Similar to wedding guest dressing, finding an outfit to wear to the races - whether you're heading to Goodwood or Royal Ascot - can be a total minefield. From age-old dress code rules to sourcing a hat that doesn't make you feel like Big Bird (a challenge in itself), we're aiming to bring a little fun and clarity to race day dressing.
While dress codes typically differ between race courses, the cardinal rule is to think about your outfit in the same realm as what to wear to a christening or spring wedding - a midi-length dress (with shoulder coverage, preferably, to avoid the fashion police at Ascot) and a hat or hair accessory, will ensure you tick off all the potential requirements without any worries.
Particularly great for one-and-done accessories like hats and fascinators, the rental market is awash with brilliant options thanks to platforms like HURR and By Rotation, allowing you to nail your race day style without committing to something you'll likely never wear again. But if your social calendar is filled with weddings aplenty this summer, consider dresses and accessories you can rewear to multiple events and get your cost-per-wear.
If you've already got your tickets, there's no better time to start outfit planning. Keep scrolling for our edit of the best dresses for races (and weddings and christenings) this summer, plus the accessories and hats to match.
Dresses For The Races
Decoding the infamous Royal Ascot dress code can be tricky, but there's no reason to panic. Dresses should fall at a modest length (with hems below or just above the knee) and halter necks, spaghetti straps and off-the-shoulder styles are sadly off the table for such an occasion, so save these summer dresses for yourJubilee weekend events and instead look to tea dresses in floral prints like this must-have from Self Portrait, or go bold in puff-sleeved midis from the likes of Aje or Rotate - which are both available to rent for race weekend.
Shop: Dresses To Wear To The Races
www.self-portrait.com
Make like Kate Middleton in this Self Portrait dress - yes a dress not a jacket and skirt!
www.hurrcollective.com
For occasionwear, you can't go wrong with Aussie label Aje.
www.needleandthread.com
Needle & Thread is an Ascot attendee favourite. Beautifully crafted with a voluminous silhouette, creating a romantic look.
www.lkbennett.com
This LK Bennett polka dot dress could be designer.
www.ghost.co.uk
Part of Laura Bailey's edit with high street brand Ghost, this retro floral dress would be gorgeous with a straw boater.
www.harmur.co.uk
The pleating detail at the waist is ultra flattering.
rixo.co.uk
We're so in love with this elegant high-necked style.
lisou.co.uk
Selling fast, the Gigi dress by indie-brand Lisou is a hot favourite for this summers soirees.
www.warehousefashion.com
This Warehouse cut-out midi is a fashion editor must-have. Snap it up quick before we do.
kitristudio.com
Meet Luna, your perfect plus one.
byrotation.com
Another excellent rental dress, this time by Rotate Birger Christensen.
www.selfridges.com
This Self Portrait dress just screams 'a day at the races'.
www.zimmermann.com
A tired skirt is not only super comfy, but super flattering.
Time to accessorise! No dress is complete without a statement bag and shoe to perfect the look.
Avoiding sky-high stiletto heels is the key to putting your best foot forward on race day. You're on your feet all day, and likely at some point will be on grass - so opt for chunky heels that don't sink.
Shop: Race Day Accessories
www.hurrcollective.com
Rixo's accessories are super elegant, with just the right hint of kitsch.
www.russellandbromley.co.uk
When picking races-friendly footwear - you want to focus on comfort over everything. Luckily, these Russell & Bromley mules are both super easy to wear, but stylish too.
www.rotaro.co.uk
Wicker Wings make the most adorable mini bags.
www.thereformation.com
The Sia is a kitten heel sandal, with cage detail upper, complete with adjustable buckle straps and ankle security. Tick, tick, tick.
shop.mango.com
While these may look a little unstable for walking on grass, the flared heel actually provides enough stability AND comfort.
www.whistles.com
A hero piece from the Whistles x Hai collaboration.
www.charleskeith.co.uk
Make room in your wardrobe for the mini crescent hobo bag — it will soon become your favourite go-to accessory.
www.radley.co.uk
Celebrating their third year as an Official Handbag Licensee with Royal Ascot, Radley London have unveiled the stunning new Cranwell bag.
www.lkbennett.com
LK Bennett's summer accessories are not to be slept on.
www.matchesfashion.com
Another great straw bag, this time with a pop of colour.
www.revolve.com
Trust us when we say Loeffler Randall's are the comfiest heels you'll ever wear.
stone-and-mason.com
Stone & Mason's Ricky bag comes with readymade kit of on-the-go essentials inside such as lip balm, plasters, hair ties, gum, anti-bac gel, and hand cream.
Weddings aren't the only occasion to break out a new accessory - but make sure to check the rules first. Most courses will allow you to visit without a hat, headband or fascinator but some (particularly within the royal enclosures) have set requirements for ladies. Have fun with hair accessories like bows, headbands or clips rather than formal hats, if permitted, for a less mother-of-the-bride look.
At the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot hats must be worn; however, a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.
Shop: Don't Forget Headgear
www.arket.com
Don't snooze on the high street for races-ready hats.
www.hurrcollective.com
Why not rent a hat (lets face it, you're not likely going to wear it again!).
michel-paris.com
For a more delicate look, opt for an oversized hair bow.
www.lockhatters.com
A statement silhouette featuring hand-made ivory panama flowers from Ecuador.
www.harveynichols.com
Florals and pearls should always be seen.
giulioaccessories.com
Finalize your look with a statement headband.
www.etsy.com
Try a retro look with this vintage-inspired handmade hat.
www.harveynichols.com
Style your padded headband with a centre part for a chic and modern look.
www.johnlewis.com
In a timelessly sophisticated veil style, this headband features a beautifully textured loop topper.
byrotation.com
A By Rotation user had this headband custom made with over 2000 delicate hand stitched petal details.
www.net-a-porter.com
LELET NY's headband will make any outfit feel instantly glamorous.
www.etsy.com
An elegant headpiece with a pop of green to elevate a simple frock.
www.farfetch.com
You can't go wrong with Jennifer Behr accessories.
www.accessorize.com
Not restricted to dress code rules? This hair bow will add some fun to your outfit without the statement of a hat.
www.net-a-porter.com
Eugenia Kim hits reset on the classic boater hat, refreshing it with signature contemporary elegance.