Ireland · 5 outfits
What to wear to Galway Races Ladies Day
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
General admission
Women
The dress code
Galway Races: 'Although there is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, smart casual attire is usually a safe option.' Thursday (Ladies Day) and Friday are the club's named fashion days, with a EUR 10,000 Best Dressed Lady prize and a Best Hat prize on Thursday. Nothing is compulsory and nothing is banned; the club asks you to check the forecast. Online entrants must wear the same outfit they submitted.
Outfit 1
The competition look
- Dresses
- midi dress with sleeves in a strong single colour, structured crepe, hem below the knee
- Headwear
- sculpted statement hat or large percher, secured with elastic and a comb
- Shoes
- block-heel court shoes
- Bags
- small top-handle bag
- Outerwear
- matching or tonal tailored coat carried for showers
Why it passes. No rule to break; this is built for the judging, which in 2026 praised elegance, originality, attention to detail and confidence.
On the day. Ballybrit is exposed and often showery: block heels for grass and tarmac, a coat that belongs to the outfit, a hat that is anchored.
What regulars wear. The 2026 winner wore a custom dress with a Fiona Rafter hat; Galway regulars commission from Emily Jean Atelier, Michelle Kearns or Caithriona King.
Outfit 2
Tailored two-piece
- Suiting
- trouser suit or skirt suit in a pastel or jewel tone, sharp shoulder, ankle-length trouser
- Headwear
- pillbox or boater worn at an angle
- Shoes
- slingbacks with a covered toe
- Jewellery
- bold earrings, little else
- Bags
- clutch with a strap
Why it passes. Smart casual is the stated safe option and tailoring sits comfortably above it; suits have won Irish best dressed titles in recent years.
On the day. Trousers handle wind and a wet seat better than a floaty skirt.
What regulars wear. A Roisin Linnane or Aoife McNamara suit with a Wendy Louise hat is a combination that has won at Punchestown.
Outfit 3
Friday's Most Stylish (re-worn)
- Dresses
- a dress you already own, restyled: belted, layered over a fine knit or under a blazer
- Accessories
- vintage scarf or brooch
- Headwear
- hired headpiece
- Shoes
- comfortable heeled ankle boots or wedges
- Bags
- pre-loved designer bag
Why it passes. Friday's competition looks for creative personal style built from accessible high-street pieces and items already owned.
On the day. Friday is an evening meeting (first race 5pm, last 8.40pm): bring a warm layer.
What regulars wear. Hire the hat from Ailish McElroy or Alison Roe, or the dress from Happy Days or LaBelle.
Common mistakes
- Stilettos that sink into grass
- No coat or wrap on a showery west-coast day
- An unsecured wide-brim hat in the Ballybrit wind
- Entering online then wearing a different outfit (the entry rules require the same one)
Men
The dress code
Galway Races: 'Although there is no official dress code at Irish racecourses, smart casual attire is usually a safe option.' Thursday (Ladies Day) and Friday are the club's named fashion days, with a EUR 10,000 Best Dressed Lady prize and a Best Hat prize on Thursday. Nothing is compulsory and nothing is banned; the club asks you to check the forecast. Online entrants must wear the same outfit they submitted.
Outfit 1
Summer suit
- Suiting
- two-piece suit in navy, mid-blue or light grey, lightweight wool or wool-linen
- Accessories
- patterned tie and pocket square
- Shoes
- tan or brown brogues
- Outerwear
- trench or mac in navy or stone
Why it passes. Well above the smart casual the club suggests; matches what Dublin tailors recommend for Galway.
On the day. Showers are likely: water-resistant outer layer, leather soles with grip.
What regulars wear. Louis Copeland's Galway Races guide suggests navy, grey or beige suits in light wool or linen blends; Hanley & Co on Williamsgate Street publishes a local guide.
Outfit 2
Blazer and chinos
- Suiting
- structured blazer in emerald, deep blue or burgundy
- Suiting
- stone or navy chinos
- Accessories
- open-neck patterned shirt or knitted polo, optional panama hat
- Shoes
- loafers or desert boots
Why it passes. This is the smart casual the club names as the safe option.
On the day. Loafers cope with a dry day; swap for boots if the forecast is wet.
What regulars wear. Galway shops such as Anthony Ryans and Hanley & Co stock this look ahead of race week.
Common mistakes
- Football jerseys and sportswear on Ladies Day
- A heavy winter suit in a July crowd
- No rain layer
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: galwayraces.com