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From Cheltenham to Royal Ascot, racing season is a sartorial head-scratcher. We’ve got you covered with this style guide.
It was Federico Teslo, lauded 19th and 20th-century breeder of thoroughbreds, who opined that “a horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character.” We’d posit these are also virtues shared by chaps of integrity for whom there is no greater day out than watching ‘the sport of kings’.
But what to wear, with each racing event bearing its own sartorial codes? Whether top to toe in tweed at The Grand National or sporting a peerless seersucker suit at Epsom Derby, finding the appropriate attire can be a fiendish quest. But fear not, we’ve collected a handful of outfits for you – race by race. See you by the champagne bar.
Cheltenham – wear your best for all weathers
Cheltenham’s mid-March positioning means you could be sipping Sipsmith in dazzling spring sun or sheltering from wintery storms. The official guidance is “dress to feel your best” and we’d suggest some heavier fabrics and plenty of layers, but remember it’s not a rodeo so leave the denim at home.
You could plump for an impeccable green Donegal tweed suit, woven to withstand Atlantic winds. Or perhaps twine a blue Commodore luxury 100% wool blazer with some chestnut wool and mohair two-tone trousers. Want to go for broke? A paisley cravat completes the ensemble – with a premium navy-coloured mac to toss over the top should the skies open.
The Grand National – a race for the nation
There’s no such storied race as The Grand National and previous winners, from Red Rum to Tiger Roll, are etched into the lore of this epic steeplechase. As with Cheltenham there is no official dress code but it goes without saying that you should dress with zest, and the fickle early Spring weather in mind.
Once again, the tweed suit is the obvious choice with its pairing of timeless style and warmth. The skate blue three-piece Harris Tweed® is a vogueish nod to Peaky Blinders, an affectation you can compete with the Harris Tweed® flat cap and the impeccable tan and blue brogues – created by Spencer, master craftsmen of gentlemen’s shoes since 1880.
The Epsom Derby – styled for summer
Epsom had its first race in 1780 and, if you’re in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand on Derby Day, a morning suit with top hat is required. Elsewhere, “racing’s most spectacular carnival” is truly an event to sartorially cut loose.
A breathable 100% cotton seersucker suit will have you traversing the grandstand with the easy elan of a 21st century Cary Grant – available in blue or natural stripes and popping with a Panama hat that will keep the rays from your eyes. Want to dial it down a notch? The combination of chinos and blazer – dressed up with a natty tie as per your penchant – is immortal. We adore this sage green cotton canvas blazer atop the navy front chinos with our exclusive midnight blue hares pocket square for extra eyeballs.
Royal Ascot – a race fit for kings (and their queens)
Royal Ascot happens around Midsummer and, of the races, has the most stringent requirements. Dress codes differ whether you’re in the Queen Anne Enclosure (requiring a full-length matching suit), Village (unmatching suit or jacket and chinos allowed) or Windsor (no specific rules though jackets and collars are strongly encouraged). Queen Anne and Windsor enclosures also require (hooray!) collared shirts, a tie or cravat and socks that cover the ankle.
All things considered, our recommendation is this blue cotton and linen suit. Smarten up with a crisp 100% organic white shirt then make the outfit zing like the Arcadian sun with a corn yellow knitted silk tie. Below the ankle? Plump for some quintessential oak-coloured Loake chester brogues and a pair of mustard yellow socks to tie this parcel together.
Don’t get stuck at the races this year. A tweed suit is ideal for those chillier early meetings, while a seersucker or cotton and linen blend will oblige as spring gives way to summer. And don’t forget your panama hat.
