le: Men's Fashion At The Races

One of the reasons that horse racing can be such an interesting sport is that its signature contests are often as much about the spectators as they are about the horses, trainers, and owners competing. This is because of the close link between the sport of horse racing and the world of fashion. Mostly, this link is discussed with regard to women, whose oversized hats, bright sundresses, and flashy accessories typically steal the show. But male racegoers are just as focused on the style aspect, so here are a few tips regarding menswear at the races.

First and foremost, don't shy away from layering up. With so much of the women's fashion spotlight at horse races emphasizing light, playful attire, there may be a temptation to dress down somewhat. But going with layers lets you start with a sharp look and adjust to the weather accordingly, which is crucial for outdoor sporting events. This is particularly true of the spring races in the UK. Just last year, Menswear Style posted a list of tips and recommendations for men attending the Cheltenham Festival (which takes place March 10-13). It touched on the need for layering due to unpredictable weather, ultimately recommending tweed or wax jackets, or a wool overcoat.

Also mentioned in the Menswear Style article is that men, too, tend to opt for stylish hats at major races. While they're not as flamboyant or colorful as the ladies' hats (usually), they're still perfect complements to a well-tailored suit and sharp overall outfit. Using Cheltenham as a reference once more, Betfair's early analysis of this year's festival even shows a glimpse of the trainers getting in on this aspect of race day fashion. You can view the full range of Cheltenham coverage and previews here, but it's the image of renowned trainer Willie Mullins sporting a fedora that's particularly relevant from a fashion perspective. Even though it's on a trainer and not a spectator, this is a nice example of the understated, classy, and no ticeable hats a lot of men opt for at the races.

Past these tips, most menswear style advice for horse races is relatively straightforward. Groom yourself well, make sure your belt, shoes, and possibly watch band match, and have your suit tailored. These aren't tips exclusive to a day at the races, but they certainly tend to apply to the men who stand out as the best dressed. Working in combination with the tips above, they'll have you set up for a perfect race day look.