Denmark / Sweden / Norway · 7 outfits
What to wear to Scandinavian Derby days
Covers Dansk Derby, Svenskt Derby, Norsk Derby.
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
Klampenborg (Dansk Derby): no dress requirements, but a tradition of dressing well: at least smart casual, 'Dress to Impress'; hats are a tradition ('Less is More'); men are encouraged to wear a suit; Best Dressed Woman, Man and Couple are judged. Jägersro (Svenskt Derby): no code; a free hat parade with classes for most elegant, most creative and best children's hat. Øvrevoll (Norsk Derby): no published code; a traditional hat parade.
Outfit 1
Copenhagen Derby evening
- Dresses
- Well-cut midi dress in a single colour or a hand-painted print
- Headwear
- Small, restrained hat or headpiece
- Shoes
- Block heels
- Outerwear
- Tailored coat for the evening
- Bags
- Small handbag
- Accessories
- Sunglasses
Why it passes. Klampenborg lists hats, dresses, heels, handbags and sunglasses as the popular choices, and advises 'Less is More' on hats.
On the day. The Derby is run at 19:25; by then it is cool by the Øresund.
Outfit 2
Jägersro: Mest Eleganta Hatt
- Headwear
- Classic elegant hat: brimmed straw or sinamay disc
- Dresses
- Summer dress or skirt suit chosen to serve the hat
- Shoes
- Low heels
Why it passes. 'Det enda du behöver är en hatt': the elegant class is judged on the hat.
On the day. Register inside the entrance between 15:30 and 16:45.
Outfit 3
Jägersro: Mest Kreativa Hatt
Why it passes. The creative class rewards imagination rather than cost.
On the day. Finals are on a stage in the home straight.
What regulars wear. A family tradition; there is a children's class too.
Outfit 4
Øvrevoll Derbydagen
- Dresses
- Dress with sleeves or a dress and jacket
- Headwear
- Hat pinned against the wind
- Shoes
- Closed shoes
- Outerwear
- Light coat
Why it passes. No code; the hat parade is the tradition.
On the day. Late August near Oslo is 10–19°C.
Common mistakes
- Under-dressing for a cool evening
- At Klampenborg, an oversized hat when the house advice is restraint
Men
The dress code
Klampenborg (Dansk Derby): no dress requirements, but a tradition of dressing well: at least smart casual, 'Dress to Impress'; hats are a tradition ('Less is More'); men are encouraged to wear a suit; Best Dressed Woman, Man and Couple are judged. Jägersro (Svenskt Derby): no code; a free hat parade with classes for most elegant, most creative and best children's hat. Øvrevoll (Norsk Derby): no published code; a traditional hat parade.
Outfit 1
The suit
- Suiting
- Slim summer suit in navy, light grey or tan
- Accessories
- Shirt, tie or open neck, pocket square
- Shoes
- Brown leather shoes
Why it passes. 'Mænd ser godt ud i jakkesæt'; a suit is what Best Dressed Man is judged on.
On the day. Bring a layer for the evening.
Outfit 2
Hat-parade entry
Why it passes. The Jägersro parade is open to all: only a hat is needed.
On the day. As above.
Outfit 3
Smart casual minimum
Why it passes. Klampenborg's stated minimum is smart casual.
On the day. Fine for ordinary race days.
What regulars wear. The everyday look.
Common mistakes
- Shorts and trainers on Derby day (not banned, but out of place)
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: galopbane.dk