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. 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 looks for every event.
Expect elegant horse racing dresses, tailored coats for cooler days, floaty dresses for summer fixtures like Goodwood and Epsom, plus the finishing touches – statement hats, fascinators and heels that won’t sink into the grass.
Royal Ascot Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Royal Ascot
This is not the place to wing it. Think polished, traditional and impeccably put together. Midi dresses, elegant tailoring, statement hats and fascinators (non-negotiable in the Royal Enclosure) and heels you can actually walk in.
Keep necklines refined, straps substantial and silhouettes classic – Ascot rewards restraint done well. These are ladies day outfits designed to meet the famously formal Ascot dress code while still feeling modern.
Self Portrait Bouclé Midi Dress
Emmy London Ruby Mid Heel
Royal Ascot dress code
Royal Ascot has the strictest dress code of the British racing calendar, particularly in the Royal Enclosure. Dresses must fall just above the knee or longer, with straps at least one inch wide.
Strapless, off-the-shoulder and sheer styles are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. Hats are mandatory (with a minimum 4-inch base), and full-length jumpsuits are allowed if they meet strap and modesty guidelines. The Queen Anne and Village Enclosures are less restrictive but still require smart daywear.
When is Royal Ascot?
16–20 June 2026
Where is Royal Ascot?
Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England
Tickets for Royal Ascot
Tickets are available by enclosure, with Royal Enclosure access requiring sponsorship. Queen Anne and Village Enclosure tickets are available for general purchase via Ascot’s official website.
Glorious Goodwood Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Glorious Goodwood
Relaxed, elegant and quietly confident. 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.
Cult Gaia Eviana Clutch
Meshki Dinah Maxi Dress
Studio Amelia Helix 50 Sandal
Goodwood dress code
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. Extremely short hemlines and overly casual attire are discouraged.
When
28 July – 1 August 2026
Where
Goodwood Racecourse, West Sussex, England
Tickets
Tickets are sold by enclosure, with Richmond being the most premium. Multi-day passes and hospitality options are available via Goodwood's official website.
Epsom Derby Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to the Derby
Bright, celebratory and unapologetically summery. Florals, colour, statement dresses and tailored co-ords all work. Hats are optional. Keep it elevated but easy – this is smart day dressing with personality and some of the most wearable ladies day outfits on the racing calendar.
Etsy Pink Feather Derby Hat
RIXO Novara Chiffon Midi Dress
Charles & Keith Kitten Heels
Epsom Derby dress code
There is no strict public dress code, but smart daywear is encouraged, particularly in hospitality and premium enclosures. Hats are optional but commonly worn. Sportswear and overly casual attire are discouraged in formal areas.
When
5–6 June 2026
Where
Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey, England
Tickets
Tickets are available across multiple areas including the Queen’s Stand and Grandstand, with general admission options also available.
Aintree National Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to the Grand National
Go bold or go home. Ladies Day is all about impact – 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.
Phase Eight Loop Headband
Reformation Lilibeth Silk Dress
Jigsaw Mini Shell Beaded Tay
Aintree dress code
There is no official formal dress code, but Ladies Day is fashion-focused. Racegoers are encouraged to dress up, though there are no enforced hemline or hat requirements.
When
9–11 April 2026
Where
Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England
Tickets
Tickets are available by enclosure, with hospitality and Ladies Day packages in high demand. Secure yours here.
Cheltenham Festival Dress Code & Outfit Ideas 2026
What to wear to Cheltenham races
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.
Etsy Burgundy Wool Hat
Fairfax & Favour Knee-High Boots
Cheltenham dress code
There is no official formal dress code, even in hospitality areas. However, smart racewear is expected. The emphasis is on practical, weather-appropriate dressing due to cold temperatures and muddy conditions in March.
When
10–13 March 2026
Where
Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire, England
Tickets
Tickets are available across multiple enclosures, including Best Mate, Tattersalls and The Club Enclosure, with hospitality packages also offered. Secure your tickets here.
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
