What to Wear to the Races

When it comes to the racing season in the UK, it’s not only about the horses. Fashion plays an equally prominent role. The captivating display of style and elegance mirrors the racecourse’s thrill. Whether you’re dressing for the illustrious Royal Ascot, the stylish Cheltenham Festival, or the historic Grand National, dressing impeccably is part of the tradition. So, let’s dive into some UK race day outfits for women that will make you stand out in the crowd.


UNDER £50

Perfect for a Wedding

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Mother of the Bride Outfits

PLUS SIZE FASHION

Womens Occasionwear

COMPLETE OUTFITS

Complete Wedding Outfits
Sleeveless Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress
Sleeveless Floral Chiffon Maxi Dress
Roman

£58.00

View Details
Tropical Halter Neck Pleated Dress
Tropical Halter Neck Pleated Dress
Roman

£58.00

View Details
Lace Detail Wrap Midi Dress
Lace Detail Wrap Midi Dress
Roman

was: £65.00

£40.00

View Details
Ruffle Shimmer Midi Dress
Ruffle Shimmer Midi Dress
Roman

was: £65.00

£42.00

View Details
Twill Cami Pleated Midi Dress
Twill Cami Pleated Midi Dress
Roman

was: £75.00

£60.00

View Details
Floral Print Bardot Midi Stretch Dress
Floral Print Bardot Midi Stretch Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
Baroque Strappy Midi Dress
Baroque Strappy Midi Dress
Roman

£55.00

View Details
Floral Lace Midi Dress
Floral Lace Midi Dress
Roman

was: £75.00

£60.00

View Details
Chiffon Floral Split Sleeve Midi Dress
Chiffon Floral Split Sleeve Midi Dress
Roman

was: £55.00

£38.00

View Details
Floral Print Frill Wrap Midi Dress
Floral Print Frill Wrap Midi Dress
Roman

£60.00

View Details
Floral Tiered Dress
Floral Tiered Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
Womens Pleated Split Sleeve Maxi Dress
Womens Pleated Split Sleeve Maxi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £95.00

£85.50

View Details
Coast Halterneck Floral Print Midi Dress
Coast Halterneck Floral Print Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £119.00

£80.00

View Details
Metallic Jacquard Midi Dress
Metallic Jacquard Midi Dress
Roman

was: £90.00

£72.00

View Details
Rose Print Pleated Premium Stretch Midi Dress
Rose Print Pleated Premium Stretch Midi Dress
Roman

was: £65.00

£48.00

View Details
Womens Malina Isadora Wide-Sleeve Satin Midi Dress
Womens Malina Isadora Wide-Sleeve Satin Midi Dress
Selfridges

£410.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Spot Halter Midi Dress - Mono
Lisa Tan Spot Halter Midi Dress - Mono
Coast UK & IE

£119.00

View Details
Closet London Pink Print Short Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Closet London Pink Print Short Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Closet London

£85.00

View Details
Womens Occasion Chiffon Cold Shoulder Midi Dress
Womens Occasion Chiffon Cold Shoulder Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £75.00

£45.00

View Details
Monsoon Leona Leopard Print Dress - Brown
Monsoon Leona Leopard Print Dress - Brown
very.co.uk

£140.00

View Details
Floral Lace Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
Floral Lace Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
Oasis UK & IE

was: £89.00

£62.30

View Details
Geri Moss Crepe Halter Neck Midi Dress Pink
Geri Moss Crepe Halter Neck Midi Dress Pink
JOY

£85.00

View Details
Womens Reformation Lela Floral-Print Georgette Midi Dress
Womens Reformation Lela Floral-Print Georgette Midi Dress
Selfridges

£250.00

View Details
Womens Reformation Frankie Floral-Print Linen Midi Dress
Womens Reformation Frankie Floral-Print Linen Midi Dress
Selfridges

£250.00

View Details
Jacquard Midi Wrap Dress
Jacquard Midi Wrap Dress
Roman

was: £70.00

£55.00

View Details
Maya Deluxe Short Sleeve V Neck Embellished Midi Dress
Maya Deluxe Short Sleeve V Neck Embellished Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£85.00

View Details
Coast Pleat Skirt Satin Midi Dress
Coast Pleat Skirt Satin Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £139.00

