Going to the races is a wonderful experience. Part of the fun is getting your girls together and dressing to the nines, but it’s important to remember that there’s a firm dress code stemming from the racing tradition. I’ve put together a few tips for what to wear this season, so read on.

Traditional, darling!

The races are all about elegance and sophistication. You want to look classy and glamorous, so keep the party frocks at home and wear your finest. Avoid anything too revealing, too short or too fitted. Keep your midriff covered and avoid strapless tops. If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about what to wear, a safe option is monochrome – you really can’t go wrong with a structured black dress paired with white heels and accessories.

Headwear 

The imperative for all racing attire – you simply have to have headwear! The good news is, there’s a range of options to choose from. The fascinator is a race day staple, giving your outfit a unique, stylish flair. Other lovely choices include embroidered headbands or floral hair accessories. I’m also a big fan of wearing actual hats to the races, especially vintage ones like the cloche, or my favourite, the pillbox. Widebrimmed mesh hats are another great alternative.

Florals and Lace 

It’s easier than you think to keep your racing outfit fashion-forward, while still adhering to tradition. This season floral and lace are here in a big way, and they make great choices for the races. Both are feminine and very striking when worn correctly. Lace looks amazing in white, cream or soft blue, while floral is lovely in yellows, mauves, and pinks. You can even incorporate floral into your outfit through your accessories, as below.

Accessorise 

Never underestimate the power of accessories. These are what propel your outfit to that ultimate level of style and make you stand out from the crowd. Your accessories are a part of your overall look, so they deserve just as much thought as your dress, shoes and headwear. Make sure you have a purse or clutch large enough to fit your phone, sunscreen and lipstick. Small and simple is best for the races. Gloves also make an elegant and vintage addition to your outfit. Remember to bring sunglasses, as you’ll be outside in the sun for much of the day. Think big statement glasses or plain black for that uber-traditional look.

Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit. You might have everything else down to perfection, but if your shoes don’t fit, your whole look is affected. Choose your colour carefully and remember that the races are about class and elegance. Your heels don’t need to be unreasonably high to make the cut. I’m loving chunky-heeled Mary Janes and peep-toe shoes this season, especially in black or nude suede. For a more fashion-forward edge, opt for some strappy stilettos, or wear heeled sandals to get a summery vibe.

Jewellery

As with everything else, keep jewellery simple and classy. It should complement the rest of your outfit, not outshine it. I recommend wearing just two or three pieces, rather than a whole lot. Try to keep the colours similar, too. If you’re wearing gold earrings, don’t put silver rings on. Race day fashion is all about the ensemble. Everything should flow and appear to have a place. If you’re feeling stuck, a helpful piece of advice is simply: less is more. Minimalism is better than excess for these circumstances.