With Ascot and Ladies Day around the corner, the hunt for what to wear to the races has never been so tantalizing. With women reaching for the most bizarre mushroom shaped hats, with the concept that ‘bigger really is better’, you will be forgiven for thinking that ‘Race Day’ is nothing more than a large fancy dress party that the entire population has been invited to attend. And unlike those snobby high school biatches, who wouldn’t invite you to their ‘exclusive house parties’ as you weren’t cool or pretty enough to be part of their ‘squad’, race day is open to everyone, no matter what you look like. Because let’s face it, I don’t know about you but I sure as hell don’t want to be part of something whose invitation to attend centers around what you look like, as opposed to creating an inclusive community that everyone can be part of. While Race Day does have connotations of being a ‘posh people only’ type of event, once you get past the massive hats that will knock you out, you will find that events like Ascot or Ladies Day at the Epsom Derby, is really just an excuse for a royally approved piss up. And I don’t know about you but letting my hair down and getting into the party spirit, sounds like the perfect antidote to life.
With us Brits reaching for any excuse to get ‘down and dirty’, it is no surprise that Grand Nationals like Ascot and Ladies Day are so popular, with attendance figures topping six million in 2016. Out of all the race days however, Royal Ascot is the most popular with 300,000 people making the annual visit to Berkshire during Royal Ascot week, making this Europe’s best-attended race meeting. Knowing what to wear to the races however is another story entirely; from stories of busted queens with streaky fake tan and sinking into the grass, with their legs flailing akimbo, you only have to look at the news to know that the press likes to ‘ridicule and shame’ ladies at race day, which to me is a load of bollocks. After all who cares if you are looking a little rough around the edges, at least you are having some fun, unlike these miserable geezers that are papping your every move. But if you would rather not wake up to pictures of yourself with your thong hanging out as front news the next morning, then don’t worry Mama Jasmine is here to save the day. From mid length midi dresses, beautifully adorned with florals to flamenco inspired ruffle mini dresses, Pretty Little Thing have fabulous outfit ideas that will solve the problem of what to wear to the races in one ecstatic browse. Question is, what would you choose?
The Blue Embroidered Midi Dress: Best For The Royal Ascot
Just Below The Knee, The Blue Embroidered Dress Matches The Royal Ascot Dress Code, Although I Would Recommend Wearing A Longer Slip Underneath.
Out of all the ‘race day’ events, Royal Ascot is the most stringent and you turning up like you are about to go to a nightclub, will have you kicked out faster than you can say ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. So if you think that it would be a great hoot to turn up with the shortest dress that you can find or even dare to come without a headpiece of some sort, I’m sorry boo but that £100 that you spent on both your ticket and train fare, is not going to get refunded to you anytime soon. As for jeans, don’t even think about it, not unless you want to be carried out of Royal Ascot kicking and screaming, unless of course your central aim is to have 15 minutes of fame on the news. In which case knock yourself out and turn up looking like you are ready for your ‘Twerk class’ in approximately 15 minutes. Oh what joyous fun that would be. But if you actually want to be able to stay at Royal Ascot for more than 15 minutes, then read on for tips on what you should and shouldn’t wear at The Royal Ascot…
Do… Wear A Dress That Is Below The Knee Or Just Above The Knee. No one wants to see your arse crack Betty, we are not in Mahiki anymore babe.
Do… Wear A Hat Or Headpiece. Apparently not wearing a hat or Headpiece that is more than 4 inches in diameter will have you thrown into jail. So unless you want to do time for fashion crimes against race day, then I suggest you do your homework and get yourself a hat that will stop traffic on the M25.
Do… Wear A Jumpsuit Or Trouser Suit If Dresses Make You Hurl. While some race days seem to have a personal vendetta against trousers, Royal Ascot likes people who wear jumpsuits or trousers suits because it matches their image of sartorial elegance.