£80.00

View Details
River Island Swing Skirt Dress - Pink
River Island Swing Skirt Dress - Pink
very.co.uk

was: £80.00

£64.00

View Details
Off The Shoulder Lace Fit And Flare Dress - Pink
Off The Shoulder Lace Fit And Flare Dress - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £139.00

£80.00

View Details
Metallic V Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Metallic V Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Oasis UK & IE

was: £89.00

£80.10

View Details
Crepe Pleat Collar Full Skirt Midi Dress - Green
Crepe Pleat Collar Full Skirt Midi Dress - Green
Coast UK & IE

was: £129.00

£80.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Ruffle Round Neck Crepe Midi Dress - Pink
Lisa Tan Ruffle Round Neck Crepe Midi Dress - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £139.00

£80.00

View Details
Womens Occasion Hotfix Overlay Midi Dress
Womens Occasion Hotfix Overlay Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £59.00

£29.50

View Details
Coast Pink Metallic Floral Jacquard Dress
Coast Pink Metallic Floral Jacquard Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £149.00

£80.00

View Details
Womens Malina Auden V-Neck Satin Midi Dress
Womens Malina Auden V-Neck Satin Midi Dress
Selfridges

£410.00

View Details
Womens Lace Fit And Flare Midi Dress
Womens Lace Fit And Flare Midi Dress
Wallis UK

£79.00

View Details
Chiffon Overlay Lace Midi Dress
Chiffon Overlay Lace Midi Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
BOSS Daliana Pleated Dress - Pink
BOSS Daliana Pleated Dress - Pink
very.co.uk

was: £230.00

£184.00

View Details
Closet London Maroon Pleated Dress
Closet London Maroon Pleated Dress
Closet London

£95.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Exaggerated Bow Shirt Dress - Red
Lisa Tan Exaggerated Bow Shirt Dress - Red
Coast UK & IE

£139.00

View Details
Womens LK Bennett Jem Floral-Print Woven Midi Tea Dress
Womens LK Bennett Jem Floral-Print Woven Midi Tea Dress
Selfridges

£399.00

View Details
Sequin Lace Ruffle Stretch Midi Dress
Sequin Lace Ruffle Stretch Midi Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
Abstract Print Pleated Midi Dress
Abstract Print Pleated Midi Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
Pleat Skirt Satin Midi Dress - Pink
Pleat Skirt Satin Midi Dress - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £139.00

£80.00

View Details
Floral Chiffon Frill Asymmetric Midi Dress
Floral Chiffon Frill Asymmetric Midi Dress
Roman

£65.00

View Details
Gina Bacconi Ella Floral Print Tiered Dress - Pink
Gina Bacconi Ella Floral Print Tiered Dress - Pink
Frasers

was: £220.00

£139.00

View Details
Womens LK Bennett Gaia Floral-Print Sleeveless Cotton Midi Dress
Womens LK Bennett Gaia Floral-Print Sleeveless Cotton Midi Dress
Selfridges

£249.00

View Details
Cowl Neck Pleated A-Line Chiffon Midi Dress - Blush Pink by Goddiva
Cowl Neck Pleated A-Line Chiffon Midi Dress - Blush Pink by Goddiva
Goddiva

£85.00

View Details
Notch Neck Placement Print Midi Dress - Pink
Notch Neck Placement Print Midi Dress - Pink
Coast UK & IE

£129.00

View Details
Empire Linen Tea Dress-Multi, Wildflower Trail Female Boden
Empire Linen Tea Dress-Multi, Wildflower Trail Female Boden
Boden

£176.00

View Details
V-Neck Belted Flare Dress-Yellow, Vine Silhouette Female Boden
V-Neck Belted Flare Dress-Yellow, Vine Silhouette Female Boden
Boden

£136.00

View Details
Lisa Long Sleeve Tea Dress-Hotched, Carnation Sprig Female Boden
Lisa Long Sleeve Tea Dress-Hotched, Carnation Sprig Female Boden
Boden

£166.00

View Details
Blurred Print Pleated Maxi Dress
Blurred Print Pleated Maxi Dress
Roman

was: £80.00

£48.00

View Details
Floral Print Pleated Midi Dress
Floral Print Pleated Midi Dress
Roman

