What to wear to the races on a budget with flat shoes

[DaisyDoodler]

What to wear to the races when you are 5 ft 3, and size 14 with chunky legs and problems with your feet that rule out heels or sandals? Oh and on a budget too … arrgghh help me out!!

There are some lovely flat slingbacks in everywhere from New Look to Next at the moment.

How about wide trousers and a satin top? Match the colours for a tonal look that will be smarter and help you look taller.

Matalan have a lovely satin front top in navy or cream for about £12. In the Et Vous range. Size down; it’s generous.

Navy top, navy wide legs, tan flat slingbacks (or bright pink shoes and bag if you want to brighten things up!)

Trousers and a nice jacket.
Or a dress, totally fine to wear flats with anything.

Well, at 5’3 they won’t let you in, anyway.

And on the booking form you have to confirm that you already possess 5 inch stilettos or have some about to be delivered from Net-a-Porter.

Give it up, @DaisyDoodler - you cannot possibly go …

Ooh I will take a look for these thanks

I’m loving all of the woven flats around at the moment, I bought a pair from H & M, they’re summery without being a sandal and very comfortable as the holes give them flexibility.
Coukd you wear a cropped trouser and a little collared jacket with a cami underneath?

Thank you for all the helpful posts. I know my request may sound ridiculous to some but I am genuinely self conscious of this as will be going to a very style oriented place with some very stylish people and don’t want to feel frumpy in comparison

@DaisyDoodler Can you say where? I go racing a lot and most people in hospitality look smart but not over the top like Aintree or Ascot. There’s a skill to day dressing and you don’t need to be over the top. Are you in hospitality?

My recommendation is wider trousers and ballerina flats or similar with a low heel. You could definitely consider the sling backs mentioned too. For a top, wear one you could wear without a jacket if it’s in hospitality and weather is hot. A satin always works. However, if it’s Sandown or Newmarket, you don’t need to worry too much about clothes. York and Chester - far more stylish! I’ve always been fine in a decent summer dress.

I’ve just looked on M&S. Look at the lace top with white or black trousers. All the other pictures are 100% suitable. Notice mostly flat shoes! You can look smart without going ott.

Chester races in hospitality with partners of my firm - I’ve just changed jobs so this will be my first out of work event with them plus networking and representing the company too

@DaisyDoodler Chester can be smart. However you can also look fab in something like a summer trouser suit and a decent blouse under. Flat shoes are fine. A shirt style dress in a decent fabric also works well. The key to this is not looking like you are going to work and not being too bling or revealing. So find something more interesting but something you would wear again.

Thank you. This has definitely given me some ideas to work with.

@DaisyDoodler Ignore the poster. Flat racing is pretty safe for participants. These dresses are Boden. All wearable and appropriate. I’d avoid looking like mother of the bride. Consult with others regarding a hat, but generally being well groomed is fine. Suitable make up and jewellery add to your look. Have a great day!

Thanks for all your help! Long summer dress and think I’ve found some comfy wedges that will work well so appreciate that.

Re supporting races or otherwise, this is a work event so not one I really have a choice in so that decision is for others to make on my behalf.

It’s so safe that a horse died as a result of flat racing on the 16th, so only four days ago.

That’s one too many.

And what do you think would happen to the 14,000 horses currently in training for flat and national hunt racing if we banned it?

Unfortunately just as many horses die from illness or accident in the paddock as they do on the track.

Hi all

Can we just ask that we keep things civil and relevant to the question asked by the OP?

You're free to start a thread to discuss the ethics surrounding events like this one.

Absolutely!

Thank you for addressing the reports. Style & Beauty is so useful for fashion advice.

Have you time to look on Vinted @DaisyDoodler? Some great bargains new or once worn would be great.

Good thinking, thank you. I always forget about Vinted!!

Op Phase Eight is always a good place to start looking as they suggest outfits for different occasions, which are helpful
when seeking out budget versions of the same “look”…

Here are their suggestions for the races:
https://www.phase-eight.com/clothing/races/

I see my comment stating facts about the realities of horseracing has been deleted.

I wasn’t rude to anyone, I didn’t swear or be offensive to anyone, but someone who doesn’t want to read the truth reported me anyway.

No matter, I’ll still keep fighting to get the facts out there, keep campaigning to get this cruel barbaric blood sport banned.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, horses being raced at 2 years of age.

Their skeletal system isn’t fully developed til they are 6 years of age.