The Perfect Suit and Accessories for Race Day Season
Race days are as much about the fashion as it is about the horses. And that goes for the gents as well as the ladies. If you’re attending a prestigious event like Royal Ascot, Cheltenham or Epsom, you’re going to need to strike the right balance between style and practicality. Here’s our guide to making sure you get it right first time.
Know your dress codes
Different enclosures, race meetings and days have their own dress codes. The Royal Enclosure at Ascot demands morning dress with top hats, for example, while the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures require a suit and tie. Don’t worry if this sounds a bit extreme – the Windsor Enclosure has no formal dress code, but they do request smart daywear.
There’s racing going on all around the country and most of the year, so it’s Patelimportant that you find out what your minimum level of formality is before you go. Most courses put their dress codes on their websites and promotional material. Some fixtures are very informal, while others (generally speaking, the household name meetings) place great importance on the fashion, and will refuse admission to certain areas, or even the whole premises, if you’re not suitably dressed.
Your race day suit
Your suit will make or break your race day look. For spring or summer meetings, go for a lightweight wool or linen suit in blue, light grey or even pastel tones.
A three-piece suit is great for versatility – you can remove the jacket or waistcoat in warmer weather while still looking polished – as long as the dress code permits it, that is.
For autumn or winter race meetings, heavier fabrics like tweed or flannel provide style and warmth in equal measure. Consider a classic check pattern in tweed or similar fabric. Most race courses are in the countryside or the outskirts of towns and cities, so you’ll fit right in with something with this vibe.
A good fit is important, especially if you want to look like you’re a regular racegoer. The focal points of a good fit are in the shoulders, which should fit perfectly with no creases, and the jacket buttons, which should fasten without strain. To make sure everything is correct, measure up before ordering your suit. Trousers should break slightly at the shoe, as normal.
Remember to dress for the entire day. What feels comfortable at 10 a.m. might not at 6 p.m. and beyond. Layer appropriately and consider the changing temperature as sad turns to evening.
Shirts and ties
You can’t go wrong with a neat cotton shirt in white or pale blue, so you don’t need to overcomplicate things. Also, if your suit has a noticeable pattern, you should avoid any kind of pattern in the shirt. For summer events, you might want to consider subtle patterns like gingham or thin stripes to add interest, but only if you’re wearing a light, single-coloured suit.
Your tie is where personality comes through, and you’re unlikely to break any dress code unless the tie style is specified. Ties in bold patterns or bright colours always complement an otherwise plain suit. Knitted ties introduce a little rugged texture for winter meetings, while a classic silk tie works all year round. For a final flourish, add a pocket square that complements your tie.
Footwear
Again, check the dress code, but in general, comfortable, businesslike footwear will be ideal, as race days can involve a lot of walking and standing. Oxford or Derby shoes in polished leather are a perennial favourite, so if you’ve already got a pair, ensure they’re well broken in and polished before the day. For summer meetings, suede loafers or brogues should work well with lighter suits.
If the weather is miserable and you will be spending time on grass, it’s a good idea to have a pair of Chelsea boots on standby. They’ll give a bit of extra protection but shouldn’t affect the overall look of the suit.
Weather considerations
You’ll be spending time indoors and outdoors at most meets, so bring a coat if the weather looks cold or wet. A good mac or lightweight trench coat in navy or beige are easy to carry, and won’t compromise your style. You might be tempted to bring a big umbrella, but we’d always recommend a compact folding version with a waterproof sheath. If it’s windy, especially outside of summer, pack a light scarf that you can tuck inside your coat for a bit of extra warmth – it can stop your tie and shirt collars from getting spattered, too.
If it’s the height of summer, lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential, and linen offers good structure without excessive creasing. If you’re a little thin on top, don’t forget your sunscreen, or perhaps a flat cap or newsboy to look the part.
Accessories
When it comes to those final touches, a good quality watch is an essential. Choose one that’s understated and classic rather than flashy. There will be plenty of people in OTT watches, but you don’t need to be one of them. Cufflinks in silver or gold are a nice touch, especially if the event is at the formal end of the spectrum.
Sunglasses are an essential part of your outfit. A classic pair of aviators or Ray Bans will always look the part and do their job. As the day can be long, consider taking a small bag, too. A modest leather messenger or crossbody will give you some storage beyond your pockets and keep your silhouette sleek if you’re carrying a lot of things. Take note, though – nowadays, it will almost certainly be searched on entry, especially at prestigious events.
