What to Wear to Hamilton Park Racecourse
Located close to Glasgow and set in some of the most picturesque grounds in British horseracing, Hamilton Park hosts Flat race meetings from May to September.
Main events are: The Glasgow Stakes in July, Ladies Night, the Scottish Trophy Raceday and the Lanark Silver Bell Racenight – all in August.
Interested in Racing Fashion? Check out our specialist guide on What to Wear to Hamilton Park!
Official Dress Code
Hamilton Park recommends smart casual, but comfort and happiness is their priority.
Football colours are not encouraged.
They remind you that racing is an outdoor sport so encourage you to always dress for the weather.
What to Wear to Hamilton Park Racecourse for the Glasgow Stakes in July and the Scottish Trophy Race Day in August.
The dress code is smart casual but comfortable attire.
For the Ladies, We Say…
If the sun is shining, this is your chance to show off your summer dress. Don’t go overboard on the glamour, it’s more of a summer outdoor gathering atmosphere.
The Hat
Hats are not compulsory and most of the ladies opt not to wear one. If you do love a hat, keep it toned down with something understated like a sun hat, small fascinator or a headband. Alternatively instead of a hat, add sparkle to your hair with bejewelled hair decorations.
Footwear
Unless you love wearing high heels (and actually this racecourse has plenty of suitable paths to wear high heels), choose a pair of colourful flat sandals, wedges or chunky heels to put a spring in your step the whole day.
The Sunglasses
It is the height of summer so don’t forget to accessorise with a pair of cool sunglasses.
For Gentlemen, We Say…
Although some may wear the full suit, most gents will mix a smart jacket/blazer and collared shirt with a pair of jeans or chinos.
What to Wear to Hamilton Park Racecourse for Ladies Night in August
Racegoers really make the extra effort and enjoy dressing in their best with hats and fascinators,
Dress to Impress if you’d like to enter the Best Dressed Lady and Man of Style competitions to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
For the Ladies, We Say…
Ladies’ Night sees the full panoply of cocktail dresses, eye-catching hats and headpieces, along with heels and fabulous hairdos.
The Hat
Although a hat is a not compulsory, you really need a show stealing one in order to catch the judge’s eye and become a finalist in the Best Dressed Ladies competition.
Footwear
There are plenty of paths around the racecourse so high heels are perfectly suitable, so slip in to those stilettos to elongate and accentuate your lovely legs.
It’s the summer so go colourful to match or complement your whole outfit.
Statement Jewellery
Statement jewellery adds a generous amount of bling so sparkle into the evening with a necklace, earrings, bracelets or even the anklet to complement the bare ankle.
The Cover Up
Held in the evening and in Scotland, the weather may cool down. However the Scottish ladies are not afraid of a little chill in the air and don’t want to cover up their beautiful outfits.
The best option would be a colourful wrap to drape over the shoulders to complement your outfit and provide a little warmth. If you’re not as hardy and do feel the cold, then go for a short jacket in a summery colour.
Gentlemen, We Say…
It’s time to look dapper and suit up for a chance to win the Man of Style competition. This is your chance to shine, but don’t be staid with your sartorial look, instead be brave and add plenty of your own unique dapperness.
The Suit
Most gentlemen wear suits at this event but don’t fade into the background; swap those dull work suit colours for a more vibrant shade or a prominent pattern.Hang up your grey suit for a day of colour. This is definitely a bold move and confidence is one accessory you need to carry around with you. Bright blue is probably the least scary of the bold colours and the most accepted in a suit.
Check out our How to Spice up your Suit – Part 1 – Eclipse Magazine article to take the office look out of your style.
The Pocket Square
But do not forget that one accessory which always adds a suave touch to a gentleman’s attire with no effort at all – the pocket square!
The Shirt
Don’t be conservative, jazz up that city suit with a loud shirt. Here’s your chance to show off your fashion flair with something different to the white or pale blue shirt. Go wild with pattern and bold with colour.
Maybe wild patterns and bold colours are not your sartorial taste; you can still stand out from the crowd of white and pale blue shirts with more subtle patterns and softer colours.
Loafers
Slip into comfort and style with a pair of smart soft loafers. These are ideal for the summer and easy to wear with or without socks. Go colourful – after all it is the summer!
Sunglasses
August is the month to wear sunglasses and is a popular accessory in all of the enclosures.
Click here How to Spice up Your Suit – Part 2 – Eclipse Magazine to see our article on what style of sunglasses to wear for your face shape.
The Kilt
A sharp suit, collar and tie is the obvious sartorial choice for dapper gents at the races but if you are Scottish (or have Scottish roots) show of your clan and maybe go for the kilt?
What to Wear to Hamilton Park Racecourse for the Lanark Silver Night race in August.
Although the official dress code is smart casual and comfortable attire, racegoers are encouraged to dress up for one of the oldest races in the world.
For the Ladies, We Say…
This evening has a party atmosphere with music after the final race. So go for smart casual with a little bit of glamour
The Hat
A hat is not compulsory and most ladies tend not to wear one. However if you do decide to wear one, you will not feel out of place. If you do decide not to wear one then add sparkle to your hair with bejewelled hair decorations or a headband.
Footwear
High heels, wedges or flats are all suitable. Add glamour with embellishments or metallics.
The Cover Up
Held in the evening and in Scotland, the weather may cool down. However the Scottish ladies are not afraid of a little chill in the air and don’t want to cover up their beautiful outfits.
The best option would be a colourful wrap to drape over the shoulders to complement your outfit and provide a little warmth. If you’re not as hardy and do feel the cold, then go for a short jacket or cardigan in a summery colour.
Gentlemen, We Say…
Don’t let the ladies down and complement them by dressing for the occasion. Many gents wear a suit and tie, but if you don’t want to wear a suit, a smart blazer always brings a touch of dapperness to a pair of smart jeans or chinos.
The Shirt
Show off your fashion flair with something different to the white or pale blue shirt. Go wild with pattern and bold with colour.
Maybe wild patterns and bold colours are not your sartorial taste; you can still stand out from the crowd of white and pale blue shirts with more subtle patterns and softer colours.
Karen Grace studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and is Eclipse Magazine’s Fashion & Beauty Editor.
You can read more of Karen’s fashion advice at: www.frumpytofunky.com
For personal shopping and styling services you can reach her via frumpy to funky on contact@frumpytofunky