Don’t… Turn Up With Your Midriff Hanging Out. Apparently Royal Ascot doesn’t like belly buttons, so now is not the time to show off your new ‘belly ring’.
Don’t Turn Up In Shorts… You are not going to the beach, so don’t even think about getting those legs out, just because you want to show off your bronzed pins.
Ascot Is On From 19-23rd June
In Case You Hadn’t Noticed I Also Like To Wear The Same Outfits With Different Makeup. Because Why The Hell Not?
Shop The Royal Ascot Approved ‘What To Wear To The Races’ Look
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Shop Royal Ascot Approved Pieces Below
The Ruffle Flamenco Mini Dress:Best For Aintree
The Off The Shoulder And Mini Skirt Hemline Is Perfect For Aintree Who Welcomes ‘Fun Race Day Couture’
Unlike their rivals at the Royal Ascot, Aintree couldn’t give a flying f**k if you turned up in a dress that wasn’t below the knee, and their relaxed attitude to what to wear to the races is reflected throughout their dress code statement below.
‘Although there is no official dress code, smart is preferable and is often adopted. Aintree is a spectacle of colour throughout the year, with many using their trip to the racecourse as an opportunity to showcase their favourite raceday outfits.Hats are optional too, but are frequently worn.Sports clothes and fancy dress are not permitted for The Randox Health Grand National Festival’.
So if you want to turn up looking like you are going to the nightclub, or would rather not wear a hat that will knock out your friends and any poor bystanders, then by all means be Aintree’s guest. There are only a few simple rules when it comes to Aintree, and below I have outlined what you can and can’t wear at Aintree, which has four main racecourse events:Grand National Thursday (12th April), Ladies Day (April 13th), Grand National Day (April 14th) and Randox Health Grand National Festival (12-14th April).
Do… Look Like You Have Swallowed A Rainbow. Aintree is all about a personal expression of ‘colour’ and neutral colours just aren’t going to cut the mustard.
Do… Show Off Your Legs If You Are Feeling Frisky. Remember at Aintree anything goes, I’m not referring to going to your nearest strip club but when it comes to what you wear, there is no such thing as ‘hem lines’ at this fashion forward racecourse venue.
Don’t… Feel The Need To Wear A Hat If You Don’t Want To. Unlike it’s competitors Aintree is very much a fashion forward pioneer, who won’t throw you into jail, if you dare to ‘expose your hair’. This is not Medieval Europe ya know.
Don’t … Look Like You Are Going For A Jog Or Have Decided To Come Dressed As Ronald McDonald. While Aintree is pretty relaxed about its dress code, it does frown upon anyone who tries to come in looking like they have ‘either ransacked the nearest fancy dress shop or turned up looking like they are about to work out. Don’t even try it girl.
Shop The Aintree Approved ‘What To Wear To The Races Look’
Shop Aintree Approved Pieces Below
The Smart Dress & Jacket Combo: Best For Investec Derby Festival
While The Epsom Derby Has No Rule Against Hemlines, They Ask That Women Wear Smart Jackets & Dresses Making This The Perfect Outfit.
In comparison to Aintree and Royal Ascot, Investec Derby Festival at ‘The Epsom Derby Racecourse’ falls somewhere in the middle, when it comes to its attitudes towards ‘Race Day Couture’. While its normal race course ‘days’ are pretty laid back, with a ‘smart casual dress code’ allowing you to wear smart denim and smart shorts, Investec is an entirely different ball game. As the biggest ‘race course day’ on the Epsom Derby social calendar, must wear formal day dress, or a tailored trouser suit, with a hat or substantial fascinator, while men must wear a jacket, collar and tie with top hat. While jumpsuits are not allowed women are able to wear smart, tailored trouser suits if dresses make you want to burn everything in your wardrobe as an act of defiance.
