Ireland · 5 outfits
What to wear to Irish 'Best Dressed Lady' competition
Covers any course.
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
Every Irish course that publishes a position says there is no official dress code and suggests smart casual, so 'Best Dressed Lady' is won on style, not rule-keeping. Published judging language: 'elegance, originality and attention to detail' and confidence (Galway 2026); 'lots of colour, head-to-toe glamour, and an outfit that has something a little bit different' (Ballinrobe 2026); a curated head-to-toe look and the story behind it, with credit for re-worn, borrowed, rented and Irish-designed pieces (Punchestown 2026). Judges usually walk the enclosure and pick finalists; several contests need no entry form.
Outfit 1
Head-to-toe colour
- Dresses
- one-colour midi dress or co-ord
- Headwear
- hat in the same or a deliberate contrast colour
- Shoes
- matching or contrast block heels
- Bags
- small bag picking up the hat colour
- Accessories
- gloves or a belt as the detail
Why it passes. Colour and head-to-toe glamour are what judges have said they look for.
On the day. Have a coat that is part of the look; most contests are judged outdoors.
What regulars wear. Marietta Doran and Mandy Maher judge many of these contests; a hat from a named Irish milliner (Carol Kennelly, Fiona Rafter, Wendy Louise) is the norm among finalists.
Outfit 2
Something different
- Suiting
- tailored trousers and a statement jacket or cape
- Headwear
- unusual shape: disc, turban or self-made piece
- Shoes
- flats or low heels
- Jewellery
- one strong piece
Why it passes. Originality is named in the Galway and Ballinrobe judging comments.
On the day. Works in any weather.
What regulars wear. Killarney's 2026 winner made her own glass hat; self-made and re-trimmed hats win regularly.
Outfit 3
Re-worn and rented
- Dresses
- rented designer dress or a charity-shop find
- Headwear
- hired headpiece
- Shoes
- shoes you can stand in for six hours
- Bags
- vintage bag
Why it passes. Second-hand and rented outfits won at Cork (a Vinted suit) and Killarney (a rented dress) in 2026, and Punchestown made re-wear its theme.
On the day. Check the rental fits with a layer underneath.
What regulars wear. LaBelle, Happy Days and Border Boutique Hire rent race wear; Alison Roe and Ailish McElroy hire hats by post.
Common mistakes
- No hat at all (almost every finalist wears one)
- Leaving early: finalists are called on stage mid-afternoon
- Copying last year's winner instead of adding 'something a little bit different'
- Shoes you cannot walk the enclosure in
Men
The dress code
Several Irish courses now run a men's prize: Punchestown's gentlemen's prize (fit, tailoring, attention to detail), Killarney's Best Dressed Gent (a trip to Milan in 2026), Kilbeggan's Best Dressed Guy, Listowel's Best Dressed Man and Leopardstown's men's category at the Irish Champions Festival. No course sets a dress rule for men in general admission.
Outfit 1
The fitted suit
- Suiting
- two- or three-piece suit, altered to fit
- Accessories
- tie, pocket square, considered socks
- Shoes
- polished leather shoes
- Headwear
- optional trilby or panama
Why it passes. Fit and attention to detail are the stated criteria at Punchestown.
On the day. Carry an overcoat or mac according to season.
What regulars wear. Killarney's 2026 Best Dressed Gent wore a white Louis Copeland suit with an off-white hat and handmade shoes.
Outfit 2
Tweed with personality
- Suiting
- Donegal tweed jacket and waistcoat with contrasting trousers
- Accessories
- knitted tie, tweed cap
- Shoes
- brogue boots
Why it passes. Individuality and race-day style are what Kilbeggan says its contest celebrates.
On the day. Right for spring, autumn and winter meetings.
Common mistakes
- An unaltered off-the-peg suit
- Novelty ties and stag-party outfits on a judged day
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: galwayraces.com, kilbegganraces.com