What to Wear at the Races

Although, there is no formal dress code at The Curragh racecourse, there is nothing like a race day to let your style shine and for you to enjoy the chance to dress up.

Join us at one of our style days at The Curragh racecourse in 2020. Style days combine great racing & fashion with some fantastic prizes available for ladies and gentlemen. As well as high style, you can guarantee to experience first-class racing.

Style competitions celebrate the age-old tradition of trackside style and celebrate modern trends, exuberant millinery and head-to-toe style and grooming. The Curragh has continued to evolve its style competitions to see them become highly anticipated events on the fashion social calendars for ladies and gentlemen, Take a look at the best dressed competition days for 2020 in which race-goers are actively encouraged to get involved and dress smart;

1. Saturday 18th July -Irish Oaks
2. Sunday 13th September - Longines Irish Champions Day 2

Gentlemen

There is no formal dress code in The Curragh racecourse but we recommend smart dress befitting of the occassion. Gentlemen usually wear a jacket with a collared shirt and tie but it is not compulsory wear ties or jackets. Smart casual is good and is the norm on most days. We encourage smart dress so feel free to dress up and enjoy the occasion.

For gentlemen, racewear may include:

• Hats
• Suits and tie
• Jackets and trousers or tailored shorts to the knee

What to wear - Ladies

If you're coming racing, get excited!  Racing & fashion go hand-in-hand, offering you one of the best opportunities to get dressed up and make the most of an occasion like no other. Ladies generally like to dress smart for the occassion. Whilst there is no formal dress code for ladies at The Curragh racecourse, it is advisable to dress accordingly for the occasion and the weather. Most people will be in raceday attire, i.e. suits and dresses with headpieces on major days.

• Pratical footwear - Sensible shoes need not be boring. Go for a thicker, block heel which stays on your foot without any effort. Whilst there is ample seating around The Curragh enclosure, race days include a lot of standing and some inevitable wandering between the parade ring, the track and hospitality areas.
• Statement sunglaasses - Great for going incognito, and for protecting your eyes from the sun’s rays, showy sunnies epitomise race day fashion.
• Layer up - It’s easy to forego a jacket when daydreaming about a super summery day on the track, but when the sun goes down or the Irish weather takes a turn, you’ll regret not bringing a warmer layer. There is a cloakroom in the information booth in The Champion's Hall where you can leave an extra layer.
• Clutch vs Shoulder Purse - Clutches are chic and often the perfect way to polish a classic race day outfit, but when you’re juggling a glass of bubbles, your betting stubs, and your phone, opt for a shoulder bag.

For ladies, racewear may include:

• Hats and fedoras, fascinators, headpieces including headbands, turbans and headscarves
• Elegant racewear including dresses, pantsuits, jumpsuits and culottes
• Wedges, heels or flats - comfortable for a day

Previous style winners at The Curragh racecourse

Kerrygold Irish Oaks Winner 2019 - Eimear Elsted from Newbridge

Judges; Ciara O’Doherty, Marty Morrissey and EVOKE.ie’s Sybil Mulcahy

The Kerrygold Fashions on the Field competition was open to both ladies and gentlemen & the top prize was a luxury weekend for two at the exclusive 5 Star Ballyfin Demesne worth €5000

Eimaear's outfit: ASOS stone-blue midi-dress with flower pattern detailing, a pair of gold heels from Penney’s, matching bag from TK Maxx & headpiece a golden crown hired from local shop Hat’s Amore.

Stores close to the Curragh Racecourse

Kildare Village, Kildare

Whitewarer Shopping Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

#Fashionsonthefield