A Guide To The Perfect Outfit For A Day At The Races
Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival, The Grand National, Glorious Goodwood… the great British racing calendar is full of glamour, excitement, and, most importantly, the perfect excuse to dress up in style.
If you're planning your next big day out at the races — or a sophisticated polo match like the Cartier Queen’s Cup — you'll need an outfit that turns heads for all the right reasons.
And let’s be honest: if you can’t go all-out for the races, when can you?
Whether you’re shopping for a new designer dress, planning the ultimate ‘At The Races’ look, or simply seeking a little styling inspiration, here’s your ultimate 2025 guide to choosing your show-stopping outfit.
1. Think Elegant, Not Overdone
Race days like Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood have their own style codes — think polished sophistication rather than Saturday night glamour.
This is your moment to embrace soft, feminine silhouettes: tailored dresses, flowing chiffons, statement skirts and nipped-in waists.
Look for beautiful designer pieces that flatter and flow, rather than anything too tight or overly revealing. Structured A-line dresses, pleated chiffons, and cinched waists with pretty embellishments are your best friends this season.
Fashion Tip for 2025:
Drape is in. Soft, asymmetric cuts, waterfall hems, and flutter sleeves are ruling the style stakes.
When in doubt, pick a dress that moves when you walk — it's effortlessly elegant and totally race-day ready.
2. Embrace Colour (and Don’t Shy Away from Prints)
2025 is all about vibrant tones. Bold florals, sorbet pastels, and statement two-tone designs are leading the way in designer collections.
Don’t be afraid to stand out: a pop of colour not only lifts your mood but ensures you shine in every Instagram snap.
For Cheltenham Festival or an early spring event, you might opt for richer tones — think deep teal, navy, or raspberry — paired with luxurious fabrics like crepe or satin.
Royal Ascot and Goodwood, being in high summer, are perfect for softer hues like blush pink, lavender, or the season’s must-have — pistachio green.
Fashion Tip for 2025:
3D florals and botanical prints are everywhere. Look for intricate embellishments, appliqué detailing, and romantic garden-inspired patterns that feel fresh, feminine, and utterly luxurious.
3. Invest in Quality — It Shows
Let’s not beat around the bush: cheap fabrics show in daylight (and race day photos).
This is not the time to cut corners.
You want a designer piece that feels as good as it looks — beautiful crepe, chiffon, satin, or organza that holds its shape and flatters your figure.
Budgeting between £400 and £900 for your outfit opens up a world of stunning choices from leading occasionwear designers like Veni Infantino, Couture Club by Rosa Clara, John Charles, and Irresistible by Veromia.
Remember, you're not just buying a dress — you're investing in feeling sensational all day long.
4. Nail the Finishing Touches
A race-day outfit without a hat or headpiece is like strawberries without cream — perfectly nice but missing that extra sparkle.
Go for a statement fascinator or elegant hat that complements rather than competes with your outfit.
Block-colour hats paired with floral dresses or vice versa keep things stylish without looking overdone.
Shoes? Think chic and practical — wedges, block heels, or elegant kitten heels that can survive a day of strolling across lawns (and maybe the odd celebratory dance).
Accessories? A neat clutch bag, some delicate jewellery, and you’re good to go. Remember: less is more. Let the outfit do the talking.
5. Plan for the British Weather (Obviously)
Ah, British summertime. One minute you’re basking under blue skies, the next you’re seeking refuge under a grandstand.
A lightweight tailored jacket, cape or stylish wrap is essential. Go for something neutral that complements your whole look, so whatever the weather brings, you’re race-day ready.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for horse racing events and polo matches in 2025 is all about timeless elegance with a fashion-forward twist.
It’s your opportunity to have fun with colour, texture, and detail, and to invest in a piece that makes you feel fabulous from champagne breakfast to final race.
Ready to find your winning look?
Explore Our New 'At The Races Collection'
Our new ‘At The Races’ collection contains handpicked designer dresses and occasionwear perfect for making a statement at Royal Ascot, The Grand National, Glorious Goodwood and beyond.
Discover your perfect race day outfit today — because when you look incredible, you feel unstoppable.
