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Where to Buy the Perfect Race Day Dress in the UK

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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UK racewear—from Royal Ascot to Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, and Ladies’ Day at Aintree—is just as much about impeccable style as it is about racing. To make a truly impact, you’ll need a show‑stopping dress—flattering, stylish, and appropriately smart. Here's your go‑to guide for finding one.

1. High‑Street & Department Store Essentials

John Lewis & Partners

Known for a diverse “Women’s Race Day Dresses” section featuring florals, midis, and structured cuts, with inclusive sizes up to UK 22 and petite options. It’s practical yet polished.

Coast

Focuses on timeless occasionwear with quality fabrics, perfect for refined and elegant race-day outfits.

Hobbs

A blend of practicality and sophistication, offering jumpsuits, fitted dresses, and accessories—ideal for formal enclosures like Royal Ascot.

2. Trend-Focused Statement Dressing

ASOS

Their “Race Day Dresses” edit mixes runway-inspired prints and satin finishes in mid-range prices, running about £36+.

Oh Polly

Known for body-hugging midi and maxi styles in vivid shades—ideal for making a statement.

Lavish Alice

Fitted, bold-cut designs in standout hues, often spotted on stylish race-goers.

Club L London

Features ruched details and vibrant florals, perfect for festival-style race days.

3. Inclusive & Petite-Friendly Brands

John Lewis again stands out with petite-friendly versions of race-day dresses.

ASOS and similar high-street brands offer styles up to UK 24—flattering prints and structure for fuller figures.

For shorter frames, petite-focused labels like Karen Millen deliver proportionate hemlines and smart tailoring.

4. Designer & Couture Options

RIXO

Crafts silk midis with vintage-inspired florals/polka dots—perfect for a splash of elegant glamour.

Redfern

Founded in 1871, offering refined suits and dresses infused with equestrian traditions—ideal for formal enclosures like Ascot.

Tellar: Your Free Sizing Tool & Styling Library

Why Tellar is Essential Before You Buy:

  1. Free sizing tool – Enter your measurements and Tellar matches your size across 1,500+ brands (no guesswork).

  2. Free styling & sizing guides – Honest, unbiased articles to help decode styling rules and fits.

  3. Affiliate transparency – Yes, we use affiliate links—but never at the cost of honesty or your comfort.

Live working resources:

Expect precise guides like How to Choose Midi Dresses for Races and Understanding Racetrack Dress Codes, all unbiased and empowering.

Shop the Look: Brands Worth Considering

  • ASOS DESIGN Satin Tie‑Neck Maxi – Elegant draping in pastel hues.

  • River Island Sleek Black Midi – Versatile and ideal for fascinator styling.

  • Lavish Alice Pencil Midi – Bold tailoring in statement colors.

  • Coast Occasion Dress – Tailored cuts and luxurious fabrics.

  • Karen Millen Petite Midi – Precisely proportioned hemlines for shorter frames.

Race Day Dress Code & Styling Essentials

  1. Enclosure rules to follow

    • Royal Enclosure (Ascot): Knee-length or longer, straps at least 2.5 cm, and hat mandatory.

    • Queen Anne: Formal, hat or fascinator encouraged.

    • Cheltenham/Aintree: Smart daywear; structured dresses or jumpsuits, wedges/blocks recommended.

  2. Pick breathable fabrics

    Go for satin, linen, or cotton to stay comfortable during summer race days.

  3. Choose turf-friendly footwear

    Block heels or wedges prevent sinking into grass and keep you on your feet confidently.

  4. Accessorise thoughtfully

    A well-fitted fascinator or hat, structured clutch, and delicate jewellery elevate any dress.

  5. Weather-proof your ensemble

    A light wrap or shawl works wonders for unpredictable UK weather.

Quick Reference Table

Style Goal

Where to Find It

Why It's a Winner

Bold prints & florals

ASOS, Lavish Alice, Oh Polly

Eye-catching statement pieces

Tailored elegance

Coast, Hobbs, John Lewis

Structured cuts and premium feel

Sizing inclusivity

ASOS, John Lewis, Karen Millen Petite

Sizes suited for all bodies

Designer flair

RIXO, Redfern

Couture elegance and heritage

Why Tellar Matters for Race Day Shopping

  • Accurate sizing across brands – get real measurements, not assumptions.

  • Style guides tailored for race enclosures – decode dress codes and trends.

  • Unbiased recommendations – affiliate links never overshadow truth.

  • Consistent updates – styling wisdom that evolves with seasons and feedback.

Stay Connected with Tellar

Keep up with fit tips, race day styles, and daily hacks:

Final Prep Tips

  1. Shop early – race day styles drop in spring and go fast.

  2. Compare across brands – use Tellar to check size consistency.

  3. Smart accessorising – reuse hats or bags from your wardrobe.

  4. Bring layers – a wrap ensures comfort through temperature changes.

🔎 Need personal advice on sizing, styling, or accessories?

I'm here to help! Just ask for tailored race day outfit guidance.

Let Tellar lead your style—so you can walk into any race with confidence and class.