What to wear to the races
With the racing season upon us many of my clients have called upon me to style them for the races.
Whether you’re attending Chester Racecourse, Cheltenham, Haydock races or Royal Ascot, for knowing what to wear.
The races is often the most challenging event for occasion wear.
There’s the strict dress code to adhere to and the formal traditions to consider- so how do you style yourself in keeping with this whilst dressing for yourself AND without ending up buying something you would never wear again.
How realistic is it to wear a hat that looks like a peacock to any other event?
Style for the races is not about looking coordinated or having the hat, the bag, the shoes matching. It’s about feeling great in your own skin whilst dressing your absolute best.
You want to dress to impress – think your Sunday best teamed with your best wedding guest outfit. Races are a great opportunity to wear something different, test out your style boundaries and dress up, whist enjoying a glamourous setting.
This year it is also about showcasing your confident self alongside the best style for SS22. Let me guide you to create a winning outfit for race day. If you’re planning on attending a race day this year, there are some key factors to bear in mind so you can successfully dress for race day.
Study the dress code
Obvious right? But surprising how many people overlook this. The dress code can vary and be dependent on the races and enclosure you’re in.
At some racecourses, the dress code is so strict you run the risk of being turned away for not adhering to it. Rules of clothing will vary dependent on which enclosure you are attending. For example, at the Royal Ascot – ladies can wear jumpsuits and full suits BUT they must be full length or not cropped , whereas in the Champagne Garden at Chester Racecourse – no jeans or trainers or shorts are allowed.
Opting for a fitted midi dress in a bold yellow teamed with heels as seen on the Dutches of York at the Royal Ascot is a great option. This also showcases the bold & bright colours of the season as seen on the Tom Ford SS22 runways.
Maximise your look
Dressing for the races is about elevating your look whilst staying comfortable. We’re talking stunning A-line dresses, sassy fitted body cons, floaty maxi dresses teamed with classy feminine tailoring.
For SS22, florals are a must as seen on the Versace catwalk where bigger is better on the floral print front. For the races opting for the floral print in the form of dresses, for example will create a statement and sense of drama whilst keeping to traditional lines.
Classic lines are key, but you can still maximise the look by opting for bold colours or interesting lines to add a sense of grandeur. For example, Royal Ascot racecourse controversially allowed jumpsuits to be worn in 2017- however, the style of jumpsuit (brings drama) should mirror the dress option, therefore opting for classic lines as seen in the Karen Millen and Ted Baker collections would work well as jumpsuits are a great option for maximising your look whilst keeping to the traditional and sometimes strict dress code of the races.
Add some fascination
The only accessory that matters at the races: a statement hat or fascinator. Find something that suits your personal style and matches your outfit. Statements, ridiculous and adventurous (if you dare) are key words here.
Alternatively go as classic and understated as you want BUT make sure you create statement elsewhere e.g. using bold colours or unusual lines.
At the races ladies typically wear dresses, ideally colourful or with an interesting print- Headwear is a fantastic way to dress up a classic dress or dress down a loud and bold statement dress. You could opt for pastels in a classic look for example a rose long sleeve pleated midi dress from Pretty Little Thing, Teamed with a statement fascinator or hat with added feathers and drama but keeping to the pastel and classic colour pallet will create a sense of drama without being loud
Footwear
You are likely to be on your feet all day and most likely will do a lot of walking. Remember – comfortable doesn’t have to mean frumpy (the wrong footwear will break your outfit). Wedges or a block heel are a great option for the races- they are comfortable, work well with the vibe of the races and can be styled with most race day wear.
Make sure your footwear not only looks stylish and works well with your look, but that it is practical and therefore you can stand and walk in them gracefully all day. Check out ASOS Design for an array of wedges and block heel options.
Do’s
Check the dress code policy for the racecourse and enclosure
Opt for statement headwear, especially if wearing a classic look- this will elevate it
Consider the time of year- the weather will affect your choices
Don’ts
Dress for a wedding- if you opt for a fascinator go for maximum volume and impact
Wear jeans or trainers- you may not be allowed into your enclosure or run the risk of having to go home and change
Copy other people’s looks, find your style and dress it up with your authenticity in mind
Play it safe- the races are a fantastic opportunity to experiment and expand your style boundaries. So go as loud as you feel safe to go!
About the model's outfit:
For Joanna’s outfit I’ve teamed a floral maxi dress with classy tailoring to create a feminine yet formal look inspired by the Givenchy and Alexandre Mc Queen SS22 collections. The cut and lines of the outfit work well with the dress code and formal tradition of race day style.
Learn more styling tips, at your own pace
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