(Looking) Dashing Through the Snow: How to Dress for the Races during Winter

(Looking) Dashing Through the Snow: How to Dress for the Races during Winter  

By Charlotte Oakley Deville

The colder conditions are absolutely no reason to compromise on style, so here is my guide on how to adapt your race day outfit for the National Hunt (jump racing) season. 

The Jockey Club scrapped their dress code regulations in February 2023, in a bid to make horseracing more “accessible and inclusive” and end the segregation of guests through enclosure-specific wardrobe restrictions. So not to worry if you’re dressing for comfort rather than aiming for ‘best dressed’ in the style competition. 

However, many non-Jockey Club racecourses are still subject to guidelines, so do double-check before arriving in fancy dress or jeans…

Regardless of regulations, race day tradition maintains the desire for many to dress-to-impress, but winter poses greater obstacles. 

Some important considerations:

Weather

The age-old advice that torments Brits daily, it goes without saying that checking the weather is essential. Perhaps you’ll be blessed with some sun, but prepare for the worst…

Conditions 

This leads nicely onwards to note that, even if your day is a sunny one, previous rain spells could mean you will be faced with puddles, mud, and slippery surfaces. 

Enclosure 

The MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION for a few reasons, one being that premium ticket holders may be subject to more stringent style expectations than others. However, your enclosure also determines your access to shelter, or condemnation to an entire day in uncovered areas. Finally, the crowd size will vary in different areas, determining the scale of footfall that may exacerbate the (already dodgy) footing. 

So, with the boring (but important) parts out of the way, it’s time to start outfit planning…

Palettes and Prints

For Winter 2024, it’s time to channel the many shades of brown that are synonymous with rural style – an aesthetic that a wider demographic of people have embraced this year. 

Why not add some depth, and bring the browns to life with deeper burgundy, midnight-navy, emerald-green shades? A great way to do so is opting for tweed, where a neutral base is elevated with coloured stripes – just like the Holland Cooper ‘Kempton Coat’ (surely this one is born to worn at Kempton on Boxing Day?). If tweed isn’t your thing but you’re looking for a print – houndstooth is the way forward.

Silhouettes 

The main base of your look lies in the format you choose. For Winter, longer cuts are a natural choice, and lucky for us ladies, we are spoilt for choice: jumpsuits, maxi / midi dresses or skirts, trousers, a dress or skirt layered with tights… the possibilities are endless. 

Let’s not choose a cut too long of a length though, you wouldn’t want your precious pieces to get plastered with mud… 

Outerwear (The Main Event)

If the cold does bite, your look will be dominated by outer layers. Choosing the correct coat is possibly the greatest concern of a winter race-goer. 

Fit for the occasion, a tweed jacket, camel coat, (faux) fur number, military-style jacket, or cape are the most iconic options. 

This is perhaps the most investment-worthy segment of your outfit too. For a splurge-worthy coat, Holland Cooper, Ralph Lauren, Fairfax and Favour, and Barbour are some of the most luxurious, rural-esque designers. 

Footwear

Heels are not advised, but one save-the-day solution could be your best friend if you do insist on cracking out the stilettos. This is the Clean Heels Heel Stoppers, that prevent you from sinking into muddy grass, and protect the heel itself from damp and damage. 

The more practical option would be boots. For race day, knee-high riding-style boots are built for the occasion. Look at Dubarry or Fairfax and Favour for the finest frost-fighting footwear. 

Accessories (The Show Stoppers)
Decorative pieces will give you the edge over the finish line for the style competition, and this occasion is a unique opportunity to experiment with more niche looks. 

Binoculars are essential for those hoping to follow the race from a distance, or seated in the heights of the grandstand. For those braving uncovered areas and cheering on their runners from the fences, an umbrella is required to protect your outfit, and is an accessory in its own right. Holland Cooper offer a regular and mini-sized umbrella, the Fortnum and Mason Kensington Walking Umbrella is a classically stylish option, whilst Burberry’s Check Folding Umbrella is a luxurious and space-saving choice. 

Leather gloves are the way forward if you’re looking to harness your hand warmers for style points, whilst headwear is the ultimate way to steal the show. A (faux) fur headband could match your other fur accessories. However, Hicks and Brown (the king of horse racing headwear) are sure to have designed your dream head statement without you even knowing it yet. The Oxley Fedora in Camel is amongst their most highly sought after selections. 

To elevate a more affordable Trilby Hat, attach some pheasant feathers for a touch of countryside-chic. 

So, whilst I can’t offer you any betting tips for the day, I am certain my slices of style wisdom will help you win confidence, compliments, and maybe even a style award.