Going to horse races is quite an event. People go out to the horse races with friends, family, and the entire entourage. It’s all about enjoying the atmosphere.
You appreciate the summery vibes, cocktails, casual betting, taking pictures, networking, and spending a day together. They are exciting places to meet new people or conduct professional meetings.
Now, choosing your outfits can be a bit daunting. Primarily, you should familiarize yourself with the rules mentioned on the racecourse website. This will help you to dress appropriately. But we’re here to help you to make the right choice.
For spring, summer, and autumn races, here are our 10 outfit ideas to wear to horse races.
What to wear to horse races:
- Floral dresses
Floral dresses are the bread and butter of women’s racecourse wardrobe. There are plenty of fabrics to choose from- chiffon, satin, silk, and the good old cotton blend. A light and breezy dress are just what you need for a warm summer race day. Since it involves a lot of activity, it helps that the dress is airy. Flared floral dresses have a feminine aesthetic that suits every woman. You can go for bold floral patterns or subtle and small prints too. Due to their midi length, they look classy and event appropriate. Plus, it never hurts to have a nice floral dress in your closet.
- Patterned dresses
Flared midi dresses look flattering on most body types. Look for a polka dot patterned black and white flared midi dress for this occasion. You can also opt for the zebra print or abstract graphics printed dress. When deciding on footwear, go for block heels or wedges. Since you’ll spend a lot of time walking and networking, you need to be comfortable in your heels. Carry a small purse that can fit your touch-up essentials and a water bottle. Keep the color palette closer to your outfit.
- Pleated skirt outfits
Pleats have a natural flair to them. Printed or not, you’ll find a lot of pleated skirt options to pick from. Be mindful of the hemlines though. Most racecourses have conservative rules about them. You can pick feminine tie-up blouses, shirts, or balloon sleeves to coordinate with pleat skirts. You cannot show off midriffs. So, crop tops are a no-go Pleated skirt outfits look great with a headpiece or an umbrella. Complete the outfit with a tiny cross purse. If it’s a sunny day, pack your sunscreen.
- Winter racecourse outfit ideas
It’s always wise to layer when going for a horse race. Because we are grappled by the unpredictability of the weather, wearing jackets or carrying coats always helps. So even if you wear a cute dress underneath, throw on a structured jacket or a long coat with complementing colors. A jacket with shoulder pads and definitive buttons will draw the right amount of attention to your outfit. Not to mention a neutral-colored tweed jacket is bound to be an investment for many fashionable events. Woolen or woolen blend dresses can also opt for a cooler climate.
- Jumpsuit outfits
Jumpsuits are a great substitute for long dresses. They look stunning and can create a sophisticated silhouette. Choose plain jumpsuits so that they help you look taller. For a flattering look, go with the wide-leg jumpsuits. Since wide-leg jumpsuits are flowy and loose, they make for excellent summer outfits. For a cooler season, you make pick a stiffer and a wool-blend fabric jumpsuit for additional warmth. Wear flats or small heels with peep toes matching the color of your jumpsuit. It creates a continuous and coherent look and makes you look taller.
- Pantsuit outfits
Dressing smartly is crucial for a great racecourse outfit. Men have been wearing sports jackets to racecourses since times immemorial. If skirts and dresses are too girly for you, then give pantsuits a try. You could choose a statement suit with broad shoulders. Masculine silhouettes look fabulous on women. Another outfit you can fashion is wearing a turtle bodysuit with a tailored blazer. For a bright summer day, wear light color linen-blend suits. Wide-leg pants are back on the market. Coordinate matching waistcoats and wide-leg pants for a chic look.
- Lace dress
You can make anything feminine by just adding a little lace. And a lace dress is just a class apart. It is so chic and ladylike that it looks fabulous on every wearer. We’re not asking you to wear your wedding dress to the horse race but try out a few lace options while choosing an ensemble. They look adorable with headpieces and small bags. It doesn’t matter if you’re attending as a plus one, going with your gang of girls, a lace dress is one for keeps. You could also wear a lace skirt or a blouse.
- Midi dresses
Midi dresses are the safest dress choices to wear at horse races. They are not too long, not too short, and fit right into Goldilocks’s length zone. The key thing to remember is to respect the dress code and be comfortable. They can be anywhere below your knee and above your calf. It is a great way to dress modestly without feeling restricted. You could choose a flowy fabric or body-hugging. Just remember to pick a dress that allows free movement.
- Pastel dresses
You cannot go wrong with pastels. Since most races happen during the day, pastel shades make for outstanding dress colors. Horse races are classy affairs. So, pastels fit right in. Be it skirts, blouses, jackets, dresses, jumpsuits, or pantsuits, pastels shine and how! Soft blues, baby pinks, creamy greens, and spring lemons are all-time classics. If you think the dress can be worn to a christening or a summer wedding, then the attire is appropriate for the horse race too. Great value for money and a timeless piece. Coordinate with matching block heels and petite purses in matching shades.
- Hats on
We know hats don’t count as outfits specifically, but for horse races, they are instrumental in making your outfits work. Since most of the races are day events, hats protect your hair and, at times, your face from dirt, dust, and sun. Plus, they are excellent statement pieces. Traditionally, women wore minimal jewelry to keep the maximum attention to their hats. Plus, they are fun to try on and accessorize. Where else will you find an opportunity to work your hat-look? Be it straw hats, wool, organza, chiffon, wide or small, with veils or without, they are versatile and gorgeous accessories. Fascinators are other head accessories that have been worn to horse races for many centuries now.
