With clocks finally shifting forward and trees erupting in blossom, it feels as though spring is officially in the air. So, what better time to start thinking ahead to another fantastic summer of sport. The summer sporting season is packed with major events but one area which combines two of our favourite things – sport and style – is racing!
Nothing beats a day at the races in terms of heart-pounding action, an incredible social scene and super sharp style and now is the time to plan your looks for this year’s racing season.
Coral Scottish Grand National Festival – 12th-13th April
Scotland’s biggest racing festival is happening next weekend with the main Grand National Races happening on Saturday 13th April at Ayr Races. However, the Scottish Grand National Ladies Day on Friday the 12th is still out in front in the style stakes! As the name suggests you’ll see a colourful flock of lavishly attired ladies in avant garde headwear but if you’re accompanying one such fabulously feathered fascinator-wearing fashionista, dressing down is not an option!
As it is still relatively early in the season, think about combinations of darker tones like navy with more spring-like greys or pastel blues. We’re the Official Menswear Partner at the event, so get your look right and you could even be coming home with a £500 Remus Uomo shopping experience for our Glasgow store!
Down Royal May Day Meeting – 6th May
With a slightly more casual approach to race days, Down Royal presents the perfect opportunity to style one of our casual suits in its more formal incarnations. With dusky pink lighting up the fashion radar for the season, there’s never been a better time to embrace pastels. Our Spring / Summer ‘19 lightweight two-button jacket option, paired with a matching pair of trousers, looks great dressed with a plain shirt and tie. The colour is sure to land you in the Best Dressed category at this first summer event of Down Royal’s racing year.
Epsom Ladies’ Day & Derby Day – 31st May – 1st June
Epsom is quickly defining itself as the ultimate race-day destination for a younger, more fashion-focussed audience. We imagine it has something to do with the high octane schedule of entertainment, from skydivers to celebrity DJ after-parties which runs alongside the racing.
In addition, Epsom hosts a Style Award, so there’s a great opportunity to dial-up your fashion creds. Perfectly pitched at Epsom is this season’s slim fit double-breasted two-piece suit which makes a stylishly retro-inspired statement. Add a bold silk tie and pocket square to show your colours on the day.
Galway Races – 29th July
This year, Galway celebrates 150 years of racing and few destinations offer as fun-filled a day out as Galway’s Festival of Racing. The dress code across the week is relatively relaxed with the real emphasis being on having a great time, but that’s not to say that you should shy away from making an impression. As most attendees still opt for a smart look, we’d suggest our grey pinstripe jacket with matching trousers. Add a casual edge by styling it with a pair of our new leather trainers or go further and opt for the sky blue option of the same outfit!
Qatar Goodwood Festival – 30th July – 3rd August
Better known as Glorious Goodwood, the Qatar Goodwood Festival is one of the highlights of the flat-racing season. Once described by King Edward VII as a ‘garden party with racing tacked on,’ Goodwood has a reputation for scoring highly in the style stakes so make sure you save your chicest looks for this event. Goodwood’s Richmond Enclosure specifies a jacket and tie for its gentlemen visitors so a more formal look with a contemporary twist is just the ticket.
This three-piece suit in soft rose tones and can be worn with a matching waistcoat and trouser or an option with a contrast check waistcoat is also available to amp your race day style all the way up to eleven.
Whatever your plans for the summer are, we can’t recommend a day out at the races enough! Just make sure you’re ready for the photo finish! To keep up to date with our latest summer styling tips sign up to our email list or check out our Instagram.
