Raceday style

No. We know that dress codes have been a part of horseracing for decades but the world is constantly changing and so are we. As a result formal dress codes are no longer enforced at any Jockey Club racecourses. Instead we’re encouraging people to come dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, regardless of where they want to watch the racing from.

While The Jockey Club is an organisation steeped in history and formed in 1750 we’re also a modern, forward-thinking business and the largest commercial organisation and employer in British racing. We recognise that, while many people choose to dress up for a day at the races, not everyone feels comfortable and confident doing so.

We want our sport to be accessible and inclusive and we hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.

Yes. We don’t believe that the price of a ticket should dictate how you dress and want people to be able to make a choice as to what they wear without worrying about where they will be able to watch the racing as a result.

There will be no dress codes in place in any enclosures, although we would encourage racegoers to dress appropriately for wherever they intend to spend their time at a racecourse, as they would for any other venue or occasion.

We’re very clear we want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in and recognise that fancy dress can bring colour and entertainment to a raceday. However, we do expect racegoers to exercise common sense when it comes to what is acceptable in a public place and anyone in offensive fancy dress or offensive clothing of any kind would be refused entry.

A right to refusal will also remain in place for replica sports shirts. We’re passionate about other sports, but showing allegiance to a club can sometimes cause friction, so to keep things simple we ask racegoers to refrain from wearing team kits.

Meanwhile, the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day at Epsom Downs is the only enclosure and fixture at which a dress code will be in place. The Derby is an iconic day in the sporting calendar and has traditionally been an occasion for everyone to enjoy the very best of British racing, regardless of what they want to wear. We believe that it is in keeping with the event to reserve an area for those who wish to wear Morning Dress on Derby Day, in the same way there are areas all over the racecourse and on The Hill in the middle of track where people have been encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, however informal, since the race was first run in 1780.

No. We’re not proactively encouraging racegoers to dress in a certain way. We believe that people will wear whatever they think is appropriate, just as they would for any other venue or occasion, and the choice is ultimately theirs to make.

However, we do know from feedback that for many people coming racing for the first time or attending a new racecourse or a day they’ve not been to before, choosing what to wear can sometimes be a little daunting. As such our website will provide tips on what racegoers might consider appropriate, based on factors like the fixture, format of the day and, of course, the seasonal weather.

If being suited and booted is your thing, try layering your suit with a smart, V neck sweater. It’ll still allow you to show off a tie but also keep you warm all day.

You could try accessorising with a classic scarf or stylish hat or cap, perhaps sticking to deeper colours and simple patterns so it doesn’t clash with your outfit. Why not try our partners House of Cavani? Their wide selection of outfits and accessories mean there’s something to suit everyone and every taste.

Whether it’s complimenting tweed or something less traditional, one way of achieving your cold weather raceday look is with a stylish coat—a fundamental item in any racing wardrobe and a worthy investment as it will last for many years to come.

Think about textures, colours and cut, sticking to one or two complimentary tones rather than lots of contrast, and plan ahead with different layers underneath to cope with the changeable weather. We’d recommend a practical but stylish pair of boots to complement your outfits, a popular choice are knee-high styles with a low heel that doesn’t sink into the grass.

And of course, one way to set off your fabulous outfit is with a gereat hat. There’s no need for extrovert showstoppers in the colder months as practicality is key again. Maybe choose something that you can continue to wear throughout the year? A fedora is often a popular choice.

The most important thing when choosing your outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence. Wear what feels right and will keep you warm and toasty in these cold and frosty months.

The spring/summer race look is all about fabric choice, colours, and sharp, stylish cuts.

Suit up for Summer

If choosing to wear a suit, the colour is a great way to either stand out or blend in, and lighter tones feel less formal and are great for the summer months. We’d recommend our partners House of Cavani as their wide selection means there’s something to suit everyone and every taste. You could also top the look off with an elegant straw hat. Perfect for keeping your head in the shade and the sun out of your eyes.

Fabric choice and functionality can also be key as lighter, breathable fabrics are perfect for keeping you fresh and comfortable all day. For spring months jumpsuits or trousers can be the ideal balance of elegance and practicality, whereas stylish dresses or skirts are perfect for high-summer.

It’s all about showing off your best and most colourful outfits and turning heads with big, bold patterns. Ideally shoes should balance smart style with comfort, as there’s a fair bit of walking and standing during a raceday. But if you want to make a statement, hats and fascinators are the perfect accessory to do it! They’re optional at all our racecourses but do make for a fantastic individual look. The principles are exactly the same; light, airy and breathable really help when you’re wearing them all day.

But the thing that’s most important when choosing any outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence. Wear what feels right and will keep you cool and fresh in these warm and sunny months.