£80.00

View Details
Womens Floral Print Pleated Maxi Dress
Womens Floral Print Pleated Maxi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £95.00

£85.50

View Details
Klass Lurex Stripe And Leaf Print Midi Dress White/Lt Gold Women's
Klass Lurex Stripe And Leaf Print Midi Dress White/Lt Gold Women's
Klass

£45.00

View Details
Pleated Ombre Midi Dress
Pleated Ombre Midi Dress
Roman

was: £70.00

£48.00

View Details
Anna Rose Bias Cut Floral Print Midi Dress Ivory/Cobalt/Orange Women's
Anna Rose Bias Cut Floral Print Midi Dress Ivory/Cobalt/Orange Women's
Klass

£46.00

View Details
Blossom Chiffon Dress with 3-D Daisy Embroidered Mesh Overtop
Blossom Chiffon Dress with 3-D Daisy Embroidered Mesh Overtop
Chesca

£135.00

View Details
Ombre Stripe Pleated Midi Dress
Ombre Stripe Pleated Midi Dress
Roman

£80.00

View Details

Race Day Dresses with Sleeves

Choosing the perfect race day dress can be challenging, but opting for one with sleeves is smart and stylish. Not only do they add an element of sophistication, but they also offer the added advantage of being suitable for the unpredictable British weather. Plus, dresses with sleeves provide the right balance of formality and style, perfect for the regal atmosphere of a race day. From elegant wrap dresses to tailored shirt dresses and flowy maxi styles, you have an array of options at your fingertips.

Trouser Suits and Jumpsuits for the Races

If you’re not a dress person, fear not! The racing world has embraced the sleek and chic trouser suits and jumpsuits, often seen gracing the enclosures of the UK’s most prestigious racing events. A tailored trouser suit or a structured jumpsuit can offer an equally elegant look while being incredibly comfortable and versatile.

Lace Tie Neck Jumpsuit - Green
Lace Tie Neck Jumpsuit - Green
Coast UK & IE

was: £129.00

£90.30

View Details
Klass Bardot Floral Mesh Sleeve Jumpsuit Midnight Women's
Klass Bardot Floral Mesh Sleeve Jumpsuit Midnight Women's
Klass

£50.00

View Details
Coast Lace Top Jumpsuit
Coast Lace Top Jumpsuit
Debenhams UK

was: £129.00

£80.00

View Details
Woven Frill Blouse Jumpsuit - Duck Egg Blue
Woven Frill Blouse Jumpsuit - Duck Egg Blue
Coast UK & IE

was: £129.00

£70.00

View Details
Flutter Sleeve Plunge Jumpsuit - Pink
Flutter Sleeve Plunge Jumpsuit - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £129.00

£90.30

View Details
Closet London Teal Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Closet London Teal Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Closet London

£115.00

View Details
Coast Sequin Cape Jumpsuit
Coast Sequin Cape Jumpsuit
Debenhams UK

was: £159.00

£60.00

View Details

Choose a monochrome suit or jumpsuit for a sophisticated, streamlined look. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, a bold print or rich colour can make a stunning statement. Whatever you choose, remember to pick something that enhances your confidence because there’s nothing more attractive than a woman comfortable in her own skin.

Hat and Fascinator Styles for the Races

No race day outfit is complete without the cherry on top – the hat or fascinator. These flamboyant headpieces are a signature part of race day attire. Choosing the appropriate size hat and style is paramount.

A minimalist fascinator can add the perfect dash of drama if you’re going for a sleek, modern outfit. On the other hand, a grand, feathered hat can be a showstopper when paired with a classic dress. The key is to balance your outfit and headpiece – if one is ornate, keep the other more subdued.

