Top Outfit Suggestions to Avoid on a Day at the Races

We all know that race courses have a dress code, what to wear on different days for men and women and with the different tickets available. It can be tough to know what to wear, and most importantly what NOT to wear, so here are a few handy tips to get you over the hurdles and ensure that your day is memorable for all the right reasons, not the wrong one!

Shoes

Wear them. On your feet. Thongs are not allowed in most race courses and with most tickets, so save yourself the stress and don’t even try them. After that it depends more on the day or event you are attending and what ticket you have. Some places allow trainers in general admissions but most do not especially for members’ tickets and other enclosures so check carefully before you go. For the most part the dress code says dress shoes, and you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of brogues so if you can wear them, do.

Trousers

Again it does vary from racecourse to racecourse and ticket to ticket, but generally speaking jeans are frowned upon if not banned altogether, as are trousers that are ripped, even fashionably. While you should check for yourself, dress trousers are sure to be allowed and you may even be able to wear shorts in the summer for a more relaxed outfit. Women can usually wear trousers or skirts and dresses, it is up to you!

Tops

When it comes to tops there are a few more rules of thumb for what not to wear. Singlets are on the list, with many courses banning these for the members’ tickets through even to the general admissions. Midriff baring outfits are also not allowed, and some courses don’t allow jumpsuits either.

Hats

While hats are one of the first things that come to mind when you think of a day at the races, they are not actually a part of the dress code for each ticket on any given day. Hats and fascinators can be a fun way to get into the spirit of the event, and are encouraged and even required at certain times like Royal Ascot, but with a general admissions ticket on most days you are fine without, unless you want to wear one!

Costumes

Again it depends on when and where you go, but some enclosures will not allow you to dress up in costume and come on in. For a more relaxed day, and if you want to dress up with your mates for a Bucks Party or suchlike check out general admissions and which day you would like to go to avoid disappointment, and even missing out on the day.

The main thing to remember is to ensure your outfit is in keeping with the dignity and history of the great sport of horseracing. When you go to see horseracing in Eagle Farm racecourse, for example, you are encouraged to dress smart casually in the general admissions area with no thongs or singlets, while there are more suggestions, or rules, with other tickets. Check out your own courses’ rules, avoid what not to wear, get glammed up and be ready for a great day out!