Trousers to the races?

[emsyj]

I'm going to a hen party at the races on Saturday. I've checked the dress code for the area we'll be in (not the poshest bit, not the cheapest bit - the bit in between if that makes sense - I've never been before) and it says no denim and 'smart dress' for ladies. I assume this means 'you need to dress smartly' rather than 'you must wear a dress'!

Would I stick out like a sore thumb if I wore skinny trousers and a top? Will everyone be in pastel dresses and suits as if going to a society wedding???

I can't find a 'races' type dress that I like and I don't want to spend loads of money on something I will never wear again. I like this top but is it dressy enough with these trousers (which I already have - would have to buy the top)?

Nice outfit but I don't think its quite enough I would look at something more formal, sorry.

Bugger. That means I will have to buy something that I will probably never wear again.

Personally I think you'll look a lot more elegant and classier in that outfit than the girls in the WAG type dresses you normally see at the racing. Anyway after a couple of glasses of champagne who cares what you're wearing?

I think the top is a little too slouchy, sorry. You could hire a dress, or borrow one from a friend?

Would this do with heels and jewellery?

I think the trousers will be fine but I'd go for a more formal top. I'm not a fan of the WAG style outfits you usually see at the races. I remember this girl's outfit really standing out among the horror fest that is Aintree during the Grand National.

Would either this or this be better? I am a bit wary of white top and black trousers in case I am mistaken for waiting staff, but I wondered if the embellishment might make it ok...

Or are both of these just too 'Gloria Hunniford on a cruise'? I really am clueless.

I like that yellow t shirt, with heels and a cheap bag you will look nice

I like the yellow top too.

Black trousers, yellow top, heels and a structured jacket, you'll look fab.

I don't have a jacket!

Will the yellow be okay for my colouring? (See profile photo) I haven't worn yellow before... I do like (and often wear) bright orange and I like colour generally.

Which race meeting are you going to? Sounds mad but the venue would affect my decision what to wear.
We are going to Aintree in December and the dress code is smart but dress for the elements! Helpful!!

I've been to Aintree Races in winter. Everyone just wears a really smart coat and keeps it on!

I'm going to Chester. I will probably drive over to the outlet village after work one night for a look in the Jaeger and Coast shops. I hate shopping!

I should start by saying I've only ever been once so what do I know? However I found the dress code quite easy going, much more so than I'd expected (this was at York). If you like dressing up then it's a great chance to go OTT without sticking out but if you don't, then trousers and a smart top sound fine and I saw plenty of people dressed like that.

Yes I'm going to get a really smart but warm black coat which I can wear again and team that with black jersey type dress thick tights and my smart long boots plus winter hat.