What to Wear to Newcastle Racecourse.
Based in Gosforth Park, Newcastle Racecourse is one of the most popular racecourses with over 60 racedays.
It boasts two completely different kinds of race tracks: a floodlit all-weather straight mile track for flat racing and a turf track for jump racing.
Official Dress Code
Dress Code | Newcastle Racecourse (newcastle-racecourse.co.uk)
Hospitality & premier Enclosure
Hospitality areas and the Premier Enclosure operate a smart casual dress code.
Sportswear, trainers and fancy dress are not permitted.
Shirts must have a collar, though a tie is not essential.
Smart jeans (no rips) and tailored shorts (in the summer months) are acceptable.
Grandstand Enclosure:
There is no dress code in the Grandstand or when one Enclosure is in operation.
Please remember to dress for the elements if you are attending one of the All-Weather fixtures.
Fancy dress is allowed providing it is decent and not offensive for other guests.
Children
There is no dress code for children across either enclosures or in hospitality.
Feature Days
For feature days, dressing smartly is recommended and is something many guests opt to do. Some of the feature days host ‘Best Dressed’ competitions so you could win prizes for your fashion efforts.
Feature Race Days include:
The Eider Chase in February.
Northumberland Plate Meeting – Newcastle’s oldest, largest and most prestigious racing event in their calendar. Held over three days in June.
Ladies Day held on the last Saturday in July.
Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November/early December.
What to Wear to Newcastle Racecourse for the Northumberland Plate Meeting.
The Northumberland Plate is the highlight of Newcastle’s racing calendar. Often compared with the Melbourne Cup in Australia, this three-day festival has first class racing and a true party atmosphere.
We Say… For the Ladies
The festival bills itself as the north east’s answer to Royal Ascot, giving the Newcastle ladies the perfect opportunity to really show off their fashionable and glamorous styles. While it is not nearly as formal in its dress code, the racecourse does invite guests to be smart.
The Hat
Although headwear is not compulsory, ladies are encouraged to wear a hat – many ladies embrace the racing atmosphere and sport a beautiful hat or fascinator.
The Tan
Take your favourite feature and flaunt it fabulously. The ladies up north simply do not feel the cold and with their cheeky sense of fun, they absolutely dare to bare. Shoulders, legs, backs, midriffs – whichever bit of skin you are most proud of, apply fake tan and get it out on show.
Before the raceday, the Newcastle racegoer will visit the tanning salon or use a self tanning product to ensure she has the perfect tan. This can range from a light healthy glow to a deep bronze depending on her preference.
Statement Jewellery
This is the type of occasion where there is no such thing as OTT so pile on that bling. Statement jewellery adds a generous amount of style. Necklace, earrings, bracelets and the anklet to complement the tanned bare ankle.
Footwear
Add more glitz – sparkle in embellished metallic sandals or shoes.
Or opt for a summery colour (bold or pastel) to complement your glamorous dress, keeping your look fresh from head to toe.
Top Tip: Pop a pair of foldable flats into your handbag just in case you need to give your feet a rest from wearing those glamorous high heels.
The Pedicure
Ensure your feet are in tip top condition if you decide to wear 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 summer style; reds, purple and burgundy for the classic sexy style and bright colours for a bold look.
For Gentlemen We Say…
Collared shirts are required, but most gentlemen who have a good idea of what to wear to Newcastle Racecourse, go all the sartorial way and wear a suit and tie.
The Shirt
Don’t be conservative, jazz up that city suit with a loud shirt.
Go wild with pattern and bold with colour.
Pocket Square
Whether you wear a tie or not, do not forget the pocket square. This is one accessory which always adds a dashing touch with no effort at all – the only rule to remember is that if you do wear a tie, the pocket square should never exactly match.
When wearing a block colour pocket square with a patterned tie or shirt, don’t always choose the main colour. Choosing the least dominant colour will bring a sharper look and show that you know your style. In fact this is the only place that you could actually introduce a new colour to your outfit and get away with it.
Shorts & Jeans
Tailored shorts can be worn if the weather is particularly hot but keep the look smart with a collared shirt tucked in, especially if you are in the Premier Enclosure. Remember trainers are not allowed so wear smart loafers or desert shoes instead.
Up the dapper look with a tie or jacket.
Jeans also can be worn but they must be of dark denim and not ripped, torn or frayed. Again they must be worn with a collared shirt. Tuck the shirt in for a more formal look.
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.
If you do decide to wear socks, then jazz up your style with colourful or patterned ones.
