Need help with what to wear to the races? Get noticed for all the right reasons

One of the big occasionwear moments of the year, deciding what to wear to the races is no easy task. From vibrant jewel-tone dresses to playful floral jumpsuits, whether you're attending the Derby or Royal Ascot, there's plenty of choice in the latest spring collections.

In 2025, the dress codes are noticeably more relaxed than in previous years, however, there are still rules in place, meaning the earlier you start to look for your outfit, the better. For example, Royal Ascot requests that ladies wear dresses, skirts or matching coloured trouser suits, so before you shop, you'll want to be armed with what you can and can't wear in different enclosures.

If you're shopping for a new outfit, remember that race day outfits can often be interchanged with the best wedding guest dresses. With big race days on the horizon, in the form of the Belmont Stakes in the US and Epsom and Royal Ascot in the UK, stores are brimming with summer occasion wear. From midi dresses and chic trouser suits to the most flattering jumpsuits, there is something for every style.

What to wear to the races

When planning what to wear to the races, a good starting point is to check the dress code for your specific event or race day.

In practical terms, the Royal Enclosure at Ascot is generally considered to have the strictest guidelines. Hemlines are expected to fall to at least just above the knee or longer, while any strappy dress should have a shoulder strap that is a minimum of 2.5cm. Even though a jacket or pashmina may be worn, the dress or top underneath is still expected to comply with the strap guidance. Trouser suits are allowed, but the jacket and trousers must be made of matching fabric and colour/print. Jumpsuits are also permitted but must fall below the knee (no playsuits), and shoulder straps must comply with the minimum width of 2.5cm. Finally, hats, a huge part of Ascot style, are also required, although a headpiece with a minimum base diameter of at least 10cm would also be permissible.

While dress codes differ between events, a safe bet is to think about your outfit in the same realm as what to wear to a wedding. A pretty midi-length dress, with shoulder coverage and a hat or fascinator, will ensure you tick all the potential requirements.

Best dresses to wear to the races

When it comes to selecting the perfect dress to wear to the races, this is a time to embrace colour and print, polka dots and florals are always winning prints in the summer.

For an elegant and timeless look, fit and flare midi dresses make for an easy and stylish choice, highlighting your middle and skimming over hips with ease, creating an hourglass silhouette. To avoid any possible dress code infractions, avoid strapless and halter-neck styles, opting instead for short sleeves or straps over one 2.5cm wide.

If you select a printed dress, pick out one or two of the colours from the pattern for your accessories to complement your outfit.

Best jumpsuits to wear to the races

If you feel more comfortable in trousers than a dress, then jumpsuits are a stylish and modern middle ground. Like dresses, avoid strapless or spaghetti straps and opt for a design with sleeves or straps wider than 2.5cm. If in doubt, add a jacket in a matching or complementary colour for a modern take on race day dressing.

Fashion editor Rivkie Baum agrees that jumpsuits are a great alternative:

"The rule allowing jumpsuits in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot came into play in 2017, a strong sartorial move. Jumpsuits are universally flattering and, as with dresses, offer easy styling solutions for important occasions. For a super chic look, opt for a fitted bodice and wide-leg trousers in light and pastel hues for a look that is instantly summer-ready. The wide-leg will help to balance fuller busts and flatter a pear-shaped figure".

Best jackets & tops to wear to the races

A tailored jacket is an ideal choice for a race day outfit. The best blazers and boucle tweed jackets are timeless and will complement most outfits. For jackets that can work beyond race day, opt for neutral shades or earth tones that can become a wardrobe essential and be worn as part of a summer outfit for work or casual occasions at a later date.

Best hats and fascinators to wear to the races

When it comes to finding the right hat to wear to the races, keep your head held high with a stylish finishing touch to your outfit. While some events may have more relaxed attitudes towards hats and fascinators or not require them at all, other prestigious events, such as Royal Ascot, won’t allow entry without one. If you’re wearing a patterned outfit, try picking out one colour from the print for your headwear. If you're still in need of extra guidance, you can also consult our guide below.

Eliane of Eliane Sarah Millinery talks us through how to select a hat that suits your face shape:

“Not all hats fit all faces. Don’t be put off if the seasons’ hottest trends or the Princess of Wales' new headpiece style doesn’t suit you. Different designs suit different face shapes. Face shapes fall in a few categories: round, long, square, heart, triangle, oval."