Quiz Grey Diamante Bow Headband Fascinator, Grey
Quiz Grey Diamante Bow Headband Fascinator, Grey
very.co.uk

£25.00

View Details
Quiz Navy Bow Headband Fascinator, Dark Blue
Quiz Navy Bow Headband Fascinator, Dark Blue
very.co.uk

£20.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Bow And Mesh Wide Brim Hat - Ivory
Lisa Tan Bow And Mesh Wide Brim Hat - Ivory
Coast UK & IE

£159.00

View Details
Jon Richard Navy Woven Bow Fascinator, Multi
Jon Richard Navy Woven Bow Fascinator, Multi
very.co.uk

was: £45.00

£34.00

View Details
Jon Richard Navy Pleated Fascinator, Multi
Jon Richard Navy Pleated Fascinator, Multi
very.co.uk

was: £60.00

£45.00

View Details
Phase Eight Women's Bow Headband Fascinator - Pink, Pink
Phase Eight Women's Bow Headband Fascinator - Pink, Pink
Marks and Spencer UK

£39.00

View Details
Marine Small Hatinator with Flower & Curls
Marine Small Hatinator with Flower & Curls
Chesca

£125.00

View Details
Pink Saucer Hatinator with Rose Flower, Sinamay Loops, Feathers & Quills
Pink Saucer Hatinator with Rose Flower, Sinamay Loops, Feathers & Quills
Chesca

£155.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Side Facing Ruffled Mesh Fascinator - Pink
Lisa Tan Side Facing Ruffled Mesh Fascinator - Pink
Coast UK & IE

£109.00

View Details
Rose Large Hatinator with Lattice Brim, Sinamay Bow & Feathers
Rose Large Hatinator with Lattice Brim, Sinamay Bow & Feathers
Chesca

£165.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Side Facing Loop Fascinator - Pale Blue
Lisa Tan Side Facing Loop Fascinator - Pale Blue
Coast UK & IE

£99.00

View Details
Natural Large Hatinator with Lattice Brim, Sinamay Bow & Feathers
Natural Large Hatinator with Lattice Brim, Sinamay Bow & Feathers
Chesca

£165.00

View Details
Ivory/Navy Small Hatinator with Beaded Feather Flower & Sinamay Curls
Ivory/Navy Small Hatinator with Beaded Feather Flower & Sinamay Curls
Chesca

£135.00

View Details
Lisa Tan Side Facing Quill And Loop Fascinator - Ivory
Lisa Tan Side Facing Quill And Loop Fascinator - Ivory
Coast UK & IE

£109.00

View Details
Disc Loop Detail Feather Fascinator - Pink
Disc Loop Detail Feather Fascinator - Pink
Coast UK & IE

£89.00

View Details
Open Weave Bow And Feather Fascinator - Pink
Open Weave Bow And Feather Fascinator - Pink
Coast UK & IE

£89.00

View Details
Womens Loop And Quill Pillarbox Fascinator
Womens Loop And Quill Pillarbox Fascinator
Wallis UK

was: £89.00

£53.40

View Details
Jon Richard Fushia Medium Fascinator, Multi
Jon Richard Fushia Medium Fascinator, Multi
very.co.uk

was: £30.00

£23.00

View Details
Phase Eight Women's Textured Bow Fascinator - Light Blue, Light Blue
Phase Eight Women's Textured Bow Fascinator - Light Blue, Light Blue
Marks and Spencer UK

£69.00

View Details
Jon Richard MEDIUM BERRY FASCINATOR HEADBAND, Pink
Jon Richard MEDIUM BERRY FASCINATOR HEADBAND, Pink
very.co.uk

was: £30.00

£23.00

View Details
Jon Richard Navy Floral Clip Fascinator, Multi
Jon Richard Navy Floral Clip Fascinator, Multi
very.co.uk

was: £30.00

£23.00

View Details

Where to Buy Race Day Outfits Online

With its broad range of designs and brands, John Lewis offers something for everyone. Phase Eight provides an array of elegant dresses and jackets perfect for a day at the races. Wheras as Hobbs and L.K. Bennett offer stylish tea dresses, trouser suits and jumpsuits for a more tailored approach. If you are wondering where to find these delightful outfits, look no further than UK’s leading online retailers.

Fancy something more luxurious? Try Gina Bacconi’s range of exquisite lace dresses or Karen Millen’s collection of race day pieces. And don’t forget the Lisa Tan x Coast collection. Perfect for the races, weddings and any special occasion, expert milliner Lisa Tan has crafted standout fascinators and hats that coordinate perfectly with Coast’s dresses.

Roman Race Day Outfits

Secure your place as best dressed at all the essential Race Day occasions in a fabulous outfit from Roman. Sure to get you spotted, choose from an array of jacquard floral gowns, gorgeous lace midi dresses and sophisticated jumpsuits. Discover chiffon boleros, faux fur stoles and shimmery wraps, and of course, every Ascot look is complete with an eye-catching hat or fascinator.

