what does one wear to the races?

[ThePrinceofParties]

I have seen the Daily Mail coverage of Royal Ascot, but I'm not quite sure that's where I'm at.

We're going to a National Hunt meeting in April. We have a private box, but it's for a family function, not corporate. I want to wear the most casual thing I can get away with, but am guessing that jeans won't cut it?

[OhShutUpThomas]

Which course and which meet? Is it a big race?

[ThePrinceofParties]

It's at Haydock Park - not sure of the meet, but I don't think they have any really important ones there?

[OhShutUpThomas]

Smart casual. Don't go all dolled up in a dress and hat, you'll look and feel out of place.
I'd wear either coloured jeans (dark red, dark green etc), brown boots, shirt and jumper and a tweed coat.
Or, brown skirt with tights, brown boots and dark green coat.

But generally people dress warm and sensible, smart but not try-too-hard. Check if your box has s dress code, but I doubt it will. There will almost certainly be loads in jeans, but with shirts etc - just steer clear of trainers, hoodies, sweatshirts, anything with a logo, and very bright colours.

Source - I've worked in NH PR for yeeeaaaars.

People wear all sorts but generally the above will make you fit in. Unless you don't want to fit in, in which case - go nuts

[ThePrinceofParties]

ooh, thanks. interesting to see jeans are not a complete no-no
I might wear (smart) black jeans, although I do have some cigarette pants that are slightly smarter...

I also think this might be an opportunity for a new coat. will have a browse at the weekend.

[CointreauVersial]

I went to a do in a private box (at Sandown), and the dress code was definitely more on the smart side than the casual - but not as far as Ascot hats. I would say denim jeans would be a bit too casual. Wouldn't you dress up a little bit for a family function, regardless of where it is?

[AliAliAlium]

I've always glammed up a bit with nice, classic jewellery, and done my hair and makeup, but beyond that focussed on staying warm. So reasonably smart trousers (I would wear smart jeans), knee high boots, a shirt / good quality jumper combo, and a tweed jacket if warm enough (or a puffer type if mid winter freezing).

[SchnitzelVonKrumm]

Some ideas here

[CaveMum]

National Hunt meetings are more relaxed than the big Flat meetings like Royal Ascot, so don't think you have to wear a hat. Warm, practical and smart should be your motto, if you are in a private box you will be in the "premier" area as opposed to "Grandstand" so the dress code will state no denim.

The Cheltenham Festival is the premier National Hunt meeting so Google pictures from there to get inspiration.

Think Zara Philips or Duchess of Cambridge!

[CaveMum]

Just had a quick look at the Haydock website, there aren't any National Hunt meetings at the course in April, they switch to Flat racing from April until October.

If the date you are going is in April, disregard the advice to wear tweedy stuff!

[Donge13]

If it's Haydock then think wag ! The ladies are always super glam there

[XiCi]

I've been to Haydock many times and it wasn't super glam at all, quite a basic racecourse facilities wise, though I had great fun, and certainly saw noone dressed like a WAG. OP you will be fine in smart black jeans if that's what you will feel comfortable in. Maybe smarten them up a bit with heels and a great coat/jacket.

[Donge13]

I went on ladies day .,, in the county stand, it was wag central

[ClashCityRocker]

Twill be on ladies day - it's very much encouraged.

There will no doubt be some people dressed to the nines there, but there will be plenty who are dressed smartly but comfortably. As it's not a major meeting, the latter will outnumber the former.

It's likely to be no jeans though so I'd go with trousers at this time of year. And comfy shoes - you tend to spend a lot of time on your feet.

[ThePrinceofParties]

Further information has been extracted from the MIL
it is in fact Easter Saturday, and jeans are not allowed, so cigarette pants it is. still after a new coat though, so if anyone has seen anything smart, and not black (i have black) that would be great.

[CaveMum]

What's your budget?

[ThePrinceofParties]

dunno really. no more than £200 I guess.

[CaveMum]

This is in the John Lewis sale but not many sizes left.

Same again, in the LK Bennett sale but not many left.

[ThePrinceofParties]

LOVE the purple JL one but sadly am definitely more of a 14 12 than a 10.
have been looking at some lovely ones on the Ted Baker site but not yet convinced that I want to spend quite that much.

[CaveMum]

If you go direct to the Kaliko website they've got it in stock in size 14. It's not as cheap as with John Lewis, but still reduced!

[Jcee]

I was at Haydock last weekend at a similar function and ohshutupthomas is right. There was a mix of very smart down to smart casual, but no jeans so you'll be fine in the cigarette pants...