What to wear to the races: Sophisticated outfit ideas and dress code tips to help you shine on race day

When it comes to working out what to wear to the races, you don't want to step out of sartorial lines. With many of the big race days governed by dress codes, finding the perfect look can be tricky.

If your race day tickets are booked, it's time to get your outfit sorted. Often with codes of conduct to follow, finding the right outfit can seem like a tall order, so the earlier you start the better. If you've left it to the last minute, have no fear, we're here to help. The best dresses will have just the right width of shoulder strap to keep you cool, stylish, and well within the dress code parameters. While you might not find anything in your wardrobe to wear for the horse races, the good news is that when it comes to race day looks, they will often meet the criteria for what to wear to a wedding or a christening too - ensuring you'll be sorted for further summer events too. 

With big race days on the horizon, in the form of the Belmont Stakes in the US and Cheltenham races and Royal Ascot in the UK, stores are starting to fill up 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. While some meets have a relaxed dress code, other events take what you wear seriously, going so far as to have marshalls on arrival to stop those who don’t meet the style requirements from entering - you could literally be stopped by the fashion police!

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 christening. A pretty midi-length dress, with shoulder coverage and a hat or fascinator, will ensure you tick all the potential requirements. When it comes to shoes, you can certainly opt for comfortable flats, if you so desire, as there is a lot of walking and standing at race days, just make sure they're well turned out and smart. Of course, the best designer heels will also do the job here. 

What not to wear to the races

Forget your best jeans and t-shirts, and leave your best white trainers by the door, this is your time to shine. Your race day outfit should reflect summer occasion wear and is governed largely by the same rules as wedding guest looks. 

While you can wear black to the races, given that they are high summer events, you may want to consult the fashion color trends 2023 and opt for bright color clothes and something from the latest shoe trends 2023 to reflect the mood of the season. 

Many race days have a set of codes of what to wear and you will often find the length of dresses or sleeve length mentioned, midriff-baring tops and dresses are also usually out, so it is wise to have a really detailed read of regulations before you start shopping. 

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 color and print. For an elegant and timeless look, fit and flare midi dresses make for an easy and stylish choice. To avoid any possible dress code infractions, avoid strapless and halter-neck styles, opting instead for short sleeves or straps over one inch wide. If you select a printed dress, pick out one or two of the colors from the pattern for your accessories to complement your outfit. And if you're under 5'4, make sure to check out our best petite dresses guide for specific brand help. If you've often shied away from wearing dresses due to thigh rub, get a pair of the best anti-chafing shorts to solve the issue.

Best jumpsuits to wear to the races

If you feel more comfortable in trousers than a dress, then a jumpsuit is a stylish and modern middle ground. Like dresses, it’s best to avoid strapless or spaghetti straps and opt for a design with sleeves or straps wider than one inch. If in doubt, add a jacket in a matching or complementary color 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 is relatively recent but 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 body.

Best jackets 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 worn as part of a summer outfit for work or casual occasions at a later date. If you're looking for a more statement look, bold colors are a big fashion trend 2023, so a punchy pink blazer won't go a miss. 

A blazer also makes for a great cover-up option if your dress or jumpsuit doesn't have wide enough straps, but again, be careful as you might find yourself overheating if it's a particularly warm day. 

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 won’t allow entry without one. If you’re wearing a patterned outfit, try picking out one color from the print for your headwear. If you're still in need of extra guidance, you can also consult our how to wear a hat guide.

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 Duchess of Cambridge’s new headpiece style doesn’t suit you. There are different designs that 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 horse races, it’s likely you’ll spend a fair amount of time on your feet, cheering on your filly from the stands so it’s best to avoid stilettoes and shoes with narrow heels such as kitten heels. Instead, opt for shoes with block heels, wedges and platforms. Not only are these on-trend but they will also be infinitely more comfortable for the duration of the day. Stuck on the perfect shoe for you? Look to the best shoe trends for inspiration.

Best bags to wear to the races

When it comes to handbags to wear to the races, it's all about opting for elegant designs that are lightweight. There is a lot of standing around on the day, so you don't want to be dragging your best tote bag around. Opt for smaller bags, such as a clutch or the best crossbody bags or shoulder styles that will enhance your outfit instead of overshadowing it. If you're using your accessories to add a pop of color to your look, coordinate your hat and bag to help tie your look together. Otherwise opt for a neutral hued bag to ensure it doesn't distract from your headwear. 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 guides.

While not quite as prescriptive as the Queen’s race week, 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 your best 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 your jeans. Give denim the day off, but if you want to wear trousers, there are plenty of stylish equivalents to your everyday true blue favorites. Why not try an elegant wide-leg trouser teamed with a pretty blouse or go for a two-piece trouser suit 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 Duchess of Cambridge’s favorite outfit combination of a midi dress and 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 favorite 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.

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! After a few years of very little happening, styles are getting smaller. My best sellers are the oversized headbands with flowers, a halo crown effect headpiece and an asymmetrical shape with floral trims.

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.”