From Royal Ascot's famously strict dress code to the countryside chic of Cheltenham and the relaxed elegance of Glorious Goodwood, this is your definitive guide to race day outfits for 2026.
The best race day outfits to shop now 2026
Whether you're planning polished race day outfits for Ladies Day or simply wondering what to wear to the races, we break down the dress codes, enclosure etiquette and the best race day fashion for every event — from statement race day dresses and tailored coats to the hats, fascinators and heels that finish a look properly.
Best jumpsuits and dresses to wear to the races
Knowing what to wear to the races is entirely down to the dress code. Some races or enclosures are fairly relaxed, so a nice day dress, suit or jumpsuit would work perfectly. For other races – like the Royal Enclosure at Ascot – it’s worth checking the dress code before investing, as rules will be enforced. When it doubt, opt for a dress that’s knee-length or longer, with covered shoulders or wide straps.
Nobody's Child Amie Midi Dress
ASOS Lace applique grown
Mango Single-layer openings
Lipsy London Halter Neck Jumpsuit
River Island Asymmetric Drape Jumpsuit
Choosing the print or colour is entirely your decision. Most races take place during the summer, so often vibrant colour palettes, florals or summery prints are popular choices. So far, lavender and butter yellow are shaping up to be the shades of the season – with tomato red a key colour seen at Ascot this year.
Best hats and fascinators to wear to the races
Before investing in a hat, it’s worth checking the dress code to see if any regulations are enforced. Most of the time, a fascinator, hat or headpiece of some kind is encouraged. Look to brands like Carol Kennelly, Jane Taylor London and Lisa Tan. For accessible options, ASOS and Accessorize always has a wide offering of easy-to-wear fascinators to shop.
Lipsy Cream Polka Dot Hat
Phase Eight Polka Dot Fascinator
Coast Lisa Tan Bow Detail Boater
Best handbags to wear to the races
When it comes to the bag, it’s more considered than people give credit for. You’re carrying it for the better part of eight hours – across gravel paths, up staircases, through picnics – so a crossbody or structured top-handle will serve you far better than anything that needs to be clutched in one hand while you're holding a Pimm's in the other.
Mango Large bowling bag
Tusting Ida
DeMellier The New York Shoulder
Polène Neiti
Strathberry Mosaic Nano
Think structured leather, clean lines – and nothing too casual. In practice, the sweet spot for most racegoers is a small to medium bag in a neutral or tonal shade – ivory, tan, navy, black – that sits neatly against an outfit without competing with it. Size-wise, keep it compact. A bag that swallows your whole afternoon isn't the vibe – decant into a small pouch and leave the tote in the car.
Glorious Goodwood Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Glorious Goodwood
Dress codes vary by enclosure. The Richmond Enclosure is the most formal, encouraging tailored silhouettes and traditional racewear, with hats recommended but not compulsory. The Gordon and Lennox Enclosures are smart but more relaxed.
Meshki Winnie Halter Dress
Topshop Selina mid heel
Extremely short hemlines and overly casual attire are discouraged, instead choose relaxed, elegant and quietly confident pieces. Floaty dresses, linen tailoring, soft florals and straw hats feel right at home here – it's less formal than Ascot but still polished; summer garden party dressing that's playful and elevated rather than overworked.
Aintree Grand National Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Aintree Grand National
The Aintree Grand National has now been and gone (the race took place in April of this year). Though, if you’re planning ahead to 2027’s race, here are some styling ideas. Luckily, there is no official formal dress code, no enforced hemline or hat requirements. Racegoers are encouraged to dress up, and Ladies Day is fashion-focused.
Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress
Rixo Zenni Bag
Choose statement dresses, vibrant colours, sculptural silhouettes and eye-catching headpieces. Glamour is encouraged, comfort is advised. Choose heels wisely and let the outfit do the talking.
Cheltenham Festival Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Cheltenham races
While other races take place during the summer months, Cheltenham happens in March – so it’s all about weather-appropriate dressing. There is no official formal dress code, even in hospitality areas. However, smart racewear is expected. The emphasis is on practical dressing due to cold temperatures and muddy conditions in March.
Etsy Burgundy Wool Hat
Fairfax & Favour Knee-High Boots
Think country dressing, but make it chic. Tailored coats, belted wool layers, faux fur accents and knee-high boots are the uniform. Hats are optional, weather-proof footwear is not. This is where texture and practicality matter more than hemlines. Think polished ladies race day outfits built around heritage fabrics, structured outerwear and showerproof footwear suited to grass.
Royal Ascot Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is by far the biggest, most prestigious racing event in the summer calendar. Though Royal Ascot has now happened (held in June each year) there’s nothing stopping you from sorting your outfit for 2027. As much as it’s one of the most significant sporting events in UK culture, it’s also a brilliant opportunity to pull out the nicest outfit in your wardrobe and get dressed up.
The dress code varies significantly by enclosure – and knowing which one you're in before you shop is non-negotiable. For Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure, smart formal daywear is required: knee-length or longer, straps at least one inch wide, and a hat with a 4-inch solid base.
Coast Bow Fascinator
Race day FAQs
What should a woman wear to the races?
It depends on the event and enclosure. For Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure, smart formal daywear is required. A dress should be knee-length or longer, straps at least one inch wide and a hat with a 4-inch base. For Glorious Goodwood and the Grand National, smart daywear is expected but the rules are considerably more relaxed. As a general guide: a midi dress or tailored co-ord, a heel you can walk in and a hat or fascinator if in doubt.
Can you wear black to the races?
Yes – black is entirely acceptable at most race meetings. A common misconception is that black is too funereal for race day; in practice it's one of the most elegant and versatile choices, particularly when paired with a statement headpiece and a bold shoe.
What shoes should I wear to the races?
For outdoor events on grass — Ascot, Goodwood, Aintree — avoid stiletto heels with a very thin tip, which will sink into the turf. A block heel, kitten heel, wedge or a stiletto with a rubber-tipped sole are the most practical choices.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
