What to wear to the races
Read our influencer style & fit guide for what to wear to the races. Including ladies’ day outfits, dresses & accessories.
Summer brings with it one of the chicest RSVPs of the year… A day at the races. An opportunity to swap your usual day-to-day outfit for an elegant dress or polished tailoring, and the finery of fascinators and hats. If you’re struggling with what to wear to the races, or perhaps you’re on the hunt for ladies’ day dresses, we’ve got races dresses and races outfits that promise comfort, elegance and practicality.
What to wear to the races
Race day outfits depend on a few key factors. What the dress code is for the area that your ticket is in (i.e. grandstand, paddock, family enclosure, etc), the weather, and what you feel most comfortable in. Some sections of the racecourse have a strict dress code, so it’s best to check the event information ahead of time to avoid any surprises. For classy outfits, we’d go for an elegant race day dress with a fascinator, heels and a clutch bag. Then, for casual race day outfits, perhaps in one of the general enclosures, we’d go for a mini dress with statement accessories and a pair of wedges.
When considering what to wear, think about breathable fabrics for the warm temperatures, a flattering neckline to give the dress longevity in your wardrobe after the races, and whether you’re after a fitted or floaty silhouette.
What dresses to wear to the races
Looking and feeling your best is top priority at the races, so it’s down to you to decide the dress length, shape, color and/or pattern that suits you. Let influencers Laura (Size UK 8), Liz (UK 16) and Shannon (UK 22) from influencer trio The Styling Three show you their favorite race day dresses and how they’d style them. Shannon chose the light green Prairie Midi Dress for the races: “I absolutely adore the color! The races are so fun, but are a long day on my feet, so I'd want to look stylish, but also be comfortable. I’m wearing a UK size 22 and it is a floaty fit that nips in at the waist and flows — my perfect type of shape for a dress!”
Don’t let the grassy setting fool you, a maxi dress can be a winning choice for race day. Floor-sweeping styles, as seen on Laura, are perfect for creating an elongated silhouette that is super flattering. “I chose this stunning white floral maxi dress, and not only is this the most comfortable, floaty dress, but it also has pockets (you’ve got to love a dress with pockets!). Easy to style with flats or heels and the most gorgeous material too; it looks and feels so expensive. It’s a perfect dress for the races!”
Plus-size outfits for the races
Finding plus-size race day dresses can be tricky, which is why we offer sizes UK 6 to a UK 22 across a wide range of our dresses. Alongside this, a large selection of our dresses offer stretchy fabrics across the bust, adjustable straps and flattering silhouettes to help our customers look and feel their best. Laura, Liz and Shannon, sizes UK 8, 16 and 22, respectively, are here to showcase what our dresses look like on different body types, heights and shapes.
Speaking on the fit of her dress, Liz said: “I wore a size 16. When I saw it on the hanger, my first thought was that it was a small 16; however, when I put it on, I was so surprised by how well it fit me. I found it a good fit, but if you find yourself bigger busted than myself, (36G), then I would suggest sizing up. However, there are adjustable straps which always help!”
Speaking on her dress’s fit and versatility, Shannon said: “This dress runs true to size with a loose fit and amazing fit on the bust - I'm a 44G bra and the fit was really stretchy and elasticated so would also be a great breastfeeding friendly dress for moms - no need to size up in my opinion!”
For Laura’s bandeau style, she said: “Sizing-wise, I would say it’s generous as it’s so lovely and flowy. I’m wearing size XS, and it’s perfect at the top for me (it’s stretchy too). I honestly don’t think you could get a more comfortable dress!”
Casual race day outfit ideas for women
Your race-day dress code doesn’t need to be formal. If you’re watching the races from more relaxed areas, all you need to do is swap your heels for more comfortable footwear. Styling these dresses with sandals or sneakers is a practical option that will make you feel like you’ve made an effort without getting too dressed up. Take it from Shannon! “I love the affordability and how this can also be styled casually too with sandals/sneakers, as a cute dress for a summer wedding, brunch with the girls, picnic in the park or even just as your everyday dress.”
Formal looks: A maxi or midi dress paired with coordinating colored shoes and bag, and/or fascinator. (Don’t forget a shawl for warmth!)
Casual looks: A mini dress teamed with statement platform heels or wedges and a jacket or blazer.
Race day accessories & footwear
Your accessories and shoes can be the key to elevating your race day dress or outfit from simple to showstopping. Hats and fascinators are great ways to embrace the grandeur of race day dressing, outside of wedding guest dressing. Heels and clutches are the practical parts of your outfit, dress code permitting, and we love a heeled mule or wedge sandal for navigating the racecourse’s grassy terrain. Don’t be afraid to use, re-wear and restyle these pieces after your day at the races for your birthday, brunches or garden parties.
“I feel like this dress is the perfect occasion dress. You could style it with heels and a clutch bag for a party or event... I would also wear this with flats on vacation too for a more casual feel.” - Laura
“This would be perfect for a wedding home or abroad, I would add a small hat or fascinator to make it extra special. For me, it’s an all-year-round dress.” - Liz