Race-day fashion is maximalism personified. The frills, the feathers, the prints - dress code conventions dictate that more is always more.
For some, this is quite daunting. Brits tend to go all out for events such as Royal Ascot and Cheltenham, donning their most lavish finery for the occasion. The day is also a spectacle of royal fashion, with the Princess of Wales, the York sisters and Zara Tindall making a sartorial splash for the public to admire.
A wave of polka dots, silks and florals funnel into the enclosure where crowds mingle among plumes of feathered fascinators and champagne. Race day is as much about winning in the financial department as it is in the clothing department.
Choosing a race day look requires considerable thought. Not only is there a certain amount of pressure to execute a dramatic ensemble, but there are rules and regulations one must follow.
Dress codes differ depending on event, enclosure and gender. For example, at Ascot, strapless or sheer strap tops or dresses are not permitted, which includes off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one-shoulder items. Midriffs must be covered and one must wear a headpiece or fascinator. Call it old-fashioned, but it’s just the way it is.
Luckily, there are many options, both high street and high fashion, to pick from. Cult brands like Rixo, Reformation and Kitri stock decadent garden-themed gowns to frolic in, while luxury labels like Dries Van Noten, Saloni and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini head up bold designs on the pricier end of the scale.
While an over-the-top aesthetic is more commonplace, it’s not to say that minimalism doesn’t have a role to play in race day dressing. Quiet luxury enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that white is one of the most popular pigments to sport - providing you retain a steady hand on the red wine throughout the day.
Regardless of your sartorial preferences, this is not the time to back the wrong horse. Discover the best race day dresses to shop in 2024 below.
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Rixo Liberty Jacquard Midi Dress
Step out in a jewel-toned violet dress by Rixo. The brand’s Liberty frock comes in three elegant colourways and features breezy, romantic ruffling.
Buy now £145.00, Rixo
Ghost Tilly Satin Back Crepe Midi Dress
Ooze sailor chic with Ghost’s Tilly dress. Showcasing a sophisticated marriage of vintage and contemporary themes, this empire line midi dress in satin back crepe boasts a gentle nautical feel due to an incorporated sailor collar, contrast trims and tie detail.
Buy now £149.00, Ghost
Whistles Taffeta Silk Volume Top and Skirt
Opt for a dash of Fifties flair with Whistles’ taffeta two-piece. The powder blue set comprises a corset-style top and a voluminous skirt. The skirt costs £249, while the top comes in at £199.
Buy now £249.00, Whistles
Reformation Buchanan Dress
Reformation’s Buchanan dress looks as if it has been plucked from the set of My Fair Lady. Ebony-toned ribbon detailing draws the eye, while the pristine, snow-white colourway offers a summer-ready look topped off with a feminine ruffled collar.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
Kitri Megan Pistachio Tulip Jacquard Maxi Dress
Whether heading off to the races or a wedding, Kitri’s Megan maxi dress will swoop in to save the day. A radiant pistachio hue will help you to stand out from the crowd, while sleek long sleeves serve up a modest finish.
Buy now £215.00, Kitri
Saloni Floral Dress
Take a leaf out of the royal style book and shop Saloni. Beloved by Princess Beatrice and the Princess of Wales, Saloni dresses are playful, decadent pieces that deserve to be worn for special occasions.
Buy now £188.00, The Outnet
Nobody’s Child Black Floral Clover Midi Dress
A sweet yet simple pick, Nobody’s Child’s Clover dress can be worn for summer days in the office or race day affairs. A yellow floral print, gentle puff sleeves and a rounded collar make for an elegant look.
Buy now £59.00, Nobody’s Child
Mango Satin Checkered Dress
Mango’s satin dress has many elements that spark intrigue - from the asymmetrical hemline and the lightly checkered print, to the floaty silhouette. Add a pair of knee-high boots or kitten heels for a creative yet considered look.
Buy now £79.99, Mango
Les Rêveries Pleated Floral-Print Maxi Dress
Dive into spring style with a statement floral frock by New York-based brand Les Rêveries. Cornflower blooms sprawl across the long-sleeve piece, which borrows from the colour palettes of British designers such as Richard Quinn.
Buy now £295.00, The Outnet
Sister Jane Orchard Jacquard Midi Dress
Opt for a piece to see you through wedding and race day season. Sister Janes’ gardenscape frock features blooming blue florals complete with dainty fern leaves. Mid-length puff sleeves serve up girlish charm, while a longline skirt offers a touch of modesty for smart summer affairs.
Buy now £69.00, Sister Jane
Ganni Pleated Georgette Flounce Smock Dress
A fairytale frock to see you through summer weddings, garden parties and more, Ganni’s georgette dress is a bump-friendly no-brainer.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
Damson Madder Penelope Apron Dress
The re-wear factor is high with this gorgeous corset-style dress with waist seam bows from Damson Madder. Style with perfectly tousled hair, dramatic makeup and your ex-boyfriend’s white Oxford shirt for true TTPD vibes.
Buy now £80.00, Damson Madder
Maeve Halter Ruched Midi Dress
When paired with a floppy black hat or sharp monochrome fascinator, this dress will look knockout. Maeve’s spotted black and white halterneck harkens back to 1950s flair with its punchy print, feminine silhouette and retro sweetheart neckline.
Buy now £103.00, Anthropologie
H&M Twist-Detail Jersey Dress
Embrace quiet luxury this season with H&M’s twist-detail jersey dress. Suitable for those who prefer subtle elegance to bold brilliance, this affordable garment will become a steadfast companion for dressy evening dos.
Buy now £54.99, H&M
Omnes Woolf Short Sleeve Floral Slip Dress
With seven different colourways to choose from, this ankle-skimming dress is the perfect choice for whatever event you’ve got on this summer.
Buy now £79.00, OMNES
Rouje Ramia Dress
Summer doesn’t have to equate to bright colours. Rouje’s aubergine satin number is a must-have throw-on-and-go for those who prefer a low-key colour scheme. A white lace trim and slinky silhouette pair perfectly with cowboy boots for the warmer weather.
Buy now £250.00, Rouje
Rixo Iggy Midi Dress
Available in regular and petite sizes, Rixo’s delightful Iggy Dress is a striped sensation. Black lace trims, a diagonally accented print and a warming colour palette make for a vibrant summer frock.
Buy now £245.00, Rixo
Kitri Araminta Patched Toile De Jouy Dress
Kitri’s dresses have a habit of going viral. Add the ethereal, patchwork Araminta dress to your shopping basket before it flies off the shelves.
Buy now £195.00, Kitri
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Floral-Print Tulle Maxi Dress
Playful ruffles and fairytale florals are married to perfection in Philosophy Di Lorenzo’s Serafini dress. The gown exemplifies the house's romantic sensibilities while offering a glamorous frock to sport in the stands.
Buy now £373.00, The Outnet