Do… Come Looking Like You Are Dressed For A Royal Wedding. You might not see the Queen, but the dress code (I kid you not) quite literally states ‘To save embarrassment, please ensure that all members of your party are aware of the dress code requirements at Epsom Downs Racecourse’. If you don’t believe me you can read the dress code statement for yourself LOL.
Do…Ensure That Your Children Are Dressed Smartly. Unlike the other race courses, it is not frowned upon to bring children but apparently you will be turned away if even your 2 month old baby is not dressed looking like he has a saddlebar mustache and top hat to match. Some dress codes will never cease to amaze me.
Don’t… Come In Denim That Looks Like You Have Been Attacked By The Local Cat. While denim is permitted (for men only- apparently women can’t wear anything that isn’t seen as ‘elegant’ or feminine’…) you can’t wear ripped, frayed or torn denim as it won’t get you any cool points at The Epsom Derby.
Don’t…Wear ‘Bare Tops’ Because Apparently Mesh Is Offensive To Their ‘Sensitive Eyes’. God forbid you even dare to showcase a little bit of skin, with a subtle peekaboo (and yes I realize that my dress above has a little bit of ‘skin showing’ but since it is covered in flowers I think its fine) because ya know we are still in the Victorian Era and its not ok to show your chest to anyone.
Shop The Semi Approved Investec Derby Festival Look
Shop Investec Derby Festival Pieces
And Don’t Forget The Shoes And Accessories
Have You Ever Been to Race Day? What Was Your Favourite Race Day Look?
*Disclaimer
Please note this post contains PR Samples from Pretty Little Thing In Exchange For This Content.
I am in love with these. I would wear all three but the blue in the first one just pops! I also love the sleeves on the second- I need to check it out.
Wow, I love your style and the way you display the Derby outfits, makes me feel ready to wear!!
A friend of my moms goes every year to the Kentucky Derby with her husband. I’ll tell you what, she frets about what she’s going to wear for the longest time (especially her hat). I asked her about it once and she said the pseudo-dress code actually goes back to 1874 when the racetrack was founded by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark. She said Clark’s inspiration for the Derby came from the Epsom Derby in England. Not only was he taken with the horse race, but she saw how everybody got all gussied up for then even and wanted to replicate it here in the U.S. Who knew?
Oh Ana! You never cease to impress me! Looking much more gorgeous but the second look- the red floral one will surely do it for me. I love how your cute lips are bold red! Please dress that way for me…to the races that is…Hugs!
Honestly I have never been to the races and do not really have a good idea about it. However, I love the way you decide on each dress for every occasion. Not just the prints, but the style, way to wear them and ofcourse teaming them with apt, subtle and best accessories.
I’ve never been to a race day. My mother in law has been to Ascot a good few times though. I love all of these looks but especially love the first one the most.
Some amazing outfits here. We love going to the races but always prefer the summer time just because it gives us more choice about what to wear!
I loved the blue embroidered net dress . It’s just perfect . Very elegant. And the embroidery on it so intrigate. I think I can’t pull up the bold lips look . But you look stunning.
Some great looks you have here! I’ve never been to the races, although I’d love to go to Ascot one year, I’d definitely want to opt for a mid-length dress x
I’ve never been to race day. If I have to dress up, I’ll probably pass on it. I prefer to stay in my jeans. However, I might go once to experience it. I like all your dress choices.
I am glad ripped jeans aren’t allowed! I do not understand that trend at all. Why would I pay for ruined jeans?
I am loving the sense of fun of all of these outfits….much better than the standard Ascot couture that’s for sure! Bold and eye-catching….love it!
I am in love with your first two dresses especially! The blue with the flowers and that really pretty white and red! I think I may need to get my hands on those to wear myself.
These are some really bold outfits! I love the red florals, perfect for sunny day, sipping drinks and watching the races. I haven’t been to any ‘race days’ yet, but I really must do that soon!
Who knew that going to the races would require so much dedication in to what one would wear. I had no idea that there were rules or at the very least standards one should follow.
