hether it be for the whirlwind (yet lively) thrill of thundering hooves and the accompanying athletic spectacle, the traditionally genteel social scene and variably picturesque atmosphere, or the specialized fine dining that innately (or perhaps insatiably) attracts you to both the glamour and sartorial pomp and circumstance surrounding the professional horse racing scene, it certainly goes without saying that the enduring draws of the “Sport of Kings” are indeed alive and well whilst its legacy and influential (cultural) merit remains in tact (and as popular as ever) for good reason: there is simply nothing truly like it.
Now that having been said, you’d certainly be forgiven for harbouring the popular, seemingly prevalent belief that the majority of the connotative sartorial cachet (as well as distinguishing decadence) attributed to the racecourse is of the peculiar sort whose deep roots have been seeded (and nurtured) in the exclusively chic and fashionable court of the opposite sex (read: our better halves). Of course that is all fine and well seeing as the ladies are indeed offered centre stage due in no small part to their (often overly outlandish) hats — which are measured for appropriate width/height at certain meets/events — and all manner of eye-catching (spring/summer) dresses.
Howbeit, that reality in itself certainly does not mean that we gentlemen should simply stylishly dial it in as it were; On the contrary we too should be willing to rise to the occasion in due course of putting on a tastefully considered aesthetic display that is on par with ladies in a like-minded manner that is at once both charming and endearingly handsome in its signature execution.
And so it is with that ideal in mind that this feature was fashioned and its contents curated upon — to dispel any such prevailing notion, outdated precept, or presumptive (sartorially aloof) reasoning.
Be that as it may (and your opinion as it rests), what you will become privy to as you further peruse this feature is that of the sort of proper outfit inspiration and sartorial know-how that will all but ensure that you arrive cutting a respectfully charming (dress code apropos) dash whether you are destined for more casual racing affairs such as the Kentucky Derby or rather that of more formally distinguished meets the likes of the Royal Ascot.
And the simple, (not so secret) skeleton key to it all (no matter the destination/event): paying heed to maintaining proper (social) decorum at all times erstwhile endeavouring to adhering to (and fully embracing) any prevailing traditional dress code that have come to either be expected (often in unwritten and unsanctioned form) or prescribed from one event to the next.
Howbeit, that reality in itself certainly does not mean that we gentlemen should simply stylishly dial it in as it were; On the contrary we too should be willing to rise to the occasion in due course of putting on a tastefully considered aesthetic display that is on par with ladies in a like-minded manner that is at once both charming and endearingly handsome in its signature execution.
And so it is with that ideal in mind that this feature was fashioned and its contents curated upon — to dispel any such prevailing notion, outdated precept, or presumptive (sartorially aloof) reasoning.
Be that as it may (and your opinion as it rests), what you will become privy to as you further peruse this feature is that of the sort of proper outfit inspiration and sartorial know-how that will all but ensure that you arrive cutting a respectfully charming (dress code apropos) dash whether you are destined for more casual racing affairs such as the Kentucky Derby or rather that of more formally distinguished meets the likes of the Royal Ascot.
And the simple, (not so secret) skeleton key to it all (no matter the destination/event): paying heed to maintaining proper (social) decorum at all times erstwhile endeavouring to adhering to (and fully embracing) any prevailing traditional dress code that have come to either be expected (often in unwritten and unsanctioned form) or prescribed from one event to the next.
From traditional English cultural linchpins such as the previously mentioned Royal Ascot (the jewel of the English flat racing season crown), the Grand National, Glorious Goodwood and the prestigious Epsom (Investec) Derby through that of the American Triple Crown and its famous Kentucky Derby, each respective meet and racecourse (as such) arrives with a distinguishing sense of sartorial expectation that in kind requires one to be steadfast in his dedicated pursuit to following its uniquely accompanied levels of prescribed formality, social civility, and proper (cultural/occasional) etiquette.
We are, after all, discussing perennial, socially revered, culturally institutionalized pillar events whose centuries old legacies and enduring heritage draw have arguably remained untainted, (structurally) unadulterated and fashionably stoic in the face of generations of — political, social and cultural — change.
Howbeit, you could say that it is a feat in itself that to this day these meets — and specifically the four highlighted below — remain as eagerly anticipated (as well as worldly renowned) for their fashion and social scenes as they are for their athletic demonstrations of equestrian elegance, prowess and agility.
