What to Wear to Bath Racecourse.
Located just three and a half miles north of the historical spa city of Bath (and just five miles from Bristol) this racecourse is set high in the hills and is one of the smallest Flat racecourses in the UK.
The racecourse hosts around 20 Flat races from March to October with the main events being the Lansdown Fillies’ Stakes held in April and the Beckford Stakes held in October. There is also a Ladies Day held in August with its annual Style Competition.
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Official Dress Code
Roof Garden
This is one of the racecourse’s more exclusive areas with stunning views across the course. This area requires a smart casual dress code. Smart denim, tailored shorts and smart trainers are accepted but ripped denim, denim shorts or sportswear is not permitted.
Hospitality Areas
Those attending restaurants are encouraged to wear smart attire.
Gentlemen are asked to wear a smart shirt (a tie is not essential). Smart denim and long tailored shorts are acceptable, however tipped denim, denim shorts, sports shorts, t-shirts, vests, sports shirts, tracksuits, trainers, flip flops, sandals and bare chests are not acceptable.
Grandstand
There is no formal dress code for this area but a smart casual dress code is encouraged.
Jeans, denim, shorts and trainers are all perfectly acceptable, but they discourage sportswear and ripped denim.
Fancy dress is permitted providing it is not considered offensive to other racegoers or children.
The racecourse reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone who is considered inappropriately dressed.
What to Wear to Bath Racecourse for the Lansdown Fillie Stakes in April?
Ladies, We Say…
The atmosphere is casual so dress for the weather and comfort rather than dressing up to the nines. However this time of year, it is a chance to wear the first of the spring/summer fashions hitting the stores and you can still show off your casual fashion flair.
The Hat
Hats are not compulsory and a large majority of the ladies opt not to wear one, If you do love a hat, keep it toned down with something understated like a fedora or a headband. Alternatively instead of a hat add sparkle to your hair with bejewelled hair decorations.
The Handbag
The weather can be unpredictable this time of year, so take an oversized handbag in a summery shade to carry all your racing essentials such as pashmina, umbrella and sunglasses.
Footwear
Unless you love wearing high heels, choose a pair of colourful flats, wedges or chunky heels to put a spring in your step the whole day.
Gentlemen, We Say…
Although a jacket is not obligatory, the cool April weather has other ideas. A smart blazer will keep the chill in the air off whilst bringing dapperness to a pair of smart jeans or chinos.
Remember a collared shirt is required for the hospitality areas.
What to Wear to Bath Racecourse on Ladies Day in August?
Although there is no strict dress code, Ladies Day is the highlight of the season so racegoers usually like to dress for the occasion
For the Ladies, We Say…
With a cash prize for the winner of the Style Awards, this is your day to shine and show off your style whether it be glamorously flamboyant or understated elegance.
The Hat
Most ladies will be wearing a headpiece especially if they are entering the Style Awards. From a simple fascinator to a show stealing hat, nothing will look out of place.
The Sandal
July is the season for sandals, but we are not talking about beach sandals, remember you are dressing to win that Style Award! High Heels elongate the legs and add elegance to an outfit. The stiletto may look sexy but not so good if you are on your feet all day. Go for a chunkier heel or a wedge – you will still ooze glamour.
The Pedicure
Every little detail matters in your pursuit of the Style Awards so ensure your feet are in tip top condition as they will be exposed in sandals. A pedicure can give them a freshly groomed look and complete your flawless outfit.
Choose a nail polish colour to match the mood of your outfit: soft pastel shades for romance; reds, purple and burgundy for the classic sexy style and bright colours for a bold look.
Gentlemen We Say…
Don’t let the ladies down and complement them by dressing for the occasion.
The Shirt
For the hospitality areas, gentlemen are asked to wear a collared shirt (a tie is not essential).
It is the middle of summer so your shirt will be the most on display. 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.
The Trousers
Stay cool in a pair of light coloured chinos or tailored shorts.
Jeans also can be worn. In the Roof Garden and Hospitality areas, they must be of dark denim and not ripped, torn or frayed.
Shoes
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.
Sunglasses & Fedora
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.
When the sun is beating down, keep and look cool in a straw fedora hat.
What to Wear to Bath Racecourse for the Beckford Stakes in October?
Dress for the weather.
Ladies, We Say…
We wouldn’t like to bet on the weather being warm and sunny so try go for a dress in a warmer fabric such as jersey and preferably with long sleeves – a great transitional piece allowing you to layer underneath with a thermal t-shirt and thick tights if it is a bit nippy. Bring along a light jacket in a summery colour or a cardigan. A pair of trousers or smart jeans allows you to make a last-minute choice on wearing a jumper, blouse or camisole depending on the weather that day.
The Hat
Hats are not compulsory and a large majority of the ladies opt not to wear one. If you do love a hat, keep it toned down with something understated like a fedora or a headband. Alternatively instead of a hat add sparkle to your hair with bejewelled hair decorations.
Footwear
A safe and glamorous bet is the full shoe or the ankle boot which doesn’t look out of place in warm or cold weather.
Gentlemen, We Say…
Although autumnal days are here, it is really too early to be wearing heavy winter coats and jackets -opt for a lighter coat, a lightly padded jacket or a trench coat. If the weather is mild, go for a sleeves vest or waistcoat underneath a blazer.
Blazers allow you to be more sartorially daring with bright colours and bolder patterns.
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