When a Punter decides not to punt online, but to make the trip to the racecourse, whether it’s a trip to Royal Ascot or an afternoon at Newton Abbot, then proper racecourse attire will depend on what race meeting the person is attending.
What to Wear at a Racecourse – Many people dress up for a “Day at the Races,” and it’s a fun day out with family and friends, particularly for large events like Glorious Goodwood, The Cheltenham Gold Cup, and the Chester May Festival.
The primary goal is frequently elegance and style from head to toe, and although it is not always required, dressing up is regarded as part of the race day experience and excitement. However, keep in mind that your attire should be comfortable enough to last the whole day, since you may be standing outdoors and roaming about a lot.
Each UK racecourse has its dress code for certain enclosures, which are listed on their websites. There’s also the British weather to consider, so your clothing selections may vary depending on the racecourse, the enclosure you’re in, and the time of year.
Your Raceday Outfit – Considerations
- Season – a summer suit at Newmarket Racecourse will be different from a winter look at Newbury Racecourse. Whether you travel in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter, your selections will be influenced by the season.
- What enclosure you’re in — various portions of racetracks have distinct dress regulations.
- Weather – As with any outfit, check the forecast so you don’t be caught in a rainstorm unprepared.
- Is it an evening or day meeting – most race meetings take place during the day, but in the summer there are often evening meetings (Windsor Racecourse has many) and in the winter there is all-weather racing in the evening at Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell, so you may need a jacket, scarf, or pashmina.
- Racetrack – Some racetracks are more lenient in general and during specific meetings; this information may also be accessed on their websites.
- Dress Codes – Certain race days and significant racing events, such as Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby, have rigorous dress codes.
What to Wear to a Horse Racing Meeting in the Summer – A Ladies Guide
You’ll want to look and feel well for a day at the races in the summer. As a result, many females like to wear a great summer light dress. However, as pleasant and warm as the weather might be, it can quickly turn into a race day tragedy if you don’t dress appropriately.
When visiting the races in the summer, the ideal choice is to wear a flowing, stylish dress that is both comfortable and stands out from the throng. Simple light colors and pastels, such as this “rose long sleeve pleated midi dress” from Pretty Little Thing, are often popular.
On a hot summer day, you may wear whatever color you like, yet choosing black or dark colors may be a bad option since you will become too hot. Footwear might be a challenge since you are on your feet for most of the day and maybe doing a lot of walking.
Unfortunately, walking boots may not be appropriate for the style, therefore we recommend that you use heels such as wedges. Wedges are ideal for the races since they are easy to walk in and, with their sandal-style heel, complement the summer atmosphere.
A hat or a fascinator is an excellent option for many female racegoers, particularly on Ladies Day. This may liven up your attire while also keeping the sun out of your eyes without the need for sunglasses. A little bag would be excellent so you don’t have to lug anything around with you all day.
What to Wear to the Races in the Summer- For Men
There are always plenty of clothes for guys to wear to the races, but it’s picking the ideal one to stand out on a sunny day without being overheated that’s difficult. If you want to dress up in a suit, it’s better to go for a lightweight suit so you don’t become too hot.
If you have a favorite suit, whether navy or black, why not add a colored shirt (light pink or baby blue) instead of white to brighten up the look? A colored tie might also be a nice complement. On a bright day, you want to wear as few layers as possible, including on your feet. Loafers are fantastic to wear to the races since you don’t have to wear socks with them (unless you want to) and they are stylish horse racing apparel.
We won’t let the weather spoil your day, whether it’s chilly or rainy. In general, a suit is the greatest choice for going to the races since it can be dressed up or down. Whatever color shirt you think is ideal, keep in mind aspects such as the weather; if it’s pouring, the rain may show on your suit, which won’t look good for all the shots you’ll be shooting!
Wearing a suit in the winter is more formal since you may wear a waistcoat beneath your jacket for an additional layer and button your shirt to the top with a tie to remain warm. It would be excellent to wear a thicker, fluffier suit, which would make a significant impact.
Derby shoes are the footwear we would suggest. These are sophisticated and comfortable with socks, and they go with every style of suit due to the wide range of colors available.
Ladies Attending a Winter Horse Racing Meeting
On a chilly day, a jumpsuit may be excellent since your legs are completely covered, keeping you warm. If you like to wear dresses, a maxi dress may be the ideal option since it covers more flesh. When deciding what to wear to the races in the winter, consider things like long sleeves and how much coverage you have so you don’t get a breeze.
If you’re wearing a dress, add some tights to keep your legs warm and a long, beautiful coat to throw over the top. Winter footwear is essential since nothing is worse than having numb toes when racing. You may add some heel boots, which will cover your whole foot and keep it warm while also looking extremely sophisticated and fashionable.
Investing in some leather gloves to keep your hands warm is one of the finest choices you can make since you will be unable to feel your fingers by the end of the day. Choose a color that complements your style and may be worn as an accent.
Casual Attire for a Lower Profile Racemeeting
You may dress casually for certain race meetings; in fact, elegant casual horse racing costumes are arguably the most common styles seen on weekday meets. For men, casual styles include smart jeans, chinos, and smart pants; at many courses, you may even wear stylish, clean sneakers.
Ladieswear identical sophisticated trousers and jeans with sweaters or blouses depending on the weather. Hats are not required, although practical footwear is acceptable.
How to Dress for the Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham has no official dress code. Because the event is in March, guests’ clothing choices may be affected by the weather. The Cheltenham Racecourse recommends that guests dress properly for the weather, however many ladies will wear hats.
At The Festival, everything goes, from feathers to tweeds, gowns to hats. Gentlemen often wear a suit or comparable clothes in all enclosures, restaurants, and hospitality facilities. The Cheltenham Festival does not have an official dress code, however, professional attire is advised.
The Attire is important, but the Horses are the Most Important
When a person plans a day at the racecourse, the punters’ attire is important and will depend on what type of race meeting (The Cheltenham festival or a night meeting at Kempton) that person is attending. Comfort is key for any person attending any race meeting, but paramount in any punter’s mind is that the most important of any meeting is the Thoroughbred itself, and if that is top of mind then the mindset of that punter from the outset will be the correct one.