Horse racing is a big part of the social calendar and getting the dress code right is essential if you don’t want to face the humiliation of being turned away. The races are however a wonderful opportunity to dress up. The tricky bit can be that every race course, enclosure and event has a different dress code.

Becki wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture maxi dress and hat at Ascot Races

Mary wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture hat at Ascot Races ladies day

To help you make sure your outfit is just right here are the rules for the 6 main events in the racing calendar:

1. Royal Ascot – Ladies day/ Royal Enclosure which the queen and royal family attend every year. Not surprisingly this event has the strictest dress code.

• No short skirts – dress and skirt hemlines must be just above the knee or longer.
• Dress shoulder straps must be at least 2.5cm wide – even when worn with a jacket or pashmina.
• Trouser suits can be worn but trousers must be full length but no mix and match as the jacket needs to be a matching fabric and colour.
• A hat or headpiece is essential and must have a base of at least 10cm diameter – so no feathery fascinators!

2. Cheltenham – Races including the Gold Cup are largely held in winter months

• No strict dress code so dress for warmth and comfort as well as fashion.
• Car parks are largely grass so avoid stilettos.
• For The Festival presented by Magners, most ladies wear hats, but this is not compulsory.

3. Goodwood – Ladies Day

• The dress code is similar to Ascot, elegant and quintessentially English summer style.
• Richmond Enclosure dress code – hats are encouraged.
• No bare tops or fancy dress in any area.
• Stilettos discouraged as there is a lot of decking.

Elizabeth Bessant couture trouser suit with matching hat

Elizabeth Bessant couture tweed skirt suit and velvet hat

4. Epsom Downs – Derby Festival

• Investec Ladies day – smart dress is compulsory and there is a long list of clothing that is banned: no sportswear, no sleeveless vests, no frayed, ripped or torn denim or trainers. Smart jeans are just about acceptable but not advised.
• Queens stand enclosure – no jeans even if smartly pressed.
• Fascinator or hat to be worn.

5. Sandown Park

• Winter months – smart but comfortable and warm, a tweed jacket, plus a hat to keep warm and dry is advisable but not compulsory.
• Premiere enclosure – Ladies are expected to dress for a special occasion event.
• Hats not compulsory but welcome.

6. Aintree – Grand National

• No official dress code but smart, – this event is a spectacle of colour.
• Hats optional but frequently worn.
• No sportswear or fancy dress.

If you would like any advice on dressing for the races I am happy to help. If you already have your outfit but can’t find the right hat I am able to make one to complete your race day look.