• "Round: to slim your face, you need to create length, so look at asymmetrical styles, or a tall hat (with a small brim). Avoid round shapes and large brims or anything that will horizontally go along the forehead as these will make your face appear rounder.
• Long: if you want to make your face look rounder, then you need to do the opposite to round faces. Opt for a hat with a brim - the larger the better - a low crown, is great to cut the length of the face.
• Square: a bit like round, you can add asymmetry to your face or soften the features with curves. Height on the crown will also help lengthen the face. Round fascinator shapes, brims, crowns, and flowers will soften the look.
• Oval: you can try anything. Go for any trend or style you want, all shapes should complement your face shape.
• Heart: similar to oval shapes, you have a great choice. The one thing to consider is slimming the forehead, or just not accentuating the forehead as a feature, so avoid a narrow crown on the hat. A medium brim is a great choice. Asymmetrical headpieces and berets are also a great choice.
• Triangle: as with the heart and oval shape, you have endless choices of styles to pick from."

Best shoes to wear to the races

For a day at the races, you’ll likely spend a fair amount of time on your feet, cheering on your filly from the stands, so it’s best to avoid stilettos and shoes with narrow heels such as kitten heels - particularly as walking on grass can be involved. Instead, opt for comfortable shoe styles, for example, those with block heels, wedges and platforms.

If you do want to wear heels, why not try this clever shoe trick from Zara Tindall, that is a saviour for heels on grass on race days and beyond.

In terms of style inspiration, look to comfortable wedding guest shoes, to guide the level of elegance required.

Best bags to wear to the races

When it comes to handbags to wear to the races, it's all about opting for lightweight, smart designs. There is a lot of standing around on the day, so you don't want to be dragging a big tote around.

Opt for smaller bags, such as grab bags or clutch styles that will enhance your outfit instead of overshadowing it. If you're using your accessories to add a pop of colour to your look, coordinate your hat and bag to help tie your outfit together.

Simply need something practical and versatile? Opt for a neutral-hued, bag to ensure it doesn't distract from the rest of your ensemble. Remember to only take essentials with you, so that your bag doesn't become cumbersome.

What is the dress code for the races?

Whenever you’re planning what to wear to the races, it’s important to read the dress code rules for each event you attend ahead of time as they vary from meet to meet and even section to section, depending on what level of entry you have.

For example, the Royal Ascot dress code has stringent outfit guidelines that differ between enclosures - with the Royal enclosure governed by the strictest style dress code. From the width of the straps of your dress to the circumference of your hat, in order to have a fun and smooth day, you'll want to adhere to the rules. Any style infractions could see you barred from attending. It's important to check the legislation for your particular enclosure as some areas have far more relaxed guidelines.

While not quite as prescriptive as Royal Ascot, those attending the Kentucky Derby in May should also read the small print of their tickets to make sure they’re appropriately dressed in business casual - think dresses, jumpsuits and matching co-ords, leaving the jeans, halternecks and leggings at home.

Can you wear jeans to the races?

If there’s one item to avoid when it comes to race day, it’s jeans. Give denim the day off, but if you want to wear trousers, there are plenty of stylish equivalents to your everyday true blue favourites. Why not try an elegant wide-leg trouser teamed with a pretty blouse and matching jacket for a chic race day look?

What do ladies wear to the horse races?

When planning an outfit, it’s better to err on the side of caution and go for the smart end of your wardrobe rather than casual. To avoid being denied entry, opt for modest dresses or jumpsuit styles with covered shoulders, preferably in a length that falls around or below the knee. For style inspiration, look towards The Princess of Wales' favourite outfit combination of a midi dress and a stylish pair of heels.

Another race day regular is a headpiece. Many traditional horse race meets still require women to wear a millinery hairpiece or hat. If hats aren’t your favourite look, a chic alternative is an Alice band or subtle disc fascinator that is mounted on a narrow band and sits forward on the head. Just check any circumference size requirements for your particular event

Not sure what will suit you? Eliane has this advice when it comes to picking the perfect race day chapeau choice:

“A headpiece should complement and balance the garment you will be wearing and can be as adventurous or as simple as you are comfortable wearing. Obviously, if you want to stand out - the bigger the better.

If you prefer a larger piece or a more traditional shape, the large brim with a low crown is a winner, or a saucer shape with elegant, understated trims looks effortlessly stylish too.”

Most importantly, be comfortable. That applies to your whole outfit, not just your shoes. Nothing ruins a look more than you feeling uncomfortable or needing to adjust it throughout the day, so really consider how long you'll be wearing your race day ensemble. Treat is as an opportunity to go all out and dress up for the occasion, being mindful of any relevant guidelines, so you can have the best time possible.