Race day calls for your most fabulous self – and race day outfits to help you shine. From the glamour of Royal Ascot to the buzz of Cheltenham Festival, it’s time to find an outfit that looks stylish, flatters your shape and honours those all-important dress codes.
Ready to discover what to wear to the races this year? Let's explore stunning designs that'll ensure you’re front and centre in the winners' enclosure.
Race day outfits: what to consider
Every racecourse is unique when it comes to style, location, atmosphere and formality. Here are some things to bear in mind when choosing what to wear to the races in your diary this year.
Time of year
From crisp March mornings at Cheltenham to the fresh autumn breeze of October at British Champions Day, racing's social calendar embraces every season. This makes thoughtful dressing the secret to your success. Think refined layers for spring and airy, cooling fabrics when summer arrives. The heart of racing life unfolds outdoors – whether you're studying the favourites in the parade ring or sipping champagne on the lawn – and the right outfit means you can savour every memorable moment.
Enclosure
Race days have evolved to welcome a more relaxed approach to dress codes, yet they remain one of fashion's most glorious occasions. Stepping out in elegant race day dresses is all part of the occasion, after all! Several enclosures still carry formal etiquettes and dress codes, however – a quick check of your ticket or the racecourse website will tell you if there’s anything specific you need to wear. Some fashion rules are fun to bend, but these ones are worth following!
Your style
Deciding what to wear to the races is about embracing your unique style and letting your personality shine. Choose something you love and feel comfortable wearing – it’s the key to enjoying the day. Prefer not to wear race day dresses? Try stylish coordinates instead, or flatter your figure in our perfectly fitting, elegant women’s trousers. More relaxed dress codes mean you can feel confident in clothes you love.
Race day shoes
When deciding what to wear at the races, race day shoes deserve special attention. You’ll spend much of the day on your feet and almost certainly walk across grass at some point, so open-toed heels can be risky. A well-chosen mid-heel or wedge will serve you well, offering stability, support and comfort without sacrificing style.
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What to wear at Cheltenham – March
The calendar event in jump racing, Cheltenham Festival is known for its rich history and distinctive country style.
It’s also the first major event of race season – the perfect time to be daring and make an unforgettable entrance. With no formal dress code to hold you back, let your personal style flourish and choose race day outfits that make you feel fantastic.
Taking place just before spring, Cheltenham Festival calls for smart spring layering. Stay warm and embrace Cheltenham's signature tweed by choosing a smart ladies’ jacket in textured fabric. Layer these rich textures over flowing race day dresses to create a unique, interesting look.
Find a beautiful selection of smart ladies' jackets in our collection. Choose from luxurious fabrics like Italian bouclé and contemporary jacquard, each expertly hand-cut to flatter your shape perfectly.
What to wear at Epsom Derby – June
Get set for Epsom Derby, and two days of flat racing and dazzling fashion. There’s no official dress code at Epsom (unless you’re in The Queen Elizabeth II Stand). Instead, attendees are simply encouraged to come ‘dressed to feel their best’. It’s the perfect excuse to go for something bright, bold, and entirely you! And what to wear to the races when you want to make your mark? Print.
are a signature part of our collection. Each season, we select head-turning new prints for your wardrobe, so you can be unique as you embrace the social whirl. Meadow florals or modern geometrics – show your personality with your style of print. And if you’re looking for race day dresses that flatter as much as they wow, our smoothing jersey dresses are the ideal choice. We carefully design each style to flatter your shape, with figure-enhancing details like princess seams and soft pleats.
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What to wear to Royal Ascot - June
Ascot. As regal and royal as race days come, with a fashion line-up to match. When considering what to wear to the races, this is where you'll join racing's most spectacular crowd. Each enclosure has its own dress code, adding to the day's charm. However, different requirements can make dressing for Ascot feel a little daunting. But grasp a few dos and don’ts, and you’ll soon be swishing through in statement style.
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The Royal Enclosure embodies timeless elegance: gorgeous skirts and race day dresses need to be knee-length or longer, with straps at least one inch wide. Crown your look with a stunning hat or hatinator – they’re compulsory in the Royal Enclosure, Village Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure.
Find the perfect blend of style and sophistication in our collection of women's dresses. With the option of two lengths and plenty of styles in long or three-quarter, each design ensures you captivate while meeting that all-important dress code.
The Windsor Enclosure is the most relaxed, with no formal requirements. Go for smart, comfortable daywear to look and feel your best. Why not create the perfect outfits with our elegant blouses and shirts, to try something bold yet easy to style with our dazzling coordinates?
Discover race day outfits with David Nieper
Answer the question of what to wear to the races with race day outfits from our collection. From elegant women’s dresses to figure-smoothing skirts and trousers, each piece is thoughtfully designed and cut to celebrate your shape. Because when you feel confident and comfortable, your natural radiance shines through – and that's the most stylish accessory of all.