Romantic in their endearing essence some would say, and it is as such that I do like to imagine that it is indeed a gentleman’s prerogative to carry on said legacy and to ensure its persists for generations to come by means of simply adhering to the (strict) fashionable dictates that have come to define each respective event (read: don't challenge them). Why? Because always dressing appropriately (and acting accordingly) is a must as there is nothing more frowned upon then of a gent who arrives carelessly (and distastefully) wearing the wrong attire (drunken stupors being a near second).
We are, after all, discussing perennial, socially revered, culturally institutionalized pillar events whose centuries old legacies and enduring heritage draw have arguably remained untainted, (structurally) unadulterated and fashionably stoic in the face of generations of — political, social and cultural — change.
Howbeit, you could say that it is a feat in itself that to this day these meets — and specifically the four highlighted below — remain as eagerly anticipated (as well as worldly renowned) for their fashion and social scenes as they are for their athletic demonstrations of equestrian elegance, prowess and agility.
Romantic in their endearing essence some would say, and it is as such that I do like to imagine that it is indeed a gentleman’s prerogative to carry on said legacy and to ensure its persists for generations to come by means of simply adhering to the (strict) fashionable dictates that have come to define each respective event (read: don't challenge them). Why? Because always dressing appropriately (and acting accordingly) is a must as there is nothing more frowned upon then of a gent who arrives carelessly (and distastefully) wearing the wrong attire (drunken stupors being a near second).
In that regard, and in transitioning into touching upon specialized dress codes, it is of particular note that most racecourses (i.e. meets) DO NOT indeed have a strict formal dress code per se with but a few exceptions to the contrary — the Royal Ascot and the Epsom Downs Derby (amongst select others) being prime example. However, most (at the least) still expect that you dress appropriately for the day whilst considering the nature of both the environment in which will see the days action through and the company you will be keeping it astride all the while.
Having said that, there are arguably 4 widely accepted, properly structured race day looks that a gentleman can turn to with unfettered confidence. They are as follow:
Having said that, there are arguably 4 widely accepted, properly structured race day looks that a gentleman can turn to with unfettered confidence. They are as follow:
Simple enough (and quite effortless to adopt) to be sure, but to save you from any possible embarrassment I imagine it would be prudent to highlight a few fashionable faux pas’ as well including the fact that it is never appropriate — under any circumstance — to wear (sports) shorts, denim, sleeveless vests, graphic t-shirts, hoodies nor trainers (or any like-minded athleisure or sportswear) to any meet lest you desire being immediately turned away at the gate or fancy putting a stain upon your personal sartorial cachet and character for years to come.
Moreover, and a final note styling note, it is also quite common for a gentlemen to echo the colour palette of their consort(s) so that their (couples) appearance is one that tastefully compliments (rather then crassly contrasts) the other.
As such, and in any variable sartorial permutation therein, discretion is certainly the word of the occasion (above all else) while discerning sartorial tact is the ideal fashionable discourse to adopt.
So, whether it be full-on tops and tails, smart seersucker separates or relaxed and sophisticatedly chic Panama hats (read: the international sign of a good day out.), here’s how to flatteringly attire yourself so as too celebrate the racing season in proper style whilst you fastidiously endeavour to keeping your wits about you at all times no matter which picturesque locale or form of athletic (and social) pleasantry awaits.
Being well dressed, after all, requires a certain level of patina, cultivated taste and sound sartorial know-how, all three of which (when it comes to attending a race meet) you will become better attuned to and acquainted with below…
Moreover, and a final note styling note, it is also quite common for a gentlemen to echo the colour palette of their consort(s) so that their (couples) appearance is one that tastefully compliments (rather then crassly contrasts) the other.
As such, and in any variable sartorial permutation therein, discretion is certainly the word of the occasion (above all else) while discerning sartorial tact is the ideal fashionable discourse to adopt.
So, whether it be full-on tops and tails, smart seersucker separates or relaxed and sophisticatedly chic Panama hats (read: the international sign of a good day out.), here’s how to flatteringly attire yourself so as too celebrate the racing season in proper style whilst you fastidiously endeavour to keeping your wits about you at all times no matter which picturesque locale or form of athletic (and social) pleasantry awaits.