I’ve never been to the race. What was it like? I think my favourite is the Flamenco dress. It looks really fun to wear! 🙂
You always wear the boldest looks. I would be scared to wear something like that because I have no clue if I could pull it off as well as you do!
Your Royal Ascot sounds like our Kentucky Derby…known for its beautiful fashions,crazy hats and mint juleps.
I take it that you’ll be attending the races this year Ana….can’t wait to read your after-blog!
No I won’t be attending the races, as the more I read up on it, the more that I am not so sure about how they are treating the animals. I have never been to the Derby before, but as I was in collaboration with the brand mentioned above , this was their campaign, but I think its clear from my posts as to where my stance on animal rights lies. So that is why I focused on it from a fashion perspective, as opposed to the races themselves.
Oh my! The first blue outfit and the red dress are both so stunning! I am just not sure about the blue lipstick though hihi I am not into unconventional makeup. hihi But you are gorgeous!
I love the blue midi dress, the colours are gorgeous and it’s a statement dress without being over the top! Just gorgeous
I have to admit I’ve never been to the races. The fashion is always on point though at things like ladies day I guess.
I have never been to the races either as an animal lover I wasn’t sure as to how horses would be treated. Which is why I focused on the fashion as opposed to the races themselves as like you I am not comfortable with the treatment of the animals. I was asked to create a ‘race day campaign’ but I didn’t want to focus on the actual races themselves for this exact reason, which is why I wrote about it from a fashion point of view. Obviously as you know animal cruelty is not something that I approve of!
Yaaaaas! Love all your colorful, playful looks! Love your style! I’ve always wanted to go to the races – thanks for the inspo 🙂
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
I never knew that races had such strict dress codes! I love the last one because it still fits the dress code while still looking unique and not at all stuffy.
I love love love that last outfit! The color is beautiful and it is the perfect mix of let’s go racing and then let’s go grab a cocktail after.
I always thought that Ascot was for the la di das but I have come to realise that it is quite down to earth. I have seen videos and it looks like a lot of fun. I am not at all interested in horses but I like the idea of getting dressed up and eating lots of food and drinking some good wine.
My teenage daughter is a big fan of Pretty Little Things and gets us to order so many clothes from there for her. Your dresses really suit you x
You pull off all the looks so well. The first one is my favourite though! I have never been to a race and it was fascinating to read about the dress codes.
You always have such great style, love the looks. Thanks for the tips on men’s denim etiquette, I would have never thought that denim would be appropriate at all.
Wow Ana You look amazing! Looking gorgeous. Love the low off the shoulder rose white flower dress – don’t think i can pull it off. xx
I love your shoe collection…where do you buy them from? The overall outfits look very very vibrant!
These are all amazing looks! I especially love the white floral dress. It’s so elegant! 😀
Awww, these look lovely and the bold statement looks stunning on you! I love your shoes too. I really like the first blue dress, in love with it!
Never been to the race day before but I would love to try the first two outfits you’ve curated to a special event.
I’m not much into fashion but there are 2 races each year where I’ll have a little flutter; the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. I’m sure I’ll see plenty in the papers and the news about the fashion too so let’s see how many people take your advice!
Ohhh I love that first one, especially with the blue lipstick. I never feel slim enough for Pretty Little Thing but you’ve really made me want to go and have a look! H 🙂
wow what a glam you are, i wish i had a wardrobe with such vibrancy and differentiating clothes
Seriously loving all your headpieces. These are lovely outfits to wear on Race Day! I’ve never been to one, by the way which is why I loved reading more about it as you went along with the outfits. My favorite is the second one!
Wow you look amazing!! I have never been to the races
That first blue dress looks gorgeous on you, but I love the second too. I’ve never been to the races myself which is frustrating considering how close I live to Cheltenham. I keep saying I will one day!
