There are a few occasions in the British summer calendar that attract the height of society, and nowhere is that more the case than at the glamorous horse-racing events of the season. Think Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby and Glorious Goodwood. None are strangers to royal guests and A-listers gracing the grounds of their racecourses. So no wonder the sartorial stakes are high for attendees with the likes of the effortlessly elegant Princess of Wales, the suave Tom Cruise and the always-glamorous Demi Moore.
Some eager racegoers plan their outfits months in advance, treating the social occasions as more a fashion show than a race event. Dress codes at the races vary, with Royal Ascot known for its strict fashion rules, while others, like the Epsom Derby, vary between enclosures, ranging from casual to highly formal. But if you are struggling to decide what to wear this season, thankfully, celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot has revealed her ultimate guide to race day dressing, including the all-important dos and don'ts.
She told The Daily Mail: 'The fashion should feel elegant, polished and appropriate for the occasion, not forced or overly theatrical. The mistake I often see is women feeling they have to wear everything to look dressed up, when actually the most stylish race day looks are usually the most refined.'
DO: Choose one statement piece and let it lead the outfit
Lisa said, 'If you are wearing a dramatic hat or fascinator, keep the dress silhouette cleaner and more refined. Equally, if you are opting for a bold colour or print, your accessories should work quietly in the background. The women who look the most sophisticated at the races understand balance. When too many statement elements compete together, oversized fascinator, loud print, heavy jewellery and embellished shoes, the outfit can quickly start to look overwhelming rather than elegant.'
DON'T: Confuse 'glamorous' with overly revealing
'Race day style should still feel sophisticated,' insisted the stylist. 'Very short hemlines, extremely low necklines, cut-outs or dresses that are skin-tight can often look inappropriate for the setting, particularly at more traditional events. If you are constantly pulling your dress down, adjusting straps or worrying about sitting comfortably, it usually means the outfit is not working. Elegance always looks more expensive and elevated than showing too much skin.'
DO: Pay attention to tailoring and fit
'Fit is what makes an outfit look luxurious, regardless of budget,' revealed the fashion expert. 'A beautifully tailored midi dress, a structured jumpsuit or a well-cut co-ord will always look more polished than something trend-led that does not fit properly. I always say that confidence comes from comfort and fit, when clothing skims the body correctly and allows you to move comfortably, you naturally carry yourself differently.'
DON'T: Overdo the accessories
Lisa warned: 'This is where many race day outfits can become tacky. Oversized fascinators covered in feathers, chunky costume jewellery, diamanté handbags, embellished shoes and oversized logos all together can feel visually chaotic. Accessories should elevate the outfit, not fight for attention. A simple clutch, elegant jewellery and refined millinery often creates a far more premium look.'
DO: Dress for the reality of the day
'Race days are long days and British weather is unpredictable,' said the stylist. 'You may be walking across grass, climbing steps, standing for long periods or moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. Shoes need to be stylish but practical enough to wear all day. Block heels, elegant slingbacks or refined wedges often work far better than towering stilettos that sink into the ground by lunchtime. Layering is also important, a tailored blazer, lightweight coat or elegant wrap can complete the look whilst keeping it practical.'
DON'T: Wear every trend at once
'One of the biggest mistakes I see is trying to incorporate every current fashion trend into one outfit,' revealed the fashion expert. 'Sequins, neon shades, cut-outs, feathers, exaggerated ruffles and platform heels together can instantly make an outfit feel more partywear than race day chic. Trends should be used selectively. The most timeless race day outfits tend to have a classic foundation with perhaps one modern element added in.'
DO: Respect the dress code of the event
Lisa explained: 'Different race meetings have very different expectations. Royal Ascot is far more formal than many regional race days, and certain enclosures require specific dress lengths, strap widths and headpieces. Ignoring the dress code can make even an expensive outfit look out of place. I always encourage women to research the event beforehand so they can dress appropriately whilst still bringing their own personality into the look.'
DON'T: Buy something that does not feel like you
'The most stylish women at the races are rarely the ones wearing the loudest outfit,' insisted Lisa. 'They are the women who look comfortable, confident and authentic in what they are wearing. If you suddenly feel like you are dressing as a completely different person just because it is race day, the outfit often ends up wearing you instead of the other way around. Personal style should still shine through, even within a formal dress code.'
Ultimately, race day style should feel timeless, elegant and considered. Fashion trends will come and go, but sophistication, good tailoring and confidence never date.
