There is more to a day at the races than just cheering on your selections at the course. For many, it is a popular social day out with friends and family, as a raceday gives you a perfect opportunity to catch up in the fresh air while having a few drinks.

However, some of the most famous racedays on the calendar outrank others in terms of fashion, with events such as the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot being as much about the clothes that you’re wearing as the racing taking place on track.

But, what are some of the most important tips to follow to ensure that you stand out as one of the most elegant when going to the racing at one of the major events on the calendar?

For the most part, you will see fans dressing in similar colours when attending the Kentucky Derby annually, with many opting for floral prints and pastel hues. So, while you are on the TwinSpires guide to online horse betting you should also check their fashion attire section.

Fashion has become an iconic trend aside from the racing at Churchill Downs, with many spending months on their outfits to ensure that they stand out from the crowd.

Unlike other major events such as Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby attracts a youthful and colourful feel to the surroundings, with many looking to go as bright as possible to stand out from the crowd.

For female visitors, pinks and blues are popular selections, while male visitors will look to opt against wearing a traditional suit in favour of another outfit that shows off their personality.

As mentioned, visitors to the Kentucky Derby will spend months putting together their outfits for the big day at Churchill Downs, with this largely being down to combining the perfect colours that make an outfit pop.

Brighter colours are most popular with female visitors, as short pink skirts and blazers are incredibly common, while light blue and yellow are also popular across the racecourse at Churchill Downs.

Males will look to be more conservative in their colour schemes, but dazzling shirts are likely a preferred option underneath blazer jackets.

One of the most popular forms of any outfit is the final touches that are made in terms of accessories. For many, this includes a hat, as Derby Day has become as synonymous as Royal Ascot for head gear in recent years.

Many female visitors will look to sport bold and big hats to standout from the crowd, with many opting to invest in local businesses in order to make their dream hat a reality. Male visitors aren’t as prone to wearing hats as their female counterparts, but flat caps have become a popular choice following the rise to prominence of Peaky Blinders on Netflix.

Other accessories that rank popular among visitors include pocket squares. Theses are an excellent option for any person wearing a suit jacket to the Derby, as it can co-ordinate your colour scheme from your shirt to ensure that you look the part.

An important note to bear in mind when making selections for your outfit for the day the races is to consider the weather conditions. Derby Day weather can often be difficult to predict, due to the fact that the race is run on the first Saturday in May.

For the most part, the weather could ensure that hot temperatures form the back drop for the day, but it isn’t uncommon for rain to be forecast at Churchill Downs. Therefore, Racegoers should be prepared for all weather climates, and ensure that back-up outfits are planned out in advance of the day.

Hot weather could ensure that dresses and skirts are the best choice, while there may also not be the need for a jacket if the sun is out for much of the day. However, if there is rain forecast for Derby Day, then it is important to ensure that you have an outfit available that will make sure that your experience at the track isn’t ruined. 

A day at the races can often be a prolonged period outside, and this includes being on your feet for hours on end.

Therefore, female Racegoers typically take an extra pair of footwear with them to the races, which enable them to move out of their heels when their feet hurt and comfy shoes can be worn as the day approaches its conclusion. Furthermore, as you will be at the track for the entire day, it is important to take extra battery packs to ensure that your phone doesn’t run out of battery.

This is vitally important if you’re looking to gamble on your phone, but it is also vital if you require access to your phone to take photos throughout the day and need your device to book a taxi after the final race.