How To Dress For The Races

Modern takes tend to lose the incisions, since they catch the wind when you’re not actually on horseback. But the best still feature a velvet collar and four or five lines of stitching at the cuff and hem. Originally, this reinforcement prevented tears when you encouraged your horse over bramble fences. But you’ll also appreciate them when you catch your sleeve in the car door.

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Key Pieces

Royal Ascot

Here’s where things get thorny. The course is split into three enclosures – Royal, Queen Anne, and Windsor – and expectations taper down in formality. For the latter two, a suit and tie avoids run-ins on the velvet rope.

Shoes are key – you’ll be on awkward ground all day, so your leather-soled Oxfords aren’t ideal. A brogue boot keeps your look country, but opt for a Dainite sole. It looks like leather from anywhere but beneath, where it features a subtle rubber base to help keep your footing. Because a muddy tumble definitely isn’t on the dress code.

If you’ve got a Royal Enclosure ticket, then you’ll need to step things up. “The rules state that it must be black or grey morning dress, include a waistcoat and tie – not a cravat – plus black shoes, and a black or grey top hat,” says Robson. Your head needs to stay covered whenever you’re outside, and don’t be tempted to dress up your topper – coloured ribbons are banned.

But this prescriptive code doesn’t preclude a dose of personality. Though Robson advises an Edwardian-style, plain morning coat with striped trousers, “the morning waistcoat is your chance to add some flair.”

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If it’s chilly, opt for wool. If not, linen. But whatever your fabric, pick a shade like lemon or lilac so it pops amongst the black-clad crowd. “Single-breasted is youthful and works for a leaner build,” says Robson. “Double-breasted hides a rounder middle.” Just make sure to leave the bottom button undone.