With the hugely popular Cheltenham festival drawing in crowds from all over the country earlier in March - and the big one for us Liverpool gals, The Grand National & Ladies Day rapidly approaching in April; it’s safe to say that people in the UK love a day out at the races.
The races [for me, Aintree & The Grand National / Ladies Day in particular cos yeno; Liverpool gal now aren't I] are so much more than just horse racing - there's so much going on socially, it's a chance to get dolled up to the nines and also, it's an opportunity to get dressed up & flaunt ya sense of style for the day!
If you're in need of a bitta fashion inspo during the Races Season; look no further. I've got ya, huns!
Choosing your main outfit
You’ll want to look hottttt for ya day at the races; so to make sure you turn heads & make jaws hit the floor, it's defo worth spending a bit of time choosing your main outfit.
I guess the other scenario when spending a big blow-out day at the races - aside from getting dolled up to the nines & taking the profile picture of a lifetime - is that you might be headed there for a birthday, stag or hen do... meaning fancy dress might be on the cards. Bear in mind if this is the case, that depending on which racecourse event you've got tickets for, this might result in you getting refused entry ๐ Imagine turning up at Ladies Day dressed as a giant sandwich ๐ Defo check with the venue before committing to that Smiffy's order & have a read over these handy style tips to ensure you don't get denied on the big day!
I guess the other scenario when spending a big blow-out day at the races - aside from getting dolled up to the nines & taking the profile picture of a lifetime - is that you might be headed there for a birthday, stag or hen do... meaning fancy dress might be on the cards. Bear in mind if this is the case, that depending on which racecourse event you've got tickets for, this might result in you getting refused entry ๐ Imagine turning up at Ladies Day dressed as a giant sandwich ๐ Defo check with the venue before committing to that Smiffy's order & have a read over these handy style tips to ensure you don't get denied on the big day!
Ladies
Ah, dressing up for the races as a gal is so much fun. There's an almost unlimited range of options to explore! A safe bet is a dress with a fascinator and comfortable heels or flat boots.
Definitely consider the event itself & perhaps do a lil Google beforehand for more inspo, tho. At Cheltenham, for example, you’d expect to see people wearing classic country colours & neutral shades but the Grand National is described as a “spectacle of colour” [yaaaaaaas scouse birds slayyyyyy] so bold and bright is ya best bet.
Definitely consider the event itself & perhaps do a lil Google beforehand for more inspo, tho. At Cheltenham, for example, you’d expect to see people wearing classic country colours & neutral shades but the Grand National is described as a “spectacle of colour” [yaaaaaaas scouse birds slayyyyyy] so bold and bright is ya best bet.
Some venues typically prefer a more formal style of dress. In the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot for example [can't see me getting in there any time soon!] dresses must fall just above the knee or longer and must have a strap of one inch or greater... strapless, off-the-shoulder & halter-neck dresses are a definite no-go.
Similarly, in the Village Enclosure at Royal Ascot, midriffs are required to be covered and if you opt for a trouser suit, it's gotta be full-length, or you might find you’re fully denied entry!
Similarly, in the Village Enclosure at Royal Ascot, midriffs are required to be covered and if you opt for a trouser suit, it's gotta be full-length, or you might find you’re fully denied entry!
Men
Men’s dress codes can be a little strict, but there's ways you can work in your own personal style & flair to make your look your own.
It goes without saying that you should defo avoid trainers and trackies. You won't be allowed in many places dressed like that hun - not any of the events listed above, the Club Stand at the Ayr Grand National or in the Winning Post, County and Tattersalls Enclosures at the Boodles Festival.
Some venues I suppose might accept this sporty attire, but it's likely that you’d feel underdressed for the occasion if you rock up in ya new shellsuit. Ripped or torn denim jeans are treated in pretty much the same way too - your best to opt for a suit with a slim fit shirt and trousers in all honesty bbz. In the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot, jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern too.
It goes without saying that you should defo avoid trainers and trackies. You won't be allowed in many places dressed like that hun - not any of the events listed above, the Club Stand at the Ayr Grand National or in the Winning Post, County and Tattersalls Enclosures at the Boodles Festival.
Some venues I suppose might accept this sporty attire, but it's likely that you’d feel underdressed for the occasion if you rock up in ya new shellsuit. Ripped or torn denim jeans are treated in pretty much the same way too - your best to opt for a suit with a slim fit shirt and trousers in all honesty bbz. In the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot, jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern too.
Trainers are banned at most events, so smart shoes have gotta be done lads. Try opting for footwear such as a brogue or men’s derby shoe; in a subtle tone that pairs well with your look.
Adding an extra layer
With the weather in Britain being so hit and miss [or miss & miss; being real] it’s always a good shout to bring an extra layer to keep you warm... just in case.
Ladies
Duster coats and macs are timeless fashion items - set to be a huge hit for 2019. These coats are totes chic & formal; keeping you warm whilst still keeping your outfit dressy. Avoid denim, leather or bomber jackets as these create more of a casual tone that'll take away from that bangin' new dress.
Men
Men should keep their coat smart to match their outfit. A covert coat is a popular choice with fellas when looking for race day fashion - which is basically is an overcoat traditionally worn for hunting or horse-riding, but which also creates a smart tone for these types of events. Pair with a checked scarf on a cooler day and try to avoid short-length coats made of suede or shearling to prevent looking less formal.
Adding the finishing touches
Accessories & jewellery details can be the making of a look, so defo don't overlook their importance. Co-ordination on-fleek & unique, statement pieces are key to standing out on the day of the races.
Ladies
Fascinators are an extremely popular choice with women at the races. Oversized hats and funky fascinators are often the centre of attention on race day - in fact, many winners of the best dressed award category are known to wear weird and wonderful headpieces.
I didn't realise this, but some venues don’t actually allow fascinators! What is this?! Appaz fascinators aren't welcome in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot... but ‘substantial fascinators’ are encouraged at the Investec Ladies Day in May. At the Scottish Grand National in Ayr, ‘hats and fascinators are optional, but on display in abundance’, suggesting you might feel out of place without one. So it's worth thinking about.
Men
Men should keep it simple accessory wise; perhaps adding a hat or tie to bring your outfit together. For the Ayr Scottish Grand National, a tie isn’t compulsory in the Hospitality Facilities, but you might still wanna to wear one to look the part.
On the flip-side, in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot a tie must be worn - not including cravats or bow ties. We're talking full on tie. A black or grey top hat and black shoes are also necessities to enter this part of the venue - and in the Village Enclosure, all of the above goes; as well as a cheeky lil rule that all socks worn should cover the ankle!
On the flip-side, in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot a tie must be worn - not including cravats or bow ties. We're talking full on tie. A black or grey top hat and black shoes are also necessities to enter this part of the venue - and in the Village Enclosure, all of the above goes; as well as a cheeky lil rule that all socks worn should cover the ankle!
Have you ever been to the races before? Are you going this year? Were any of these tips useful in helping you pick an outfit?
*Collaborative post - for more information on what this means, please see my Disclaimer
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