Ireland · 5 outfits
What to wear to Irish Champions Festival
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
General admission (Leopardstown and the Curragh)
Women
The dress code
Day one is at Leopardstown ('no dress code... we recommend smart casual attire and to dress for the weather'); day two at the Curragh ('no official dress code'; open and breezy, so longer dresses in heavier material or jumpsuits; vulgar or derogatory fancy dress may be refused). In 2025 Leopardstown ran 'Champion Style' with a men's made-to-measure suit prize, and the Curragh ran 'Rose & Runway'.
Outfit 1
Early-autumn colour
- Dresses
- long-sleeve midi dress in rust, emerald or berry, substantial fabric
- Headwear
- felt or velvet percher
- Shoes
- closed block heels
- Outerwear
- tailored coat
- Bags
- structured bag
Why it passes. Dressed for the weather as Leopardstown asks and in the heavier fabric the Curragh recommends.
On the day. Mid-September, about 9-16 C, cooling fast after 5pm.
What regulars wear. A Listowel-style headpiece from Carol Kennelly works at both courses.
Outfit 2
Sharp suiting
- Suiting
- trouser suit in a rich tone with a silk blouse
- Headwear
- fedora
- Shoes
- heeled loafers
- Jewellery
- gold hoops
Why it passes. Smart casual exceeded; suits both courses.
On the day. Trousers for the Curragh wind on Sunday.
Outfit 3
Rose & Runway Sunday
- Dresses
- jumpsuit or long dress in blush or rose
- Headwear
- neat headband or small hat
- Shoes
- wedges
- Outerwear
- trench
Why it passes. Follows the Curragh's jumpsuit/long dress advice and nods to the 2025 Sunday theme.
On the day. Open plain; keep everything anchored.
What regulars wear. Hire from Happy Days in Leopardstown, a few minutes from Saturday's course.
Common mistakes
- High-summer sinamay and sandals in mid-September
- One outfit for both days without a wind plan for the Curragh
Men
The dress code
Day one is at Leopardstown ('no dress code... we recommend smart casual attire and to dress for the weather'); day two at the Curragh ('no official dress code'; open and breezy, so longer dresses in heavier material or jumpsuits; vulgar or derogatory fancy dress may be refused). In 2025 Leopardstown ran 'Champion Style' with a men's made-to-measure suit prize, and the Curragh ran 'Rose & Runway'.
Outfit 1
Made-to-measure standard
- Suiting
- well-cut suit in navy, petrol or brown check
- Accessories
- tie and pocket square
- Shoes
- oxfords
- Outerwear
- light overcoat
Why it passes. The 2025 men's prize was a made-to-measure suit, so tailoring is what is looked for.
On the day. Cool evenings.
What regulars wear. Louis Copeland gave the 2025 prize.
Outfit 2
Autumn separates
- Suiting
- tweed or flannel jacket with wool trousers
- Accessories
- knitted tie
- Shoes
- brogues
Why it passes. Smart casual as recommended.
On the day. Warm enough for both days.
Common mistakes
- Shorts and trainers at Ireland's top flat meeting
- No coat for the Curragh
Race days this covers
- Irish Champions Festival - Day 1 (Leopardstown) · Sat 11 Sept 2027
- Irish Champions Festival - Day 2 (The Curragh) · Sun 12 Sept 2027
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: leopardstown.com