With temperatures veering from sunny to snowy it’s difficult to plan an outfit for the spring racing festivals and racedays out, including the Guineas Festival at Newmarket and the May Festival at Chester.
This season, long sleeved dresses are your friend, as they allow the option for a hidden thermal layer underneath, that can be included if the temperatures have dropped, left off if the sun is shining or even removed during the day if it starts off cold and warms up later.
Luckily there are fabulous dresses in all lengths and styles, so you can plan your spring raceday outfit with confidence!
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Prices correct at time of writing.
SHORTER TO KNEE-LENGTH
Skylar Pie Crust Neck Woven Dress from Joules
This empire line, woven dress is the perfect spring to summer transitional piece thanks to its long sleeves and pretty print. The dress itself is made from LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose which gives it that floaty look and most importantly is kinder on the environment.
Detailing includes a pie crust neckline, flattering gathers to the waistband and button down cuffs, as well as handy pockets
Sneak in a long sleeved thermal and some cycling shorts underneath for those warming extra layers.
Price: £69.95 – BUY NOW
Sonder Studio Floral Willow Dress from M&Co
For an informal yet glam look, the Willow dress features a flowing style and pleated detailing on the sleeves with an open drawstring V neckline.
Dress up with heels and headpiece or go boho with sandals and wide brim floppy hat.
You can hide away a long sleeved thermal top if you need an extra layer.
Price: £69 – BUY NOW
SLIM SILHOUETTE KNEE TO MIDI
Closet London Pink Floral Jacquard Wrap Pencil Dress
Made and designed in the heart of London, this Wrap Pencil Dress in pink jacquard recycled fabric features V-neck front, cuff detailing and gathered shoulders
The high V-neck and long sleeves will cover a scoop neck long sleeved thermal top and the overlapping panel skirt will also hide cycling shorts for extra warmth.
The colour is bright enough for spring and summer but could also work as a Christmas party dress, giving great versatility year round.
Price: €150 – BUY NOW
Avery Green and Cream Basket Print Pleated Midi Dress from LK Bennett
This style that floats effortlessly through the seasons and has become an LKB favourite.
Crafted from a lightweight fabric in a green and cream 1960s basket print reimagined from vintage archives, it has a round neck with pleating detail, sheer long sleeves, a pleated waistband and it falls to a midi length in stylish pleats.
Wear it with ankle boots on colder days and with bare legs and trainers or heels once temperatures rise.
Price: £279 – BUY NOW
FLOATY SILHOUETTE MIDI DRESS
Harlow Ditsy Midi Dress from Reiss
Crafted from a mid-weight viscose fabric with pleat detailing and an elegant drape with a handkerchief hemline. Adorned with a timeless ditsy design, the cut is flattering, feminine and wearable.
The midi length keeps it fresh yet appropriate for a myriad of occasions. Dress it up with heels for a refined look, combine with ankle boots on a chilly day, wear the sleeves rolled up or buttoned down, or layer with a light summer jacket. Versatile enough to go on to an after-races party or bar without looking over-formal.
Price: £248 – BUY NOW
Closet London Blue Print Full Skirt Wrap Midi Dress
This bestselling wrap dress features a tie waist and full panelled skirt with two front splits in a striking Viscose print. The puff sleeves have cut out splits, and the wrap front has a low V-neck.For hidden layers look at cami tops or V-neck vests, and supplement with cycling shorts or below the knee leggings for added warmth.
Styled with ankle boots also provides the opportunity for hidden socks!
Price: €156 – BUY NOW
MAXI DRESS
Blue Butterfly Border Print Dress from Wallis
Part of Wallis’s spring summer ’22 collaboration with Christine Lampard. this unique butterfly floral dress gives an elegant silhouette, made to flatter.
The longer length is perfect paired with heels for a summer event but can also carry off heeled calf- or knee-length boots for a cold day or sandals for a boho look: perhaps wear it again at Glorious Goodwood later in the year…
You could also sneak in some leggings underneath to keep you warm – pull them up to below your knees if teaming with strappy shoes!
Price: £95 – BUY NOW
Frida Kahlo Wrap Dress from KarmaCollectionLK via Etsy
This versatile wrap dress can carry you from day to night, as well as special occasions.
The eye-catching pattern is available in a wide range of colours and is an authentic hand printed product in 100% Cotton. It also features a contrast extra wide border on the inside and the dress includes a matching extra-long wide Obi belt.
The dress can be customised to your choice of size and length, and is fastened with a tie on the inside and an adjustable coconut shell button.
With its long sleeves and skirt a full set of thermals can be sneaked in underneath if desired, and its will work with a range of footwear from cowboy-style calf boots to strappy flat sandals.
Price from £67 – BUY NOW
THE HIDDEN LAYERS
Lulu Pale Pink Eco Bamboo Underwear From Bluebella
Made with sustainable bamboo you can look and feel good in these chic and simple pieces. Wide branded elastics add a sports luxe feel, whilst soft, breathable material is gentle against the skin.
Second Skin Thermal Cami Top – Ivory from Pour Moi
Made in super soft stretch fabric this combines the shape of a cami and the warmth of a thermal. Available in choice of three colours. Other under layer options also available.
Price £18 – BUY NOW
Essentials Fitted Stretch Vest from Great Plains
Made to fit closely to the body and featuring a flattering V neck shape, this piece comes in handy on hot days or layered under a light jumper for extra warmth.
Price: £20 – BUY NOW
Organic Cotton T-Shirt with V-Neck from La Redoute
This t-shirt is made from organic, environmentally friendly fabric that uses less water and no pesticides.
Price was £12, now £7.80 – BUY NOW
Black-White 2 Pack Cycling Shorts from Select Fashion
Designed in a stretchy jersey material for extra comfort, these come in a multipack which include a white pair and black pair.
Price was £9.99, now £6.99 – BUY NOW
1 Pair 0.39 Tog Thermal Underwear Leggings Ladies – Heat Holders, from SockShop
Made from an advanced insulating yarn these super warm, super cosy Heat Holders thermal leggings have a soft brushed inside, which maximises the amount of warm air held close to the skin.
Price £21.99 – BUY NOW
Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
