Spring and summer is a busy time for horse racing with huge events including Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National and Royal Ascot on the calendar. While many eyes are on the horses on the day, these events are the epitome of race day fashion. Playing host to some of the most iconic fashion moments, they have long-since changed from being simply sporting spectacles to social and fashion landmarks.
There has always been a deep-rooted connection between horse racing and high fashion. During the aristocratic beginnings of horse racing in the UK, race days became a feature event for royalty and upper-class members of society. While the dress codes and attire may have changed over the years, the bond between horse racing and fashion long remains.
So, what did race day fashion look like in the past?
The Origins of Race Day Fashion
Since its inception, race day fashion has been as integral to events like Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival as its horses. Horse racing in the UK has been long associated with the aristocratic, upper-class members of society. This high-status audience had a large influence on the attire that was deemed appropriate to wear on race days. In the 18th and 19th centuries, specific dress codes including formalwear, modesty and elegance were to be followed. A code that has continued into modern race days today. Take Royal Ascot for example. Men must wear grey black or navy morning dress, including a waistcoat and tie. While ladies are required to wear modest length skirts and dresses, with straps of one inch or more. Fascinators are allowed, but hats remain the preferred choice at this event.
The Edwardian Era: The Birth of Statement Dressing
During the Edwardian era, lavish gowns, corsets and extravagant hats were seen as symbols of status. Members of the Royal Family were regularly seen sporting such attire in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse. The grace, sophistication and elegance of these outfits played a crucial role in the introduction of dress code rules for different enclosures.
The Roaring Twenties & Thirties: A Shift Towards Modern Elegance
By the end of the First World War, women had a new-found sense of freedom. Bobbed haircuts and flapper-style dresses with shorter hemlines soon became the style of choice. This broke what were once considered the traditional norms, with many young women turning their back on the restrictive fashions and behaviours of the past. This era also gave birth to the rise of art deco which heavily influenced accessories and headwear. The new Hollywood glamour still has a large influence on modern race-day fashion with feathered fascinators and fedora hats with feathers still being worn by many at the races today.
Post-War Fashion: Grace & Refinement
The end of the Second World War led to a return to femininity. This included cinched waists in dresses, A-line skirts and structured tailoring to compliment the body. Many iconic historical figures rocked these looks such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, which in turn shaped race day elegance at the time. The era also saw the growing importance of millinery as a prominent race day accessory.
The Bold & Daring Era: Breaking the Mould
The influence of disco, punk and power dressing had a significant impact on race-day looks during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. This new style brought bright colours, oversized hats and statement-making ensembles to the forefront. Allowing attendees to embrace diversity, whilst still maintaining significant elements of traditional race-day attire.
Contemporary Race Day Fashion
Even today, race day fashion is undergoing a change and entering a new era. With the prominent rise of social media came the introduction of influencers. The ‘Get Ready with Me’ social media trend opened the doors to allow people to showcase their race day looks. The result? Besides inspiration for race day style, the movement had a huge influence in shaping race day trends including the embracing of sustainability and ethical fashion. With more and more people choosing to shop sustainably and making ethical fashion choices, vintage, second-hand attire and timeless pieces built to last, are taking centre stage in today’s race day fashion looks. Helping to once again create balance between modern trends and an endless elegance that cannot be replaced.
Race day fashion remains a celebration of tradition and personal expression. While eras may come and go, bringing with it a constant stream of new fashion looks and styles, the enduring legacy of millinery and sophisticated styling is here to stay. So, whether you’re heading to Royal Ascot or a local jump meeting, embrace the elegance of race day fashion. But don’t forget to add your own personal touch. After all, it’s your unique style that sets you apart. Who knows you may even end up on one of best dressed guest lists!
Ready to find your perfect race-day look? Explore our latest collection at Grace & Dotty to ensure you turn heads at any race event this year.
