What to wear to the derby
The Derby is the perfect reason to bring out your finest and most stylish clothing.
Grandstand Enclosure
There is no official dress code in the Grandstand enclosure at The Derby. We encourage our racegoers to come “dressed to feel your best”.
From bright and bold to subtle and sophisticated. This is racing’s most spectacular carnival, after all.
All our guests are invited to enter the Style Awards – a chance to celebrate your individual style and win some great prizes!
Please Note:
- Fancy dress: please avoid inappropriate or offensive outfits, as anything deemed vulgar or derogatory may be refused entry.
- Sports clothes: team colours are not permitted, please refrain from wearing team kits when attending the The Derby.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAND ENCLOSURE
While the rest of our racecourse follows our “dress to feel your best” guidance, The Queen Elizabeth II Stand does have a smart dress code in place on Derby Day.
DERBY DAY
While the rest of our racecourse follows our “dress to feel your best” guidance, The Queen Elizabeth II Stand does have a dress code in place on Derby Day. We believe that it is in keeping with the event to reserve an area for those who wish to wear Morning Dress on Derby Day, in the same way there are areas all over the racecourse and on The Hill in the middle of track, where people have been encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, however informal, since the race was first run in 1780.
- Either black or grey morning dress with a top hat, service dress or full national costume is obligatory on Derby Day.
- You must wear formal day dress or a tailored tro suit, with a hat or fascinator.
- This dress code applies to both Queen Elizabeth II Stand ticket holders and Queen Elizabeth II Stand Hospitality guests.
ING US IN HOSPITALITY?
While the rest of our racecourse follows our “dress to feel your best” guidance, The Queen Elizabeth II Stand does have a dress code in place on Derby Day.
DERBY DAY
- Either black or grey morning dress with a top hat, service dress or full national costume is obligatory on Derby Day.
- You must wear formal day dress or a tailored tro suit, with a hat or substantial fascinator.
- Children should be dressed appropriately.
OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO DRESS CODES
- The Racecourse may at its discretion implement a dress code for a particular race day, for specific enclosures on race days and/or any other areas of the Racecourse where a particular dress code is required.
- All attendees must comply with the dress code for each race day, for each enclosure and/or any other areas of the racecourse where a dress code may be in force from time to time.
- The racecourse reserves the right to vary the dress code at its discretion for specific areas/enclosures on race days and/or any other areas of the racecourse where a particular dress code is required.
- The racecourse reserves the right to refuse an attendee access to any area of the Racecourse where a dress code is in force with which the attendee is not complying.
Outer enclosures
There is no official dress code in Lonsdale, Upper Tattenham and Family Festival enclosures at The Derby. We encourage our racegoers to come “dressed to feel your best”. From bright and bold to subtle and sophisticated. This is racing’s most spectacular carnival, after all
Ladies Day Style Awards
The Style Awards will take place on Ladies Day on Friday 2 June 2023. Take a look at the winners from 2022 here.
The Grandstand
The Grandstand Enclosure is set at the heart of the action, experience the famous electic atmosphere as the horses gallop past you down the finishing toward the Winning Post.
Plan Your Day
All the useful information you need to help plan your day at The Derby Festival, including key timings, what to wear, how to get here and more.