.

Women’s race day outfits are as much about those extra touches as they are about your clothes and shoes.

 

Extravagant hats and fascinators are the iconic accessory, and at some events, they’re even a dress code requirement. But even if you’re not in Epsom’s Queen Elizabeth II Stand or Ascot’s Queen Anne Enclosure, wearing a floppy or wide-brimmed hat is all part of the experience - and of course, it keeps the sun off too.

 

Complete your look with statement jewellery that complements the pattern or style of your outfit, and an over-the-shoulder handbag for easy access to your betting slip because, let’s be honest, no one wants to spend the whole day clinging onto a clutch!

It’s true that many racecourses are getting more relaxed with their style etiquette, unless you have tickets to an enclosure with a stricter dress code. But, that being said, there are some things that are still best to avoid.

 

High heels and stilettos: You’ll be on your feet most of the day, potentially walking over grass, gravel and mud, and these shoes will sink right in. Choose styles with a wider heel for extra comfort and practicality.

 

Very casual styles: With everyone else getting dressed to the nines, you’re likely to feel a bit out of place if you go the races in a laidback look. Avoid trainers, flip-flops, distressed jeans, jogging bottoms, graphic t-shirts, etc.

 

Open-toed shoes: The races can get pretty busy, and your toes won’t always come out on top. Opt for a pair of closed-toe shoes to help protect your feet from any potential trampling.

 

Tight or uncomfortable clothes: Yes, you want to look glam, but remember that you’ll be standing, walking or sitting on hard plastic seats for most of the day. Make sure you put comfort first.