United Kingdom · 6 outfits
What to wear to York Racecourse
Covers Dante Festival, John Smith's Cup, Ebor Festival.
Outfits built to the dress code as the racecourse states it, with the reason each one passes.
where you are standing
County Stand
Women
The dress code
There is no formal dress code for ladies. Most choose to dress up - 'think wedding guest attire' - with dresses, high heels and hats or fascinators.
Outfit 1
Wedding-guest midi and statement hat
- Dresses
- Fitted midi dress in a bold colour
- Headwear
- Large hat or sculptural headpiece
- Shoes
- Block-heel court
- Bags
- Clutch
Why it passes. No rule; matches York's own guidance.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. Enter the Ebor Fashion Lawn catwalk - Best Hat has been judged by milliner Georgina Durdy.
Outfit 2
Tailored suit
Why it passes. No rule.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. Tailoring has grown on Ladies Day.
Outfit 3
Coat and dress for the Dante
- Dresses
- Long-sleeve crepe dress
- Outerwear
- Tailored wool coat
- Headwear
- Felt or sinamay percher
- Shoes
- Closed-toe heel
Why it passes. No rule; dresses for May weather.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. Mid-May is cool in York.
Common mistakes
- Stilettos on the lawns
- Under-dressing: the County Stand is very dressed-up on Ladies Day
Men
The dress code
Gentlemen must wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie. Short-sleeved shirts, bow ties, cravats and dress shorts are accepted, as are trainers and jeans. The rule may be relaxed in a heatwave and is relaxed for the September Sunday meeting.
Outfit 1
Three-piece
- Suiting
- Navy or check three-piece suit
- Accessories
- Collared shirt, tie
- Shoes
- Brogues
Why it passes. Jacket, collar and tie.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. The Yorkshire default.
Outfit 2
Blazer, bow tie and chinos
- Suiting
- Blazer, chinos
- Accessories
- Collared shirt, bow tie
- Shoes
- Loafers
Why it passes. Bow ties are expressly accepted.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. Enter Best Dressed Gentleman on the Fashion Lawn.
Outfit 3
Hot-day version
- Suiting
- Linen jacket, tailored dress shorts
- Accessories
- Short-sleeved collared shirt, tie
- Shoes
- Smart trainers
Why it passes. Short sleeves, dress shorts and trainers are all accepted provided jacket, collar and tie are worn.
On the day. The Knavesmire is flat grass; August 13-21°C, May 8-16°C - bring a coat for the Dante.
What regulars wear. Check York's social media for heatwave relaxations.
Common mistakes
- No tie
- No jacket
- Collarless shirt
Race days this covers
- Dante Festival - Dante Day (Thursday) · Thu 13 May 2027
- Dante Festival - Yorkshire Cup Day (Friday) · Fri 14 May 2027
- 56th Macmillan Charity Raceday · Sat 12 June 2027
- 68th John Smith's Cup · Sat 10 July 2027
- Ebor Festival - Ladies Day (Yorkshire Oaks Day, Thursday) · Thu 19 Aug 2027
- Ebor Festival - Nunthorpe Day (Friday) · Fri 20 Aug 2027
- Ebor Festival - Ebor Day (Saturday) · Sat 21 Aug 2027
Dress codes change. Check the racecourse's own page before you go: yorkracecourse.co.uk