The races are a spectacle of an event and one that attracts thousands of men and women every day. While there are plenty of race days that happen up and down the country, and throughout the world, there are particular standout days where many attendees go dressed to the nines.
From Ladies’ Day at Ascot to the Grand National at Aintree, there are plenty of iconic events where you can dress for the races in your most glamorous attire.
Dressing right for the races is worth knowing because when it comes to the big events, the dress code is necessary to adhere to. With that being said, if you’ve never attended the races and need some helpful advice, here’s everything you need to know.
The Dress
First and foremost, most ladies will opt for a dress when dressing up for the races. Not that a jumpsuit or suit would go a miss if you’re more comfortable or prefer this style of outfit.
Dresses offer a little bit more variety and provide different cuts, shapes and designs. If you’re looking for a more classic and elegant look to your Ladies’ Day attire, then you might want to opt for a long-sleeved midi dress. A cocktail dress is also a great option if you’re looking for something simple but effective.
Colour is always a good thing to experiment with and don’t be scared to try something a little out there than your usual palette. You’ll find that there’s a variety of colours found at the races when the attendees dress up. You certainly won’t be the only one wearing a fabulous and bold outfit.
A Jumpsuit or Masculine Suit
Talking of jumpsuits and suits, there’s a lot more gender fluidity in fashion nowadays which is refreshing to see. On the flip side, if you want to style your man for the races I recommend you checkout this race day outfit guide for men.
If you’re someone who enjoys a more covered fit or you simply like the silhouette and fit that a jumpsuit provides your body, then there are plenty of extravagant and delectable options out there.
For the more masculine lovers of fashion, a suit is a great way to make a statement and an impression where you stand out from all of the pretty dresses on display. A suit can also be dressed down or dressed in a way to look more feminine if required. Whether it’s tailored to fit or loose, a suit is a great alternative to consider when dressing up.
Hats and Fascinators
A big part of dressing up for the races as a woman is the headpieces on offer. While the men also have their pick of headpieces, it’s the ladies who often stand out on the day thanks to the vast assortment of hats and fascinators available.
Whether you opt for a flamboyant fascinator with an assortment of feathers sticking out from the headpiece to a large-rimmed hat that provides you with both style and shade on a hot day. There are a lot of great ways to style your outfit through the use of hats and fascinators.
While some might opt for the above to make their outfits extra special, there’s also those who’d prefer a more discreet look, whether it’s an embellished headband or sparkly hairpins.
Be Mindful of Your Shoes
Footwear is an important consideration to make, mainly because not all of the shoes that you have on offer will be suitable for grassy areas. While many of the race courses have enclosures and areas that are tarmacked, it’s always good to be mindful of what works best in this type of environment.
Block heels or wedges are likely to work best if you want to add some height. If you’re tall enough, then a kitten heel or slightly wedged flat shoe would also work well.
It’s crucial that you feel comfortable in whatever you wear because that’s what helps boost your confidence. The shoes you pick can be simple in their appearance or just as out there as the rest of the outfit. As long as you’re not walking in them like Bambi, you’ll be well-dressed for the races.
Keep Handbags Clutch-Friendly
With a handbag, you’re going to want to opt for the more clutch-friendly sizes. Even if it’s not a clutch, a smaller bag is better than bringing your day-to-day workbag with you.
While you might like to bring everything but the kitchen sink with you when you’re out and about, consider the environment is likely to be fairly busy and you might want something that you can easily navigate the crowds with. Not only that but a small bag helps carrying drinks across the venue, a lot easier.
Don’t Forget The Bling
One of the most important parts of dressing up is the bling you add in order to accessorise and add those finishing touches to the look.
When choosing your jewellery, be considerate of what goes with the dress or outfit of choice. Remember that less is often more with a lot of the dresses that are chosen for the races. However, if you’ve got something more simple planned for the dress then you might want to go big and bolshy with the jewellery. It’s a glamorous way to dress up the outfit and if you’re feeling like a treat, then purchasing a new pair of earrings or a necklace and bracelet combination needs no excuse when attending a race day.
Be sure to check the jewellery against anything you’re planning to wear to ensure it looks the part and doesn’t clash with your outfit or other accessories in any way.
Remember To Dress For Your Personality and Have Fun
Don’t forget to dress for your personality. While there might be a typical outfit that’s worn at the races, many embellish their looks to reflect their vibrant selves, so add a little flair to your outfit where possible.
This is a collaborative post
