When it comes to occasion dressing, knowing what to wear to the races is perhaps the most challenging. Thanks to the strict dress codes and age-old formal traditions, it can be easy to not feel like yourself and end up buying something you would never ever wear again. Because really how practical is a fascinator that looks like a tropical bird? And, for that matter, how much do you even want to own one?
Races such as Goodwood are the chance to dress up and wear something you wouldn’t usually, but there are some key things you need to bear in mind so you aren’t that barefoot racegoer hobbling in the rain with a hat in your hand.
If you’re planning on attending any races this year, or simply want to apply the same logic to any other formal occasion, such as a wedding or garden party, scroll for our golden rules for dressing for the races.