Coast Plus Size Race Day Collection

This season’s highlight? Dazzle at the racecourse with Coast’s vibrant array of plus-size dresses. They’re not only high on style, but they also bring the much-needed luck charm with floral designs and sleek satin finishes. Midi cuts are tailored to flatter every curve. They’re the perfect fit for sizes 18-28, ensuring you’re the belle of the race day ball.

Coast Race Day Dresses and Matching Hats

Spruce up your race day look with a captivating outfit from Coast. Experience the charm of figure-enhancing race outfits adorned with details like floral motifs and lace textures. Coast has you covered, whether it’s a breezy white dress for a summer race or a statement-making jumpsuit. And remember Coast’s head-turning maxi dresses that bring glamour to any race enclosure.

Karen Millen Race Day Dresses and Jumpsuits

Unlock high-end fashion for race day with Karen Millen. A collection of luxury dresses, dressy jumpsuits, and chic blazers ensures you’re appropriately styled for any dress code. Complete your ensemble with race-day accessories for a winning finish. From ascot dresses to style-raising pieces, prepare to stand out at Ascot, Aintree, Cheltenham Ladies Day, and beyond.

Phase Eight Race Day Outfits

Unearth your dream race day look with Phase Eight. Their collection includes seasonal prints, standout dresses, vibrant jumpsuits, and matching accessories. Be it an Ascot race or a summer party, our versatile styles can take you there. And guess what? These race day outfits are perfect for restyling for other summer events.

Race Day Outfits at John Lewis & Partners

From timeless classics to contemporary styles, John Lewis & Partners women’s race day dresses are suitable for all occasions. Their versatile selection includes an array of styles, colours, and materials and hosts coveted brands like Gina Bacconi, Jolie Moi, Chi Chi London, Monsoon, Adrianna Papell, Yumi, Hotsquash and Helen McAlinden.

L.K. Bennett Race Day Outfits

Being the Official Ladies Fashion Sponsor of Royal Ascot 2023, L.K. Bennett has crafted a unique collection featuring elegant silks and alluring clutches for any enclosure. Perfect for race days or weddings, their pieces are completed with fascinators for a cohesive, stylish look. Plus, breathable silk and cotton outfits transition smoothly from race side to the seaside.

Hobbs Race Day Collection

Whatever the occasion or dress code, Hobbs has got you covered with the latest occasion styles. Choose from sophisticated sets crowned with fascinators, bold colours, and playful floral prints. New-in fit and flare dresses, known for their flattering silhouette, will ensure you turn heads wherever you go.

Popular Race Day Meetings in the UK

Now that you’re all set with your outfit let’s talk about where you can flaunt it. The UK’s racing calendar is packed with opportunities. The Royal Ascot, with its strict dress code, is the epitome of style and sophistication. The Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National offer a platform to display your fashion flair. And, of course, there’s Epsom Derby, Glorious Goodwood, and York Ebor, plus the fun-filled Ladies’ Day at Aintree– all perfect stages for your chic race day outfit.

Here’s a handy table detailing six of the most popular race meetings with a Ladies’ Day in the UK:

Race MeetingLadies’s Day Event
Royal AscotThursday of the Royal Ascot week
The Grand National MeetingFriday, a day before the Grand National race
The Derby FestivalFriday, the first day of the Derby Festival
The Cheltenham FestivalWednesday, the second day of the festival
Glorious GoodwoodThursday, the third day of the Goodwood festival
York Races Ebor FestivalThursday, the second day of the Ebor Festival

Each of these race meetings is unique, and each Ladies’ Day is a marvellous spectacle of style and fashion. So get your race day outfit ready and strut your stuff at these glamorous events!

Remember, each race day has its own dress code, so check beforehand. But whatever the rules, with our guide, you’ll undoubtedly be the belle of the racecourse.

Author Debra Binns
Curated by Debra Binns

Debra Binns is the co-founder of MotherOfTheBrideOutfits.org.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about women's occasionwear since 2009, bringing together fabulous fashion from the high street and online stores for that special occasion.

facebook icon pinterest icon instagram icon twitter icon