Any event which combines sport, socialising and style is at the very top of our summer ‘to do’ list and a day at the races is right up there! But deciphering the dress code on a racecourse’s website or an invite to a racing event can be fraught with difficulty! How formal is “semi-formal,” “what does morning dress mean" and “what is smart casual?” are all questions which are likely to fly through your mind as you consider what to wear to the races.
Each racecourse has a different approach to dress code, so before you go make sure to check out their website for any advice they offer for men on how to dress for a day at the races.
Also be aware that most courses will have a mix of event types during their year. Some will be quite serious equestrian-focussed events which draw a largely countrysports audience and are much more subdued in tone and conservative in their dress code. In contrast to that, many host Ladies Days or festivals which are as about socialising, celebrating and sport in equal measure!
Style Expert Tip:
If you’re looking for cues head over to the Instagram page of the racecourse or festival you’re planning to attend, look for the same event last year and scroll through the shots to get an idea of what men wear to the racing event in question.
What is smart casual?
Smart casual isn’t a straightforward dress code – it’s a spectrum of outfitting which can be hard to gauge for the uninitiated.
Here are three ways to wear smart casual for a day at the races.
Dress Down Suiting
On the edge between formal and smart-casual, this look dresses it down by dropping the waistcoat and pairing with a crisp white polo shirt.
Blazers and Saddles
A timeless windowpane check blazer is an essential item in every man’s wardrobe and this stone grey jacket with feature lightweight construction is an ideal choice to wear to the races. A retro-inspired navy tee with feature tipping at the collar and a pair of blue chinos makes for a subtle statement outfit.
A Winning Streak
The addition of denim can veer your look towards the most casual of styles but if you stick to a slim or straight leg jean with minimal blasting i.e. a relatively plain and even colour across the entire jean and pair it with a piece of neat tailoring - this look can still be smart. Pair with a casual shirt, lightweight vertical stripe jacket and plain (importantly, unbranded) sneakers.
Style Expert Tip:
As a rule, if you are attending as a guest in a hospitality suite or VIP area the dress code will be more formal but as a general admission visitor, smart casual is perfectly acceptable for most events. However, whether it’s formal or smart casual, you should always dress to impress!
What is formal?
The lines between casual, smart casual and formal are continually blurring but in general formalwear refers to suiting for men. A suit can be worn with an open collar shirt or a pair of trainers in a more casual style but for truly formal look (which you’d require for more traditional courses or for any VIP or corporate area) you should think of a full formal outfit being suit jacket, trouser, optional waistcoat, formal shirt and tie.
As we mentioned above race-day style is all about making a statement, so use this as your chance to really show off your style and opt for something bolder and brighter than you might normally wear.
This season sees the introduction of a range of pastel coloured suits at Remus Uomo, available in co-ordinating sets of plain and patterned fabrics to allow the wearer to make an individual style statement.
Perfect Pastels
Try soft pink suiting with a contrast check waistcoat and pair with a bright silk necktie and pocket square for a confident summer-ready outfit.
Photo Finish
If you want to keep your look more cross-seasonal, combinations of navy and pale blue or navy and grey are a good choice and you can add a dapper edge with the addition of a double breasted piece.
Try this 3 piece suit with contrast jacket and double breasted waistcoat for an easy way to wear the DB trend.
Whatever you choose to wear for your day at the races, remember that ‘dress to impress’ is always the dress code and you’re more likely to stick out for underdressing than being bold in your choices!
Headed to the races this season? Mention us on social @RemusUomo and you could win a full Remus Uomo outfit of your choice!
