Finding the right dress for race day is no mean feat.
There’s a lot to think about. First of all, you need to adere to the rules of the enclosure. For dresses, this usually means knee length or longer, with nothing strapless - which includes bardot and one shoulder silhouettes - and if shoulder straps are involved, they should be at least an inch across.
Next, it’s time to think about aesthetics. It needs to be in the realms of the traditional race day dress, so we’re talking summery colours and lightweight fabrics, but without being too stuffy. This can be achieved through a contemporary print, an of-the-moment cut or even stylish accessories.
When it comes to textiles, if you’re willing to shell out the big bucks, it’s silk-cotton blends that should be on your wishlist - with viscose as a great second best. It’s breathable but depending on the colour, may show sweat patches. Then, there are great polyester options available, too, which offer a similar floaty look but without the ultra-luxe feel.
From independent brands to luxury fashion houses, with high street labels and cult favourites somewhere in between, the options available on the market are far ranging and ever growing. That’s why we’ve put together this handy edit, to save you hours of endless scrolling across countless websites ahead of your race day events.
Now, all you need is your hat.
Keep scrolling for the best.
Reformation Myah Dress
If a brown polka dot dress is good enough for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, it’s good enough for us - and Reformation’s Myah fits the bill, nicely.
With a sweetheart neckline, open back and cap sleeves, it’s a romantic silhouette that will see you gracefully swanning throughout the day.
Buy now £300.00, Reformation
Sandro Floral Twisted Dress
French label Sandro offer an amazing range of easy-to-wear dresses with elevated design details - and this printed midi is ideal for a day at the races.
Crafted from a viscose with a colourful striped floral print, it’s light, bright and breezy - and the keyhole front and flared ruffle hem balance a contemporary aesthetic with traditional elegance.
Buy now £389.00, Selfridges
Rixo Christa Block Daisy
Rixo’s collections are brimming with vintage appeal, from the silhouettes to the hand-painted prints, as proven by the Kaila.
Featuring two of the label’s signature florals, it blends a retro 50s touch with the 30s for a dress that feels like it could have been plucked from the rack in a luxury antique store. Constructed using a lightweight viscose, it’s the quintessential summer dress.
Buy now £325.00, Rixo
Dries Van Noten Floral maxi dress
Fashion’s best horticulturalist, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten is an expert in floral prints. With beautiful blooms from top to toe, this breezy, relaxed fit design will allow you to effortlessly drift through the day in style.
Buy now £525.00, MyTheresa
Samsøe Samsøe Karookh long dress 14646
Made in part using recycled fibres, Samsøe Samsøe’s dress is a responsibly made design that’s even GRS certified - meaning each stage of the supply chain meets strict social and environmental standards.
With a belted waist and tie-fastening neckline, you can completely switch up the silhouette depending on the occasion. Cinch the waist and tie the neck to raise it to the heights of formal dress codes.
Buy now £290.00, Samsøe Samsøe
Ganni Pleated Georgette Midi Smock Dress
Scandi brand Ganni is known for its lively prints and colourful designs - and this midi is a case in point.
It’s cut to a form-fitting silhouette using 100 per cent recycled polyester crepe georgette, and the ruffle detailing, loose sleeves and square neckline all bolster its feminine appeal.
Buy now £265.00, Ganni
Alessandra Rich Oversized collar polka-dot silk midi dress
A brand that doesn’t follow trends, Alessandra Rich is known for its elegant, tasteful dresses that would live happily in your wardrobe for years to come - and never go out of style.
An 100 per cent silk polka dot design, with a broderie trimmed white collar, black bow and pearl buttons, it’s the epitome of sophistication.
Buy now £1575.00, Harrods
& Other Stories Fitted Asymmetric Puff Sleeve Dress
Thanks to its collection of high quality yet affordable dresses, high street hero & Other Stories is a go-to for event dressing.
In a joyful lilac, with a voluminous puff sleeve and a structured square neck, it’s equal parts sophisticated and playful. Pair it with white or cream to up the summery ante.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Saloni Vida ruffled printed silk-chiffon midi dress
Saloni Lodha, the creative director of her namesake brand, Saloni, is known for designing perfectly form-fitting go-anywhere dresses that are equal parts elegant and stylish, and this design is a case in point.
Printed with quill feathers, and crafted using a delicate silk chiffon, it looks just as floaty as it feels. The best part? It’s a versatile design that can be worn season after season.
Buy now £675.00, Net-A-Porter
Pleats Please Issey Miyake pleated midi dress
Investment dresses don’t come better than they do in Issey Miyake’s best-selling Pleats Please collection. Not only do they require minimal styling intervention, but they’re easy to wear year-round, while also being catnip for compliments (and really, what’s better than that?).
Buy now £405.00, MatchesFashion
Warehouse Floral Halter Neck Jersey Crepe Midi Dress
This dress will spark joy every time you reach for it out of your closet. The mood-boosting, brightly-coloured floral print is elevated further by the halterneck silhouette that makes it ideal for smart and casual occasions alike.
Buy now £27.00, Warehouse
Mango Puffed Sleeves Texture Dress
Looking to stand out on Ladies Day? Enter Mango’s bright pink dress which boasts a mini keyhole cutout, puff sleeves and a knot detail - not to mention the lightweight, textured fabric that will feel comfortable all day long.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Rixo Freya Silk Bardot Dress
The flowers on the Freya dress were hand-painted originally after inspiration struck co-founder Orlagh when she was in Goa’s Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. The pretty print makes for a piece that even those who shy away from colour can get on board with, not in the least for the silhouette that goes alongside it. It’s a princess-seamed skirt but most attractive of all, it has an off-the-shoulder design and rosette embellishment. Style with a belt or let the piece do the talking.
Buy now £315.00, Rixo
Sézane Selma Dress
A timeless summer staple, broderie anglaise has been around since the 1800s. Delivering a refined yet crafty aesthetic, Sezane’s dress would work just as well at the races as it would for a seaside holiday.
Buy now £200.00, Sézane
Sister Jane Cherry Petals heart-button woven midi
It’s hard to believe the reasonable price point of Sister Jane’s premium dresses. Crafted from a floral-embellished jacquard that’s been given a fairytale makeover with fanciful puff sleeves and pearlescent heart buttons, its perfect for when you want to make an entrance.
Buy now £95.00, Selfridges
Helmstedt Emma printed silk midi dress
Hand-finished using 100 per cent silk, you’ll float through the day in Helmstedt’s painterly design. From the balloon sleeves to the gathered neck, the all-over-print to the back keyhole detail, it’s elegant through and through.
Buy now £620.00, Harvey Nichols
Kitri Megan Pink Wavy Tile Maxi Dress
If Barbiecore’s the trend for you, look no further than Kitri’s lustrous midi dress. Not only will the shimmery candy pink satin deliver a cheerful look, but the deep-V back takes it to the next level.
Buy now £175.00, Kitri
