{"id":19954,"date":"2026-02-19T11:28:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T11:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ego.co.uk\/blog\/?p=19954"},"modified":"2026-05-14T20:27:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:27:45","slug":"how-to-dress-for-the-races","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ego.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-dress-for-the-races\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Wear to the Races 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ready to be the favourite in the fashion stakes? Whether you\u2019re heading to the track for the vibes or you\u2019re actually there to check out the horses, nailing your race day \u2018fit is non-negotiable. Going to a horse race is a prime opportunity to go all out with a sensational look and dress to the nines, while you may dress a little more reserved at certain formal events, the races have a reputation for attracting extravagant outfits.<\/p>\n

From the high-glam drama of Aintree Ladies Day to the classic, put-together aesthetic of Cheltenham Festival style, we\u2019ve got the looks that\u2019ll have the paps working overtime. Put your money on EGO this season – we\u2019re serving major main character energy with outfits that make you feel like a winner, even if your horse doesn’t come in first.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s your ultimate guide on what to wear to the races.<\/p>\n

The Royal Standard: Ascot & Beyond<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re heading south, the vibe shifts from high-drama to high-society. Knowing what to wear to Royal Ascot is basically a test. If you\u2019re lucky enough to be in the Royal Enclosure, remember the straps need to be one inch or wider, but don’t let a dress code dampen your shine. Opt for a floor-sweeping flared jumpsuit<\/a> with a cinched waist to keep the silhouette snatched, or a bandeau dress<\/a> with some pointed-toe kitten heels<\/a>. We\u2019re going for clean lines, light and bright palettes, and a headpiece (an absolute essential).<\/p>\n

On the flip side, Cheltenham Festival style is all about that ‘Country Core’ but with some edge. Since it\u2019s earlier in the season, you need to look good without actually catching a cold, making this the ultimate destination for figuring out what to wear to the races for a casual but elevated look.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all about power-tweed and high-stakes tailoring<\/a>. When planning your Grand National outfits for later in the spring, you might go lighter, but for Cheltenham, we want tailored blazers<\/a> paired with pleated skirts<\/a> and gold-hardware waist belts<\/a>. If you’re stuck on what to wear to the Grand National or Aintree Ladies Day and want a mood that\u2019s more structured, this vibe is a winner. Finish the look with a fedora and some sleek knee-high boots<\/a> to master that effortless, wind-swept aesthetic that dominates what to wear to ladies day at the races when the temp drops. It\u2019s put-together, it\u2019s practical, and it\u2019s a solid choice.<\/p>\n

Low-Key Luxury: What to Wear to the Races Casual<\/h2>\n

Sometimes you want the ‘I just threw this on and look so good’ vibe. If you\u2019re scouting out what to wear to the races for a casual look, the trick is in the ‘quiet luxury’ co-ord. A tailored waistcoat and wide-leg trousers set<\/a> in a neutral stone or sage green is the ultimate cool-girl move. It\u2019s comfortable enough to survive a day on your feet but chic enough to get you past the velvet ropes.<\/p>\n

If separates aren’t your thing, a crisp, oversized shirt dress<\/a> cinched with a statement corset<\/a> belt bridges the gap between relaxed and refined. Pair with some clean-cut mules and oversized sunnies<\/a> for that low-key, high-impact aesthetic. It\u2019s the ‘off-duty model’ look of the racing world.<\/p>\n

The Main Event: Grand National Glamour<\/h2>\n

If there\u2019s one day to truly ‘do the most,’ it\u2019s Liverpool\u2019s finest. Grand National outfits are notoriously standout, and we are here for maximalism. When deciding what to wear to the Grand National, think of the parade ring as your personal runway. We\u2019re talking vibrant ruffles, daring cut-out dresses<\/a>, and heels<\/a> that reach for the stars.<\/p>\n

For Aintree Ladies Day, the unwritten rule is: if you think it\u2019s too much, it\u2019s probably just right. It\u2019s the Olympics of fashion, where being a wallflower simply isn’t an option. Opt for a bold power suit in a neon pop or a floral maxi<\/a> with a thigh-high slit. It\u2019s about confidence, charisma, and a heavy dose of gloss. This is the place to debut that ‘extra’ fascinator you\u2019ve been eyeing.<\/p>\n

The Finishing Touches<\/h2>\n

No what to wear to the races guide is complete without talking about the ‘support crew’ – your accessories<\/a>.<\/p>\n