April 17
Last week saw one of the greatest spectacles in jump racing, The Grand National at Aintree. Now the racing world turns its attention to the flat as the UK flat racing season takes off. So with the long-awaited Spring weather almost within reach, it is a perfect excuse to don a summer frock, strap on your heels, fix your hat and enjoy a day at the Races.
Once May is upon us the flat race meetings come thick and fast. The season starts with the Guiness Festival at Newmarket. Then Chester Racecourse kick starts its season with the Boodles May Festival from 9-11 May. This is always a fabulous meet and we are lucky that it is right on our doorstep. With the dramatic backdrop of Chester’s Roman walls making it one of the most beautiful racecourses in the country, you are always assured of a wonderful day out.
Heading into June we have plenty of racing to look forward to. The Epsom Derby is closely followed by the pageantry of Royal Ascot, one of the most prestigious race meetings in the world. Later in the flat season comes the St Ledger at Doncaster and the season comes to a climax with Glorious Goodwood at the beginning of August.
So the coming months offer a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a social day out at the Races. Yet, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, the etiquette and dress codes which apply to different courses and meets can be confusing. With this in mind, we thought it might be helpful to put together some dress code tips for some of the season’s most prestigious meets.
For the majority of Race meets you won’t go far wrong if you wear smart attire – a stylish summer dress, heels and, should you wish to go the extra mile, a hat. However, certain meets have very specific requirements and none more so than Royal Ascot. If you are lucky enough to be attending this historic meet then you do have to do your homework first! This year the five days of racing and high fashion kick off on 19 June.
The dress code is tweaked each year and different rules apply to the different enclosures. The Windsor enclosure is noteably more relaxed than the Queen Anne Enclosure and the Royal Enclosure but a smart outfit is still required and hats are strongly suggested! Other requirements include:
- Dresses should fall just below or just above the knee
- Jumpsuits are allowed as part of the Royal Enclosure dress code. However, they must be full-length and, of course your midriff should be covered
- Trouser suits are allowed so long as they are full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
- Strict rules apply relating to straps. No strapless styles are permitted and spaghetti straps, halters necks and sheer straps are all a no-no.
- Fascinators are not allowed in the Royal Enclosure whilst hats are a requirement and must be worn at all times
- Whichever enclosure you are in, if you have a hat on it needs to be kept on, unless you are attending a private box in which case you can remove it once inside
- For the gentleman in your life, the Royal Enclosure is a colour-free zone with only grey or black morning suits and top hats allowed. And, take note, socks must be worn or entry will be refused!
The Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot is unsurpassed for pomp and circumstance but if you like your racing just a shade less formal, then Glorious Goodwood could be for you. Edward VII described it as “a garden party with racing tacked on”! Ever since, Goodwood has been known as a more “unbuttoned” Ascot. Set on a spur of the Sussex Downs overlooking the Channel and the Isle of Wight in one direction, and Chichester Cathedral in the other, it is one of the most scenic racecourses in the country. The Richmond Enclosure is the place to be seen and you will feel completely at home in a floaty silk dress with a flute of champagne in hand! Gentleman favour linen and the quintessential Panama hat adding to the distinctive charm of Goodwood.
A fabulous season of racing is ahead of us and if you are looking for a social event with oodles of atmosphere coupled with the perfect excuse to don your finery, then your only question needs to be which race meet shall I go to?
At Si Belle® we have a selection of stylish outfits from inspiring designers which will make you feel head and shoulders above the crowd at any race meeting. Pop in to our Tarporley boutique and Sibel and her team will be delighted to advise you.
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