Home » Events, Fashion tips, Hats, Investec Derby, Investec Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Ladies Day, Royal Ascot, What To Wear » What to Wear to the Races – Investec Derby & Royal Ascot
What to Wear to the Races – Investec Derby & Royal Ascot
The Investec Derby at the Epsom Downs racecourse and Royal Ascot are just around the corner and with high fashions at stake everyone wants to look their best.
With supermodel Erin O’Connor and top milliner Louis Mariette judging ‘Style on the Downs’ at the Investec Derby, competition will be fierce amongst all the fashionable women on Ladies Day.
So to help you with a chance of winning and to look your best at any of the race days this summer, here are some fashion tips on what to avoid doing to look your very best.
Fashion Tips:
Do
- Consider the weather. Getting caught out without an umbrella or a shawl will leave you wet, cold and miserable. Try not to spoil your day by not checking the weather or being prepared, as this will mean your experience of one of the social calendar’s best events will be marred.
- Read the dress code. Certain sections of the races such as the Royal Enclosure at Ascot require a specific dress code and they reserve the right to turn guests away if they don’t abide by it.
- Wear a hat. Even if your dress code doesn’t necessarily state to wear one, it adds to the sense of occasion. If you don’t want to go the full works then a simple fascinator is sufficient.
- Wear light summery colours. The main races like the Investec Derby and Royal Ascot take place in June so wearing dark wintery colours are not appropriate for summer attire. To brighten your mood wear light pastels, neon (for the most daring) and print which are all fashionable in spring/summer 2011.
- Wear your shoes in if they are new. You will be on foot for a lot of the day so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible.
- Wash your hair the night before styling it. Many hairdressers say that freshly washed hair is harder to style because it is too soft. Allow hair to grease a little before pinning it up.
Don’t
- Wear the highest and strappiest shoes you own. You may want to look your best but trotting around in back-breaking high heels all day long will leave your feet in a state and can ruin your fun. Additionally thin heels may sink in the ground if you walk on grassy areas. 
- Have VPL. Make sure to plan your underwear for your outfit to avoid anyone catching a glimpse of your bloomers. Additionally it is race day fashion etiquette to choose a bra or bodice that doesn’t show, and clear plastic straps don’t count as invisible because they can still be seen!
- Wear sparkles, diamante or too many sequins. Remember this is a daytime event, so leave overly dressed up beads for eveningwear.
- Choose an ultra fashionable dress that you have never experimented with before. Sticking to what you feel comfortable in and suits your shape is more flattering than wearing an outfit just because it is trendy. However if you express your personality through what you wear then be as extravagant as is deemed acceptable.
- Wear a mini-dress. Save really short dresses for nightclubs.
- Get a spray tan the same day as the race. They need to be washed off after they have set to avoid you turning mahogany or the tan staining your clothes. Instead if you have a spray tan get it a day or two before.
- Wear heavy makeup. During the warm summer days this will be too thick and may run leaving you looking like Scream. Choose a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation and don’t put lashings of eyeliner on.
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Filed under: Events, Fashion tips, Hats, Investec Derby, Investec Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Ladies Day, Royal Ascot, What To Wear · Tags: block colours, erin o'connor, fashion tips, hat, high heels, investec derby, ladies day, louis mariette, print, races, royal ascot, what to wear to the races
17 Responses to "What to Wear to the Races – Investec Derby & Royal Ascot"
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I think you shoe tip helps a lot! Remember ladies, you’ll outside walking on uneven surfaces. The right sized heel is the real trick.
I think it is not getting stuck in the ground! What a nightmare!
yeah great tips! ill keep them in mind for when im going!
Agreed. Also, great tip on wearing light colours, take advantage of it being summer!!
What are your views on lace?
OMG love love love it. What about you?
I love it but is it for the races?!
Ohhh, very true! It has to be done in a classy way… agree?
This will be my first time ever at the races, im a 32 lady who is stuck on what to wear. I was thinking of wearing an ivory dress with pink print wedges from Dune with matching cluth bag. Ive still got to get my hat, wat colour hat should i get as my hair is dyed bright Red.
I would like some advice on my choice of outfit.
Are a smart pair of wedges good enough for Ascot.
Thanks
Hi,
Yes a smart pair of wedges are ideal for Ascot as you won’t sink in the grass. The ivory dress sounds lovely as it is light a summery. I think the best hat colour would be ivory as this won’t clash with your hair colour. However you can wear a small fascinator if you wish. You can wear a pink hat/fascinator however if it is a bright pink it may clash with your hair colour. Paler pinks are more suitable.
Thanks
WBTW
Thank you for your advice. Ill go shopping nxt wk to buy an ivory or pale pink fasinator.
Kind regards
Are you going into the Royal Enclosure? If not, you don’t even have to wear a hat/fascinator although it would be a shame to miss the opportunity. However, if you ARE, the rules say hat or SUBSTANTIAL fascinator so a small one won’t do at all! The idea is that there should be part of the fascinator that covers your head – 3-4″. If in doubt, get a hat. I agree cream is the safe option but I happen to think pink and red look fantastic together and you’d make a real statement. Otherwise the rest of the outfit sounds lovely.
I work for Dinner Suits.com and I must say that I’m very impressed with your post.
What should one wear to Ascot in July for a Saturday Race? Is it as dressy as the June races and should one wear a hat/fascinator?
I have obtained this dress code advice from the Royal Ascot website. Hats and fascinators are not required but please check what enclosure you are watching from as thy require a different dress code:
Premier Admission Dress Code
Both ladies and gentlemen are asked to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion. Many gentlemen wear a shirt and tie with a jacket or suit. Please note that blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sports attire (including football and rugby shirts, sweatshirts and trainers) are not permitted.
Grandstand Admission Dress Code
Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes no formal dress code applies except that bare chests are not permitted at any time.
Dress Code for Children
Children aged 17 and under are advised to adhere to the dress code of the chosen admission area. Please note this does not apply to very young children.
Fancy Dress
Fancy dress is permitted at Ascot Racecourse within the Grandstand Admission area on all days outside Royal Ascot. However, fancy dress will not be permitted if it is liable to cause offence to any other racegoers on religious or sexual grounds. Ascot Racecourse Limited reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone deemed to be dressed inappropriately. If your party is considering wearing fancy dress, and in order to avoid any disappointment on the day, we recommend that you call the sales team on 0870 727 1234.
Thanks, you have been most helpful and set my mind at ease.
Thank you for your kind words Daniela!
Did you attend any of the racing events this year?