United Kingdom · 5 outfits
What to wear to Betfred Derby Festival - Derby Day
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
Queen Elizabeth II Stand
Women
The dress code
On Derby Day you must wear formal day dress or a tailored trouser suit, with a hat or fascinator (hospitality wording: 'substantial fascinator'). Applies to ticket holders and hospitality guests in the stand.
Outfit 1
Formal day dress and hat
- Dresses
- Structured knee-length or midi day dress with sleeves
- Headwear
- Brimmed hat
- Shoes
- Court shoe with block heel
- Bags
- Top-handle bag
Why it passes. Formal day dress plus a hat - both elements of the rule.
On the day. First Saturday of June on the Downs: 11-21°C, exposed and breezy; lawn in front of the stand is grass.
What regulars wear. The men around you are in morning dress - match that formality.
Outfit 2
Tailored trouser suit
- Suiting
- Tailored trouser suit in cream or pastel
- Headwear
- Substantial fascinator or percher on a base
- Shoes
- Pointed pump
Why it passes. A tailored trouser suit is named; headwear is 'substantial'.
On the day. Trousers suit the wind.
What regulars wear. Pin the hat - the Downs are gusty.
Outfit 3
Coat dress
- Dresses
- Silk-wool coat dress, calf length
- Headwear
- Saucer hat
- Accessories
- Gloves optional
- Shoes
- Slingback
Why it passes. Formal day dress with hat.
On the day. Warm enough without a coat.
What regulars wear. Royal-procession-day formality.
Common mistakes
- Small clip fascinator (hospitality rule says substantial)
- Casual sundress
- Assuming the code applies on Ladies Day - it is Derby Day only
Men
The dress code
Either black or grey morning dress with a top hat, service dress or full national costume is obligatory on Derby Day.
Outfit 1
Black morning coat
- Suiting
- Black morning coat, striped trousers, buff or grey waistcoat
- Accessories
- Collared shirt and tie
- Headwear
- Black top hat
- Shoes
- Black Oxford
Why it passes. Black morning dress with top hat is the rule.
On the day. Breezy; hold your hat.
What regulars wear. Same kit as Royal Ascot's Royal Enclosure a fortnight later.
Outfit 2
Grey morning suit
- Suiting
- Grey three-piece morning suit
- Headwear
- Grey top hat
- Accessories
- Pastel tie
- Shoes
- Black Oxford
Why it passes. Grey is the other permitted colour.
On the day. Cooler in sun.
What regulars wear. Hire is common (Moss).
Common mistakes
- Navy morning coat - Epsom specifies black or grey only
- Lounge suit
- No top hat
Race days this covers
- Betfred Derby Festival - Derby Day · Sat 5 June 2027
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: thejockeyclub.co.uk