What To Wear To The Races

Attending a race day is definitely an occasion to get excited for. It is sure to be an event of excitement and thrills, alongside relaxation and good company. After you have your race day ticket booked, one of the major pieces of preparation required for the big day is deciding what outfit to wear. But how do you find the right race day outfit for you and how do you know what to wear to the races? If you want to know more about race day dress codes for men, if you want men’s outfits for race day, style inspiration for race day, smart casual race day outfits for men, classic race day outfits for men, and statement race day outfits for men, this is the blog for you. Read on for an in-depth race day style guide for men from SUAVE OWL…

 

 

Race Day Dress Codes For Men

Did you know that horses have been raced for as long as they have been domesticated? There is evidence of horse racing in England going back as far as the Roman era, with some evidence pointing to racing taking place before this also. By attending, you are taking part in a tradition that goes back thousands of years.

 

When you think of horse racing and men’s outfits for race days, we all have the same images come to mind – three-piece suits, flat caps, fine leather boots or brogues, an overcoat, and more. A day at the races has historically been enjoyed in utmost finery in your best formal race day outfit. But, in the 2020s, is this still the case?

 

 

Race day dress codes change from event to event. However, it is not true that you must always be wearing your most formal outfit for race day anymore. After the pandemic, a lot of major race days have relaxed their dress code significantly, opting for a dress code of ‘dress to feel your best’ instead of a suit and tie. Before attending your race day, check the dress code for your specific event. Whilst there will be cases where a full formal race day outfit for men is required, there will also be events where a smart casual men’s race day outfit will be just as fitting!

 

How To Find The Right Race Day Outfit For You

After you know the limitations of what you are allowed to wear to the race day you will be attending, your next step is figuring out how to find the right race day men’s outfit for you within those parameters.

 

Start by gathering inspiration. Since you’re reading this blog, you’re likely already doing this. Blogs like this one, pinterest and social media, race day websites, and style magazines are all excellent sources of race day style inspiration for men.

 

 

Knowing what you like and are drawn to is important for planning an outfit for a big event. You should be excited to wear your race day men’s outfit and wearing it should make you feel confident and at your best. So, you need to know what you like. Do you prefer the classic or contemporary look? What colours are you a fan of? Are you more of a bow tie or classic tie man? All of these questions and understanding what you like are important for figuring out your style.

 

When you have inspiration and an idea of what you would like to wear and look like, it is time to explore your options. Check out our main suits collection to see what suits SUAVE OWL has to offer. Or, visit us in our Bath shop! Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to help you find the perfect race day outfit for you. Try on different styles, mix and match suit pieces, see all of the accessories, shirts, and shoe we have to offer. Plus, we can help you find your perfect fit, something that will make any outfit look its best and you can read more about the importance of in our blog The Ultimate Guide To Men's Suits.

 

 

Now you have an idea of race day dress codes and the question of how to find an outfit for race day has been answered, read on for outfit inspiration and fashion advice for race day across different men’s race day outfit styles…

 

Classic Race Day Outfits For Men

Getting started with classic style feels like the right way to go.  If you want a classic sophisticated formal race day outfit for men, these are some options for you.

 

 

A three-piece suit is a core part of a classic race day outfit. Look for something tweed or made of wool, both classic suit elements, in neutral shades such as brown or grey. You could also opt for a dark green or a black. You’ll want to pair this with a SUAVE OWL white shirt or a grandad shirt, although this will limit your accessorising. A tie and pocket square set is your next choice, you have some style freedom with this. A pattern, a pop of a primary colour in a muted shade, a dark tie, all of them could be fantastic options. Consider opting for an impressive tie knot too instead of the old reliable four in hand knot. You can find knot tutorials easily online and, with a bit of practice, they’ll make you feel all the more special on big days. Lastly, a pair of brogues or leather boots will finish off your classic race day men’s outfit!

 

 

You could also opt for a traditional hat. A flat cap or baker boy cap are in perfect place in a traditional race day outfit. Check out our hat collection and see what SUAVE OWL has to offer!

 

Smart Casual Race Day Outfits For Men

If your race day dress code allows for it, then men’s smart casual race day outfits can be a fantastic option.

 

One of the biggest perks of smart casual outfits is the stylistic freedom. You have plenty of choice over which elements you opt to relax and those you choose to highlight.

 

 

Start by picking out your favourite formal items. Are you a suit jacket, waistcoat, or suit trousers man? Then, pick a casual item that goes with this, such as a jumper for suit trousers, or a polo shirt, or chinos. Build your outfit like this, alternating formal and casual items, and you will eventually end up with an outfit that fits the dress code. When choosing a smart casual men’s outfit, a good route to pick, especially for a more formal event like race day, is to lean slightly on the formal side.

 

A popular smart casual race day outfit is wearing a suit jacket, a formal men’s shirt, chinos, brogues, and the formal accessories of your choice. It’s a simple combination, definitely on the more formal side, that provides the same sophisticated tone while giving you a little extra comfort.

 

 

You could also wear suit trousers with a formal shirt and braces, paired with trainers or brogues for a winning men’s race day smart casual outfit, perfect for suit trouser lovers.

 

For a more in-depth look on smart casual men’s race day style, read our blog Smart Casual Race Day Style Guide For Men.

 

Statement Race Day Outfits For Men

Want to make an impression? A statement outfit could be the perfect choice for your men’s race day outfit. A statement outfit captures attention, isn’t afraid to be bold, and must be worn with confidence. If you love a vivid colour, like a daring pattern, and enjoy standing out, a statement outfit is the choice for you.

 

Firstly, find the bold and brilliant suit for you. Check out our main suit range to see what we have on offer, but our off-line suits could also make fantastic statement suits for race day.  When looking for your suit, consider what gets you excited about fashion. Do you love colour? A bright and bold pattern? Look for what makes you happy as you look for your men’s race day outfit, you’re the one making the statement after all!

 

 

From here, you need to pick your formal shirt. We always recommend a SUAVE OWL one. With a diverse size range and extra length in the torso, they’re a comfortable fit and a good choice for anyone. For your statement race day outfit, they can be an extra valuable choice. SUAVE OWL shirts come in a wide range of colours, from your everyday neutrals to vivid, bold choices. Simply pick a colour present in your suit or opt for a contrasting or complimentary tone and see what SUAVE OWL shirt works for you.

 

 

Lastly, it’s time for your accessories. If you love to make a statement, make one. A pocket watch, a hat, bow tie, braces, pocket square, tie, whatever you love to wear, it is the time to wear it. It may be best, for cohesion, to ensure all your colours are matching. If you’re wearing a one colour suit, have your shirt colour, and then either one more complimentary shade or a matching shade in your accessories. If your suit has more than one colour, have your shirt in a less dominant colour from that suit, and your accessories in a different colour or the same colour in a lighter or darker shade. However, you have the freedom to wear what you want. Your dream outfit is waiting for you to seize it, see what there is for you today!

 

More From SUAVE OWL

For more race day style guides, check out Aintree Races - Style Guide For Men, Bath Racecourse - Style Guide, Goodwood Racecourse – Race Day Style Guide, Derby Festival - Epsom Downs Racecourse Style Guide, and Royal Ascot - Style Guide.

 

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