Sunglasses
Don’t forget the sunglasses, a must have accessory for a sunny day at the races.
Check out our sunglasses article for the right sunglasses style for your face shape.
What to Wear to Newcastle Racecourse for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
For this winter race meeting, most racegoers dress more for the weather than for fashion, opting for tweeds, woollen overcoats, boots and maybe felt hats.
We Say… For the Ladies
It is possible to do both fashion and warmth. The weather will be cold and chilly so concentrate on your coat and accessories as these will be the items on show throughout the day.
The Coat
Wrapping up warm means your coat will be attracting all the attention and becomes the fashion priority. Choose a cheerful colour such as reds/oranges to brighten up a dull day. Choose wool for warmth and a classic style or faux fur as a fun glamorous option.
Tweed
The favourite fabric of any winter race meeting is TWEED.
Tweed doesn’t have to be conservative as many fashion brands have picked up the tweed baton and created colourful and fashionable suits, dresses and coats.
Other fabric favourites are tartan and houndstooth.
The Hat
Although a hat is not required, it will keep your head warm from the winter chill whilst completing your raceday outfit.
Colourful berets, felt fedoras and faux furs will add a flamboyant glamour to your tweed suit.
The Scarf
This is where you should splash out on colour – but choose wisely. The right colour will lift your complexion giving a more youthful glow whilst the wrong colour can drain and age you. Luckily scarves come in an array of hues so it should be easy to find a shade to suit your colouring.
Don’t be afraid to add another print in to the mix, it creates interest, and prevents your outfit from becoming too matchy matchy. After all we don’t want to look as though we tried too hard to look this good.
The Boot
Boots are a good option for what to wear to Newcastle Racecourse for the winter races. They keep feet and legs warm on a chilly raceday and you could sneak on a pair of socks (no one will know). Heels on boots can be lower and chunkier without losing points on style – great when you are standing on your feet all day.
Plus if the weather is really bad and wet, somehow muddy boots don’t look half as bad as muddy shoes.
Ankle boots are perfect for both cold and milder days. Just add thicker tights and a pair of socks if the weather is cold. Also it gives you an opportunity to wear block coloured or patterned tights to brighten up your outfit.
Leather Gloves
Colourful leather gloves are an elegant accessory to an outfit and also will provide warmth. Match or contrast the colour with your handbag, hat or shoes; it doesn’t matter as the colours will make an impact.
The Umbrella
Don’t let your umbrella let you down in the fashion stakes, if it’s raining this will be on view for all to see. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just in good condition and complementing your outfit with its colour or print. A compact umbrella is a good choice so you can keep in your bag when the sun shines.
For the Gentlemen We Say…
The weather will be cold and chilly so wrap up warm in a a tweed suit and a smart overcoat.
The Overcoat
Experienced winter racegoers will emphasise how cold it can get when you spend the day outdoors, and this is where a warm overcoat will pay dividends.
Go for thick wool or a technical fabric that will withstand rain and wind. This is a good alternative to keep warm for those who prefer to wear a normal everyday suit rather than tweed. But if you like tweed and want to be extra cosy then make sure it is large enough to fit comfortably over your tweed suit.
A bright colour will make a statement for big occasions, while more neutral tones will blend in with any occasion and match most suits.
The Hat
A hat will help to keep your head warm and dry from the winter weather whilst adding a dapper flair. Go for the flat/Baker boy cap or a felt trilby hat. Flat caps complement a tweed suit and trilby an overcoat, but this is not set in sartorial stone.
The Scarf
Keep warm but also add a pop of colour to your outfit with a wool scarf. If you are wearing a plain neutral coat then this is a way to introduce a pattern and a bright colour. If you are wearing tweed or a patterned coat, then bring out one of the colours in the pattern. When considering what to wear to Newcastle Racecourse, it doesn’t have to be the same shade and it doesn’t have to be the dominant colour in the pattern.
Shoes and socks
Traditionally brogues are worn with tweed and they are also good for walking on soggy grass, after all this hardy shoe came from soggy origins. Originating in Scotland and Ireland, it started as a heavy untanned leather with perforations which were not for decoration but to allow water to drain from the shoes whilst walking through bogs and other wetlands. It became a country walking and sports shoe when the gentry saw the benefits and is ideal for the winter races.
Again another way to add personality and brighten your outfit is with a pair of colourful/patterned socks.
An alternative to the brogue is the smart boot providing more warmth and also more protection if you encounter any muddy puddles.
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
