If you’re attending the big racing events of the year, all eyes will be on your outfit. Men’s fashion for the races is one opportunity you’ll have throughout the year to leave the drab, grey suit in the office and opt for a bright, bold colour palette and wild accessories.
Even if you don’t pick a winner, fashions on the field place a huge part in acing the racing season. Besides, what self-respecting gent wouldn’t want to look their best – even when they may have had one too many glasses of champagne?
Read on to ensure you’re the front runner when it comes to men’s race day fashion.
STEP 1: Know your race days
First things first; if you’re attending the actual races as opposed to, say, a Melbourne Cup day event at an inner-city venue, know that there is a dress code that varies on certain days of the spring racing carnival. If you’re heading to the racecourse, you’re expected to abide by certain dress codes, especially if you’re visiting Members’ areas. You can even get turned away in certain areas if you don’t stick to the dress code, so be sure to check these out beforehand to ensure you don’t commit an embarrassing fashion faux pas.
Derby Day: Black and white dress code. The official flower of the day is a white cornflower, which can be worn on the lapel.
Melbourne Cup: The race that stops the nation, this is traditionally the day with the wildest, most colourful outfits. The official flower for the Melbourne Cup is the yellow rose.
Oaks Day: Also called “ladies’ day”, Oaks Day at the races means a more romantic colour palette. Think florals, pink, peach and lavender. The official flower of Oaks day is the pink rose.
Stakes Day: The last official day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Stakes Day has a more relaxed atmosphere. Separates are encouraged, in relaxed tones like beige, grey or blue, along with the official flower, the red rose.
STEP 2: Choose your suit wisely
When it comes to men’s fashion for the races, ensure your suit fits like a glove. No matter what you decide to wear, the fit of your suit is paramount.
A well-fitting suit and will look much more polished can take you from daggy to dapper. After all, you don’t want to look like you borrowed your great uncle’s ancient second-hand suit.
Having a tailor-made suit will be your best bet, (click here to find out why). Failing that, you could also tailor a suit you already have to suit your body shape more favourably, which will mean you’ll look extra-slick come race day.
While separates will always have a place on race days, nothing beats a classically-curated two-piece suit in beige, navy or light grey. Simply match it with bold accessories for a standout look.
If you have a bold suit like a checked or pinstriped number, go with a plain shirt in white, pale blue, or pink and dress it up with accessories in a similar or contrasting colour palette. If you’re wearing a print, opt for a simple tie and pocket square so your look isn’t too out there.
If you’re doing separates, there are some fantastic breathable linen and cotton blazers around in coral, beige or deep red, navy, or forest green. These can be dressed up with a bold or floral-patterned tie. Your trousers are the easiest part of the whole ensemble, but again, fit is crucial or you’ll look sloppy.
For more tips on matching your suit and shirt, click here.
STEP 3: Choose winning accessories
The best thing about race day outfit for men is the accessories. Finally, you can wear the loud, bright accessories that would look out of place in the office, without worrying that they’re too garish, unless, of course, you’re wearing clashing prints or neon.
A pocket square is a must. And it doesn’t have to match your tie exactly; in fact, if your colours don’t match, just go for complementary shades, like pink and purple, or orange and yellow, or even opposing shades like red and blue, or yellow and purple.
Use common sense here, as it’s easy to overdo it when it comes to accessories. A loud suit means you should proceed with caution with accessories; a floral tie combined with a paisley shirt might not be your best bet. If in doubt, choose bold, plain colours.
Your accessories can still be bright and bold but you don’t want to end up looking like a mismatched patchwork quilt; even the savviest sartorial dressers amongst us can be guilty of indulging in one too many patterns when it comes to men’s fashion for the races.
STEP 4: Select the right race day shoes
It’s time to bust out the brogues, oxfords or loafers. Always wear leather or suede shoes. Not only will they last longer, but they’ll also look much classier than their synthetic counterparts.
Go for tan, coffee, or classic black. Alternatively, dark burgundy can look great if you’re wearing grey or blue, or lighter beige and natural colours can look sleek with blue or a light-coloured trouser.
STEP 5: Follow these men’s race day fashion tips
If you want to turn heads on race day, try these tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
- Add some texture with a knit tie in a bold colour
- Opt for wool-linen blend suits. Plus, be sure to wear a breathable shirt, or you’ll sweat buckets in the sun
- Make sure your shoes are freshly polished; this can be the cherry on top of the perfect men’s race day outfit
- Wear a shirt with contrasting buttons to mix things up from your normal work attire
- Sunglasses are a must on race days, or you’ll find yourself squinting to see which horse is which. Avoid overlarge or sporty glasses styles; aim for a smaller, more refined frame as this will match with a suit perfectly
- Avoid any shiny suit fabrics, like silk or satin
Hopefully this article has given you some great race day outfit ideas. Whether you’re more sartorially astute or you’re new to the game, ultimately, race day is the best opportunity of the year to dabble in a new style, add a splash of colour or just try something new.
Be brave, be bold and try something different; after all, it’s a gamble that’s bound to pay off. For more tips on men’s fashion for the races, click here to contact one of our talented tailors today. Or, book a fitting now and start creating your bespoke look just in time for all the big racing events.
