Germany · 5 outfits
What to wear to IDEE Deutsches Derby
Covers Hamburg-Horn.
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
All areas
Women
The dress code
Hamburger Renn-Club: 'Erlaubt ist, was gefällt.' Come as you would normally dress; dressing up is equally welcome; hats and ties are not required. On Derby day headwear 'belongs' for ladies and men in hats are welcome; the Hutwettbewerb is held on Derby day.
Outfit 1
Derby hat day
- Dresses
- Tailored knee-length or midi dress in a strong plain colour
- Headwear
- Substantial hat or sculptural headpiece
- Outerwear
- Trench coat
- Shoes
- Block-heel pumps
Why it passes. 'Bei den Ladies gehört der Kopfschmuck zum Derby'; the hat contest is the day's fashion event.
On the day. Hamburg in early July is 13–22°C, windy and often wet: a coat and a secure hat.
What regulars wear. Hanseatic understatement plus one bold hat; Berlin's Hut-Styler shops list race-day fascinators.
Outfit 2
Hat contest entry
- Headwear
- Original or self-made show hat
- Dresses
- Simple dress that lets the hat lead
- Shoes
- Comfortable heels
Why it passes. The Hutwettbewerb 'gehört genauso zum Derby wie die Vollblüter'.
On the day. Entry details are in the race programme on the day.
What regulars wear. There is a separate children's hat contest.
Outfit 3
Come as you are, smartly
- Suiting
- Dark jeans or trousers, blazer, silk blouse
- Headwear
- Felt or straw trilby
- Shoes
- Loafers or ankle boots
Why it passes. The club says jeans and T-shirt are fine; this is the smart version.
On the day. Practical for the other meeting days.
What regulars wear. The supporting days are casual.
Common mistakes
- Open sandals and no coat
- Assuming a dress code will keep jeans out: it will not
Men
The dress code
Hamburger Renn-Club: 'Erlaubt ist, was gefällt.' Come as you would normally dress; dressing up is equally welcome; hats and ties are not required. On Derby day headwear 'belongs' for ladies and men in hats are welcome; the Hutwettbewerb is held on Derby day.
Outfit 1
Derby suit and hat
- Suiting
- Navy or light grey suit
- Accessories
- Shirt, tie optional
- Headwear
- Panama or felt trilby
- Shoes
- Brown brogues
Why it passes. 'Männer mit Hut werden gerne gesehen'; ties are explicitly not required.
On the day. Carry a raincoat.
What regulars wear. Men's hats are a visible part of Derby day.
Outfit 2
Blazer
Why it passes. Within 'Erlaubt ist, was gefällt'.
On the day. Layer for wind.
What regulars wear. The Hamburg default.
Common mistakes
- None are enforced
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: galopp-hamburg.de