Ami xxx
You have some lovely outfits Ana. I adore your top blue laced flower dress, it is beautiful 🙂
I have never been to a race before. I have been invited several times but coulnt make it. I love your collection especially sandals… and your choice of colours.
Great collection! Though I’ve never been to this event – I wonder how fun and colorful would that be. Your collection of mini dress are really impressive though my favorite is the floral blue mini dress.
Love your fashion and style tips. Your first blue dress is definitely my favourite look. Love it so much.
I think something striking like that first blue dress is a good option. I would love to go to a day at the races.
Bold colors look fabulous on you. There’s something about the Off The Shoulder and Mini Skirt Hemline that really stands out.
I have always wanted to go to a ladies day at the races, it must be such fun just getting dressed up – the first look is my favourite!!
I love whatever you wear tbh. Your style is so quirky and creative. Every time I visit your blog, I can see fresh fashion. I liked the idea that how different makeup can make the same outfit look different.
Well hello miss sassy pants, check you out! I love all these looks, especially the Chinese inspired outfit. Also if you are going to the races, count me in lovely.
I have never been to the races before but I have bought from PLT. You have featured some gorgeous dresses 🙂 I would wear any and even on a night out as well. Great choices x
I’m a big fan of The Royal Ascot and glad someone finally writes about it. Even though the dress code of The Royal Ascot is strict but I’d not skip the chance to attend this lovely event if I have the chance. All the dresses are gorgeous but my most favourite one is the first dress. As usual, you look lovely, Ana.
Seriously, your style is always on point! These would be some great options for the races! I love the blue one! xx
Your blue lipstick is so catchy might wanna find one here for me . You look great with red dresses as well. The red flower hairband is the cuteness.
You look amazing in them all but I absolutely adore the Royal Ascot outfit! That just screams wear me now!
These are some fantastic outfits for the races. Hopefully I’ll get to go one day!
The first blue dress is beautiful! I’m a huge horse racing fan as is my partner. He goes to Cheltenham festival every year and I love watching it on tv at the big hats, I totally agree with you though. For some reason they think the bigger the better. I’ve always wanted to go to a big meeting such as ladies day but I don’t feel posh enough! Maybe a mushroom style hat would give me the confidence lol
Wow. Your derby outfits look amazing. I have never seen the fashion but am fully interested now.
You’ve picked some lovely outfits. I swear so many people don’t realise how strict dress codes at these events can be. I hope to go to a Ladies Day one day
We definitely prefer sleeves on dresses for Ladies Day at Ascot as they are really funny about dress codes in the enclosures. Skirts on the knee are also more lady like 😉 x
All the three looks rock, but the first two, the blue dress and the red one is my favourite. Always love the background wall which you take your photos at.
Your race day reminds me of the Kentucky Derby that we have here in the US! It’s a reason to dress to the nines and try to look more fabulous than everyone else. I’ve never been to one, but I’m dying to go one of these years! All of your selections are amazing and totally fitting!
So the scene is that I have never been to race day, but if any day I would get a chance then amongst these amazing suggestions , I shall go for the really comfy jumpsuit. The blue dress with the makeup also looks great!
I have never been to any race myself but occasionally I see ladies dressed up to go to the races here in Melbourne. It is so fascinating yet sometimes I feel it looks overdone. I may be wrong, maybe races require that much effort. If ever I get a chance to go to one, I’m sure I’ll keep your post in mind for all the wonderful ideas and inspiration.
What fun choices! I’m pretty sure you’re going to be the most stylish one there!
so many cool and fun styles i loved the white dress with the red flowers it was my favourite. i have nver been to a race day party and i really dont know what that is, but sounds really fun.
WOw there are a hell of a lot of rules when it comes to races lol! We have a nearby race track who has an annual opening week and I’ve definitely spotted very well dressed ladies and gents. Personally I love the Blue Embroidered Midi Dress, it’s just absolutely stunning.
