Best women’s outfits for the races

We’re nearly at the start line for the UK’s biggest horseracing events of 2025.

While races take place throughout the year, the first big meet in the calendar is Cheltenham, which will take place from March 11 - 14. Barely a month later, it’s off to the Grand National in April (13 - 15) before the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot in June (this year Ascot will run from June 17 - 21).

Promising a day of fun, competition and fashion, the events are now as famed for the line-up of enviable looks as they are for the sport itself. A-listers and titans of industry rub shoulders with royalty with women’s outfits firmly in the paparazzi lens - especially on grand events such as Ladies Day.

It means that, even if you’re going as a regular punter, the stakes to go all-out with your outfit have never been higher.

If you’re feeling daunted at the prospect, you needn’t be. Choosing an outfit for race day is a lot like wedding guest dressing. You want to stand out but not overpower, so nothing too attention-grabbing (that’s what your hat or fascinator is for).

Florals are highly encouraged and you won’t go wrong with a classic stripe or polka dot. If in doubt, lean into quiet luxury - midi lengths and stateswomanly options are solid ground, and you’ll appreciate anything with freedom of movement - whether for jumping up and down because your horse has come in or you’re making a break for the exit to beat the crowds home.

A shirt dress works as a casual option while something that covers the shoulders or arms will come in handy if the weather takes a turn - and if you’ve spent any time in the UK, you’ll know what the odds of that are.

In 2024, LK Bennett was the official fashion label for Royal Ascot, offering a capsule collection that adhered to the event’s famously strict dress code. Rules include no spaghetti straps, knee-length hemlines and hats for racegoers in the Royal Enclosure. While these guidelines largely apply to the higher-tier enclosures, they’re a good rule of thumb to follow regardless.

Choose the right piece and it will be a sartorial workhorse that you can continue to wear long after the winner has been declared. If you’re not sure where to turn, we’ve rounded up the front-runners in this year’s competition to be best dressed at the races.

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