Best race day dresses for a unique and elegant look at the racetrack
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Race-day fashion is maximalism personified. The frills, the feathers, the prints - dress code conventions dictate that more is always more.
For some, this is quite daunting. Brits tend to go all out for events such as Royal Ascot and Cheltenham, donning their most lavish finery for the occasion. The day is also a spectacle of royal fashion, with the Princess of Wales, the York sisters and Zara Tindall making a sartorial splash for the public to admire.
A wave of polka dots, silks and florals funnel into the enclosure where crowds mingle among plumes of feathered fascinators and champagne. Race day is as much about winning in the financial department as it is in the clothing department.
Choosing a race day look requires considerable thought. Not only is there a certain amount of pressure to execute a dramatic ensemble, but there are rules and regulations one must follow.
Dress codes differ depending on event, enclosure and gender. For example, at Ascot, strapless or sheer strap tops or dresses are not permitted, which includes off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one-shoulder items. Midriffs must be covered and one must wear a headpiece or fascinator. Call it old-fashioned, but it’s just the way it is.
Luckily, there are many options, both high street and high fashion, to pick from. Cult brands like Rixo, Reformation and Kitri stock decadent garden-themed gowns to frolic in, while luxury labels like Dries Van Noten, Saloni and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini head up bold designs on the pricier end of the scale.
While an over-the-top aesthetic is more commonplace, it’s not to say that minimalism doesn’t have a role to play in race day dressing. Quiet luxury enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that white is one of the most popular pigments to sport - providing you retain a steady hand on the red wine throughout the day.
Regardless of your sartorial preferences, this is not the time to back the wrong horse. Discover the best race day dresses to shop in 2024 below.
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Rixo Liberty Jacquard Midi Dress
Reformation Buchanan Dress
Whistles Taffeta Silk Volume Top and Skirt
Opt for a dash of Fifties flair with Whistles’ taffeta two-piece. The powder blue set comprises a corset-style top and a voluminous skirt. The skirt costs £249, while the top comes in at £199.