9 Tips for Dressing for the Races and Still Feeling Like Yourself

When it comes to occasion dressing, knowing what to wear to the races is perhaps the most challenging. Thanks to the strict dress codes and age-old formal traditions, it can be easy to not feel like yourself and end up buying something you would never ever wear again. Because really how practical is a fascinator that looks like a tropical bird? And, for that matter, how much do you even want to own one?

Races such as Ascot and Goodwood are the chance to dress up and wear something you wouldn't usually, but there are some key things you need to bear in mind so you aren't that barefoot racegoer hobbling in the rain with a hat in your hand.

If you’re planning on attending any races this year, or simply want to apply the same logic to any other formal occasion, such as a wedding or garden party, keep scrolling for our nine golden rules for dressing for the races.

1. Practical Shoes Are the Best Option

Style Notes: The golden rule of dressing for the races is to try avoiding ultra-high heels altogether because you will be on your feet all day. You'll likely also have to walk far from the station or car park to the stands so sandals aren't our first choice. Chances are you’ll also be standing on grass at some point, so to avoid any sinkage and soil, you may want to consider wearing a chunkier heel or a closed-toe shoe. We love Marilyn's take on the court shoe, many of which are comfortable enough to forgo blister plasters all together.

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2. Play With Colour

Style Notes: It can be tempting to stay very traditional at the races, but a fusion of bright colours and prints can echo the pretty colours of the English countryside in summer. We love bold block colours and romantic florals matched with pop of colour accessories, showing how much it pays to have fun with your styling.

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3. When in Doubt, Channel Vivian Ward

Style Notes: Romcom fans will remember Pretty Woman, and the iconic brown-and-white polka-dot dress that Julia Roberts' Vivian Ward wears to the polo. This timeless print, as proved by stylist Hannah Lewis, always looks polished with the right accessories, and although you don't need to need invest in a pair of white gloves a la Vivian, you can bring the look up to date with white shoes.

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4. Trousers Can Look Just as Chic as Dresses

Style Notes: Don't just think about dresses, a pair of classic trousers can look just as elegant. If you want to look as expensive as possible, make them ivory, and a linen suit will serve you well if the temperatures rise.

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5. This Is Your Chance to Wear the White Dress You Can't Wear to a Wedding

Style Notes: Wearing white is a strict no-no at weddings, meaning that formal day dresses can often be seen as an impractical purchase. (Not to mention the stain factor.) However, this is your chance to wear white, so why not take it? Just, be careful to avoid red wine and grass stains.

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6. Have Fun With Your Accessories

Style Notes: Certain races or enclosures have specific requirements when it comes to your hats, such as in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, where you must wear a headpiece that covers at least four inches in diameter. However, if you don't have to wear a hat, play with bows, headbands or clips. These will look far cooler and younger than a formal hat.

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7. Look for Floral Dresses You Can Recycle at Weddings

Style Notes: We often find that floral day dresses look the most elegant at the races, and it pays to opt for dresses you can re-wear at your summer weddings, too. Think of styles that can be worn time and time again rather than just for the specific occasion, and you'll have a smart investment on your hands that will be well worth it's cost per wear.

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8. Straw Summer Hats Can Work Too

Style Notes: If you aren't usually a hat person, opt for something that you will feel the most comfortable in and keep it simple. You don't have to wear a formal "races" hat, but you can wear a chic oversized straw summer hat like Lupita Nyong'o's (which you'll also love for beach holidays).

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9. Stick to the Classics

Style Notes: If you want to go all-out and embrace the formality of the occasion, classic colour palettes tend to look the chicest. This is a races styling rule the Duchess of Cambridge swears by and that Meghan Markle had adopted, too. Stick to all-white, monochromatic, cream or grey (think My Fair Lady vibes) for an expensive-looking palette that never fails.

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.