Whether it’s the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup, the Cheltenham Festival, or any race day close to you, choosing what to wear to the races can be bewildering, especially when each race day, course and enclosure can have different dress codes.

But it can also be a fabulous opportunity to dress up and wear something you wouldn’t usually have the chance to wear. Take a look below if you’re looking for inspiration on what to wear to the races.

What to wear to the races

You’ll find some specific outfit ideas below. But first, what should you consider when choosing what to wear to the races?

Think about the dress code

What to wear to the races - Souri chooses a monochrome outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Depending on which race you are attending, and which enclosure, there may be a dress code, so be sure to take a look. When in doubt, err on the side of being too dressy rather than too casual.

Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) looks stunning in her structural fascinator and sequin top.

Check out this similar sequin top, skirt, pumps, clutch, gloves, belt and fascinator hat (other option here and here).

Choose your shoes carefully

Not only will you be on your feet for much of the day, but you may have to walk on grass. So if you are going to choose heels, you may want to choose block heels rather than risk your stilettos sinking into the turf.

Accessorize with headwear

What to wear to the races - Tamera accessorizes with a pearl headband | 40plusstyle.com

While you may not wear a hat day-to-day, the races are the perfect chance to step out of your comfort zone (if a hat isn’t usually your thing) and wear a hat, a fascinator or a headband.

Tamera @tamerabeardsley above (read her style interview here) opts for a pearl-embelished headband that would be a stylish alternative to a hat.

Recreate her outfit with this similar puff sleeve top, slip dress, headband (another option here)

You can experiment with color

What to wear to the races | 40plusstyle.com

A day out at the races is a great opportunity to experiment with color in your closet. Choose brights or pastels, depending on what you feel most stylish in.

Above is another outfit from Souri @fabfemme_australia who adds drama to her outfit with her tall hat and puff ball skirt.

Steal her look with this similar floral dress (other options here and here), pumps, handbag, earrings and fascinator (another option here).

You can recycle your outfit

What to wear to the races - Judith in a maxi dress and pillbox hat | 40plusstyle.com

If you have a wedding to attend, your race day outfit could be perfect.

Judith @stylecrone above (read her style interview here) opts for a bridal inspired dress which you’d probably want to avoid wearing if you’re a wedding guest as you won’t want to wear white. But if your dress is a different color, you could easily wear your race day choice to a wedding. For more advice on weddings check our article on what to wear to casual wedding or what to wear when you are the mother of the bride.

Check out this maxi dress (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of flats, earrings and pillbox hat.

what to wear to the races and race day outfits you could choose

Let’s move onto some specific options you could choose. I’ve kept to a race day capsule featuring bold black and whites with some pops of green. But there are no rules when it comes to what color to wear to the races, so just choose what makes you feel good.

Monochrome with a pop of coLoR

I like the bold stripes of the dress below, and the fact the stripes at the top and the bottom create different patterns. Team with an oversized black hat and add color with your shoes and handbag.

Monochrome with a pop of color | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Premium Compact Stretch Stripe Belted DressBABEYOND Fascinator Kentucky Derby HatJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpBoutique De FGG Crystal Clutchmecresh Crystal Dangle Earrings

A Green dress and classic coat

If you think you might get a little chilly at your race event, then opt for a beautiful coat you can wear over your outfit. I think the combination of white and green is always a good one. Pair with a headband and matching shoes and bag.

Green dress | 40plusstyle.com

Black dress

There’s nothing to stop you wearing your favorite black dress to the races. I’ve teamed the dress from COS (below) with a white blazer and green fascinator to make it feel more summery and special for the races.

Black dress | 40plusstyle.com

UrbanCoco Open Front BlazerCOS Maxi Jersey DressThe Drop Avalon Small Tote BagDREAM PAIRS Chunk Heel SandalsAmazon Collection Twist French Wire EarringsHaojing Organza Fascinatormecresh Crystal Dangle Earrings

Belted dress

A belted dress can look sophisticated and flattering. The sweetheart neckline of the white dress (below) adds a feminine touch. You can use a pashmina as a wrap if you need a little extra warmth (or color). The pashmina (below) comes in 40 colors so you’re sure to find one to suit your outfit.

Belted dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Half Sleeve Belted Figure Form Crepe Midi DressDREAM PAIRS Chunk Heel SandalsBoutique De FGG Crystal Clutchmecresh Crystal Dangle EarringsPlum Feathers Pashmina Scarf

Colorblock dress

What to wear to the races - Patricia in a colorblock dress | 40plusstyle.com

A colorblock dress can look very modern, and is an easy way to decide what color your shoes and accessories should be, as you can simply incorporate the shades in your dress. Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) looks great in her one-shoulder dress.

Check out this colorblock dress (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of pumps, clutch and fascinator.

Karen Millen Luxe Tailored Trench CoatKaren Millen Linen Viscose Woven Midi Shirt DressDREAM PAIRS Chunk Heel SandalsThe Drop Avalon Small Tote BagAmazon Collection Twist French Wire EarringsEtercycle Knotted Wide Headband

Colorblock dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Soft Tailored Colourblock Strappy Back DressDREAM PAIRS Chunk Heel SandalsThe Drop Avalon Small Tote BagAmazon Collection Twist French Wire EarringsHaojing Organza FascinatorAchillea Soft Silky Pashmina Scarf

Black and white dress

Another monochrome option for you. The dress below looks both modern and timeless. You can wear with the green fascinator and shoes from above.

Black and white dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Soft Tailored Colourblock Sleeve Midi DressJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpMagicLove Rhinestone Crystal ClutchHaojing Organza Fascinatormecresh Crystal Dangle Earrings

Green cardigan

Another option if you know you will need a little warmth or coverage is to opt for a cardigan rather than a jacket or wrap. Choosing a cardigan that is structured will help to keep your outfit formal enough to race day.

Green cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Military Button and Pocket CardiganKaren Millen Soft Tailored Cross Over Neck High Low DressJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpMagicLove Rhinestone Crystal ClutchCoolwife Fascinator HatKaren Millen Gold Plated Statement Earrings

Wide pants

Of course, you don’t have to wear a dress for a race meet. You could opt for a pair of pants instead. Wide leg pants always look glamorour.

Wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

UrbanCoco Open Front BlazerWantschun Silk Satin CamisoleReiss Malin Belted Wide Leg TrousersJOY IN LOVE Block Heel PumpMagicLove Rhinestone Crystal Clutchmecresh Crystal Dangle Earrings

what to wear to the races – Print jumpsuit

If you prefer pants to dresses and skirts, another great option would be a jumpsuit that you can dress up with your wide-brim hat and clutch bag. The jumpsuit below would also look great dressed more casually with sandals for a vacation.

Print jumpsuit | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Embellished Diamond Geo Knitted JumpsuitDREAM PAIRS Chunk Heel SandalsMagicLove Rhinestone Crystal ClutchBABEYOND Fascinator Kentucky Derby Hatmecresh Crystal Dangle Earrings

Your race day outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the race day choices from above together in one capsule. You can easily mix and match these choices. Do you have a favorite?

Race Day outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop some of racing day outfits above here:

brands to look for when choosing race day outfits

If you’re shopping for your race day outfits, or other summer events, some good brands to try are:

Have you been to the races recently? Let me know what you wore or what you would want to wear to the races in the comments below.

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What to wear to the races | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Souri @fabfemme_australia

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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