your browser is not supported
To use ASOS, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE RACES
By Siobhan Gunner, 9 April 2022
Eek! We’re so excited that the races are back! And you know what that means... It's time to get our glam game on point! ✨ Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time fancy-event-goer, you might just be wondering what to wear to the races. Unlike the usual Friday-night-out look, a races outfit kinda has rules (we know 🥴). Now is NOT the time to wear your fave ripped denim and sneaks, even if they’re drenched in luxe designer logos 🔥 Race outfits need to be v v chic – très chic, if you like. A race-day dress with puff sleeves and perf pastels always fits the fancy-schmancy vibe, but ICYMI, it’s 2022. You bet we’re serving co-ords and curves, too.
Oh, and we haven’t even started on those finishing touches. The hat, the bag, the glam-yet-practical shoes (cos now maybe isn't the best moment for sky-high stilettos)... Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of inspo coming. So whether you’ve scored tickets for the King George Weekend or glorious Goodwood, we’ve got winning looks with your name on 'em 😉 Keep scrolling for our tip-offs on what goes great with grass, bubbles and all-day fun.
P.S. if you're off to Ascot, remember to check the deets of their dress code (for their dress length, strap and neckline rules!) before you decide on The One!
Oh, and we haven’t even started on those finishing touches. The hat, the bag, the glam-yet-practical shoes (cos now maybe isn't the best moment for sky-high stilettos)... Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of inspo coming. So whether you’ve scored tickets for the King George Weekend or glorious Goodwood, we’ve got winning looks with your name on 'em 😉 Keep scrolling for our tip-offs on what goes great with grass, bubbles and all-day fun.
P.S. if you're off to Ascot, remember to check the deets of their dress code (for their dress length, strap and neckline rules!) before you decide on The One!
MIDI DRESSES FOR THE RACES
The quickest and easiest way to look oh so sophisticated? The midi dress! There’s just something about them that makes you feel *je ne sais quoi*, right? Give ultimate summer vibes in florals and pastels, and add in chunky rattan sandals (no sinking-in-the-ground situs over here, bby). Or you could go understated in a black races dress and add a total mood-booster in the form of a neon-coloured bag. Style tip: opt for a cross-body style. Gotta keep those hands free for canapés and champs 👏
GLAM RACE-DAY DRESSES
Calling all the girls that love to go all-glam, always. A white races dress brings main-character energy like no other – esp if it's got big blouson sleeves and ruffle deets. Add more texture in a jacquard number or if you prefer things sleek, choose a satin bodycon dress.
A PINK RACES DRESS
Pastel pink, hot pink, dusty-beige kinda pink... When it comes to pink dresses, we REALLY don’t have a type. Short or long, with or without a cheeky lil split 👀 we can't get enough. But for an extra-fancy occasion, why not add a lobster print (cos that red/pink colour clash is a major vibe) or a square neckline with a super-cute daisy print? Now THESE are the dresses to wear to the races.
A PLUS-SIZE RACES DRESS
If you’re looking for a plus-size races dress that's cute, chic AND comfy, then you’ve come to the right place. Make it a polkadot moment with a square neckline and a pleated skirt, or up the cottagecore vibe with this gorge blue number. And the best part? You can wear these classic styles ANYWHERE – dress 'em up or dress 'em down.
ALTERNATIVES TO A RACE-DAY DRESS
Not into dresses? Not a problem! Get suited and booted in a co-ord and some matchy-matchy tailoring. Keep it short with a tailored skirt and crop top, or play with proportions with an oversized blazer. We're totally here for the spring vibes this sage green set is giving. The flared bottoms, the super-slouchy blazer, the effortless steeze... 🤤 But also, you *could* leave the top and dare to go bare underneath that blazer. Not us testing the dress code!
SHOES FOR THE RACES
Just because we’re switching dancefloors for grass doesn’t mean our shoe can't be extra. Swap out the 6-inch stilettos for block heels or wedge sandals – styles that'll save you from sinking into the ground – and any reduction in heel height can defo be made up for in the colour and design stakes. Ruched finishes, wavey patterns, silver studs... These are deets that make ALL the difference. Uneven ground? Huge stretches of grass? It's nothing our glam game can’t handle.
RACE-DAY ACCESSORIES
We can’t talk about the races without mentioning accessories – and not just any accessory, but *the hat*. Is it just us or is the hat more important than the rest of the race-day ’fit? Like, it IS the ’fit, you know. Lucky for you, we’ve thought ahead. Wide-brimmed straw hats are the ultimate two-in-one – they shade you from the sun (heatwave, come thru 🔥) AND they look gorge on the 'gram. It’s a hats-off situ really 🤪 But if ya wanna keep it super classic, opt for a simple black fascinator – always a safe bet.
BAGS FOR THE RACES
If you’ve been paying attention ✍️ we gave a cheeky bag tip earlier ☝️ BUT if you’re like us, you want options. From a baby-pink mini to an oversized ruched clutch, we’ve popped some of our fave pose-proof companions below. May the best races dress/accessory (oh and horse) win!!