Omg i love your hair accessories and tassle earrings! Yeah the Ascott and Ladies day is one ofthe awesome event of the year, and another reason to flaunt your creativeness in fashion.
This sounds like a ton of fun and I like that everyone is invited. I don’t believe I’ll ever wear a huge hat to make a statement, but I would LOVE to wear the floral headpieces you’ve modeled in your photos with a pretty floral dress… Maybe some day I’ll venture over to Ascot and see it in person, and thanks to you I’ll know what to wear and what not to do ; )
OBSESSED with that blue midi dress. 😍 I love the lace detailing and it seems like the perfect choice to take to the races
!
Ana, I love the effort you put into getting dressed up . The blue embroidery dress looks lovely. Specially love the lipstick color you have on with the dress. I have heard about the Royal Ascot and customers needing to dress elegant to attend them.
That was really fun to read! I have only seen the race day in the news and always laughed at some of the ridiculous hats. I would be certainly been thrown in jail for showing up with my jeans!
Wow. Your derby outfits look amazing. I hope to go to a Ladies Day one day
So many pretty outfits. If I had to pick only one, it would be the floral dress. Simply gorgeous!
It’s very interesting to read the rules on what you can and cannot wear to the races. I didn’t know that Aintree was so relaxed compared to the strictness of Royal Ascot! I love the fact Aintree you can express yourself more with colour and that red dress certainly does that!
You are a style maker for me, since you are the only fashion blogger I follow and that keeps my attention. Next coming spring, flowers in the hair to match with my dresses will be a must for me after I saw you wearing them!
You look perfect in any context and reading about these veeeeery BRIT events described by you made mu day!
I do really love your style and you look gorgeous in your dresses. If I to choose I would choose the first photo.
I’ve never been to a race day so its interesting to see how the race courses differ and their take on a dress code. I love the second dress you wore (the Aintree one) the most, and I like the sound of their attitude a bit more, I like that they want visitors to have fun with their attire!
Your flower crowns look so pretty! I love how you have one to match every outfit. Thanks for sharing, I love your style.
I love all of your tips. I’ve never been to the races so they are particularly interesting to read. You look amazing in all the choices but the Ruffle Flamenco Mini Dress is my favourite – gorgeous.
Great advice for what to wear at the races. I cringe at some of the chosen outfits some wear, but adore seeing all the fabulous outfits, glorious shoes, and wonderful hats (when they get it right).
these race outfit ideas are ace. you look stunning as always. I do love that first blue dress, I love blue it is my fav colour, so this is deffo a dress for me x
Girl you look AMAZING!!! I love all of these outfits…how can you choose just one?!?
I have never been to a race day, although I can imagine having a marvelous time dressed up in tails and a top hat. I don’t know. Some part of me has always loved the idea of dressing up and looking your best. Even though I frequently go out in the jeans and a Tshirt (blue denim seems to accentuate my blue eyes), I love any excuse to get dressed up and go out doing something fun. I love all of your marvelous looks. You always look . .. well . . you always are gorgeous, inside and out. And I loved learning about all of the different stylings for all of the different race days.
I love that embroidered dress! I also love the floral off the shoulder dress too. I think these are all great choices for any occasion.
What pretty dresses – you can never go wrong with an off the shoulder number.
Oh wow all of these outfits are gorgeous and you look amazing. My favourites are the first and third – both super stylish but very chic.
Laura x
I am totally in love with that blue look! Royal blue is one of my favorite colors and so I would definitely rock that one.
Wow! I so loved your outfits. And your earrings really looks good on you. They all look gorgeous in you. Keep it up!
I love all these amazing outfits! Now I wish I was the one going to the races
– Asha
I love these outfits specially the blue one, it reminds me of Kirsten Stewart when she was touring for her Balenciaga campaign in Tokyo.
Very bold and beautiful outfits. Specially that blue and white one. I also liked the peculiar rose hat idea. Nice one and keep sharing such experiences.