Being well dressed, after all, requires a certain level of patina, cultivated taste and sound sartorial know-how, all three of which (when it comes to attending a race meet) you will become better attuned to and acquainted with below…
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| Whether by way of town or country, the racetrack is what some would call a socially driven fortress of (tasteful) sartorial sensibility whose exquisite marriage of endearing heritage charm, highly cultivated style, and eloquent equestrian athletics is something that should (and can) be taken in by all levels and facets of society — it is a truly unique experience to behold and take in. Reflectively smart and fastidiously considered so as to best channel the signature level of pomp and circumstance surrounding each revered meet outlined above, the collection of curated outfits resting before you today were (first-and-foremost) fashioned to adhere to the respectively prescribed (and static) dress code of the event in question yet nevertheless can be worn outside of these preordained social confines (throughout the spring/summer season) should you fancy a sophisticated array of versatile formal looks (save that of full morning dress of course) that will play off just as well in a professional environment as they will casually (if you are the sort who CHOOSES to wear formalwear at all times that is). | : A Kentucky Derby (Costumed) Look : Seersucker sports coat. loud bow-tie, suede monks, O.C.B.D shirt., gingham & a straw boater — the (cliched) hallmarks of the Kentucky Derby |
All that having been said, and in due course of putting a stamp on this features affairs, it must be noted once again that the highly venerated horse racing circuit (and accompanying social season) has become one unmistakably as renowned (if not more so) for its connotative fashion sense and social glamor as it is for its thunderous action and competitive display of athletic prowess (read: so don't scrimp on your style).
Be that as it may, and from the old world (i.e. Europe) to the new (i.e. North America) as well as from draconian sartorial regulations and rules to those in which are often both unwritten and unspoken (yet religiously adhered to nonetheless), I do believe that that in which you were just privy to today should all but guarantee that you are indeed dressed to impress no matter the history, (geographical) locale, or stipulated expectation in dress of the peculiar racecourse in which calls out your name this season.
And so it is to that, as well as to a wardrobe that is as coveted as the racing glory up for grabs itself, that I will tip my glass to an experience whose unique sense of theatre, style and social prestige is as charmingly intoxicating as the endearing sense of romance, lush green rolling hills and picturesque (often country) scenery attributed to any such immaculate event.
Beyond that, I do dare say that all in which may well remain is whether you prefer sipping a Mint Julep, a Pimm’s or a flute of champagne whilst you take in the action…
Be that as it may, and from the old world (i.e. Europe) to the new (i.e. North America) as well as from draconian sartorial regulations and rules to those in which are often both unwritten and unspoken (yet religiously adhered to nonetheless), I do believe that that in which you were just privy to today should all but guarantee that you are indeed dressed to impress no matter the history, (geographical) locale, or stipulated expectation in dress of the peculiar racecourse in which calls out your name this season.
And so it is to that, as well as to a wardrobe that is as coveted as the racing glory up for grabs itself, that I will tip my glass to an experience whose unique sense of theatre, style and social prestige is as charmingly intoxicating as the endearing sense of romance, lush green rolling hills and picturesque (often country) scenery attributed to any such immaculate event.
Beyond that, I do dare say that all in which may well remain is whether you prefer sipping a Mint Julep, a Pimm’s or a flute of champagne whilst you take in the action…
Share your thoughts, musings & anecdotes…
Are you a fan of the races? If so, which do you like to frequent on a perennial basis and how do you prefer to dress whilst doing so?
Share below or on social media should you please…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Share below or on social media should you please…
ENJOYED THE READ? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
| ~ THE ROYAL ASCOT ~ * Check Linen Suit (Suitsupply or Topman) * Silk Tie (Suitsupply) * Straw Panama Hat (Barbisio) * Club-Collar Dress Shirt (Suitsupply) * Suede Tassel Loafers (Topman) * Linen Pocket Square (Armstrong & Wilson) * Tortoiseshell Glasses (Bespoke Dudes) * Milanese Band Watch (Leonard & Church) ~ KENTUCKY DERBY ~ * Checked Sports Coat (Eredi Del Duca)) * Straw Boater (Hickey Freeman) * Cotton Fitted Chinos (New Look) * Equestrian Slippers (Stubbs & Wootton) * Band-Collar Shirt (Club Monaco) * Pocket Square * Polka-Dot Braces (Mango) |  | ~ GOODWOOD FESTIVAL ~ * Sports Coat (French Connection) * White Linen Trouser (Private White V.C.) * Band-Collar Shirt (Mango) * Panama Hat (Borsalino) * Rafia Venetian Loafers (Casablanca1942) * Cream Waistcoat (River Island) * 50s' Tortoiseshell Sunnies (Topman) * Lightweight Linen Scarf (Liu Jo) ~ EPSOM DOWNS ~ * Linen Check Suit (Suitsupply) * Panama Hat (Borsalino) * Semi-Spread Dress Shirt (Gant) * Knit Tie (Brooks Brothers) * Suede Tassel Loafers (Edward Greene) * Linen Pocket Square (Eton) * D.B. Linen Waistcoat (Gran Sasso) * Rose-Gold Watch (Huawei) |
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