The horse racing calendar runs all year round, although highlights include Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, and the Epsom Derby in the summer months when the weather is (generally) a bit drier and warmer.
Many ladies attending Flat race meetings in the summer often dress up for the occasion, although this is not compulsory.
Some of the popular meetings put the spotlight on fashion, with competitions and Best Dressed categories available. There are also Ladies Days in many race calendars, which can put a focus on glamour and fashion.
For some events, such as the Grand National, there is no particular guidance on what to wear. For one of the more prestigious races, however, there is strict guidance on fashion etiquette.
Maighread Stuart Millinery can provide headpieces, fascinators, and pillbox hats for attendees to races year-round, with advice on matching to outfits and the occasion at hand. You can view our Customer Gallery for inspiration, too.
There is no official dress code at most race days, which includes headwear.
Women may choose to wear something classic or a couture piece, with headbands and pillbox hats common amongst attendees. Other popular choices include fascinators and hatinators.
Fascinators are frequently worn with a headband, clip, or comb. Hatinators are larger fascinators that resemble a traditional hat but are worn with a headband or clip.
Larger, more flamboyant hats are also popular on occasions such as Ladies Days, where standing out is the aim for many!
Aintree simply says it is a “spectacle of colour…an opportunity to showcase their favourite race day looks”. They host The Style Awards on Ladies Day, which often sees a range of headwear competing for top spot alongside outfits.
Cheltenham simply asks you to come “dressed to feel your best”, and the most important things are comfort and confidence.
Traditional hats are also common at Cheltenham, with trilbies and fedora styles a popular pick for women in traditional country clothing.
As described on their website, “Each enclosure at Royal Ascot upholds its own distinguished Dress Code”.
Racegoers are asked to familiarise themselves with the dress code before attending. Enclosures include the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure, and Windsor Enclosure.
When it comes to hats, hats must be worn in the Royal Enclosure. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4in/10cm is acceptable. In the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, women can wear either a hat, headpiece or fascinator.
There is no strict dress code in the Windsor Enclosure, guests are encouraged to wear smart daywear attire, and a hat, headpiece or fascinator is recommended.