April 2026
What to Wear to the Races
Get race day ready with MERABI, and embrace tradition, celebration, and head-turning fashion. While some events have embraced a more relaxed approach in recent years, prestigious occasions like Royal Ascot still uphold their iconic dress codes. It’s important to always check the specific outfit requirements for the races you plan to attend, as many events maintain guidelines around hemlines, straps, and even hat-wearing.
But whether you’re attending the Epsom Derby or hoping to turn heads on Ladies' Day, you can never go wrong with a refined midi dress or a sleek, tailored jumpsuit from NADINE MERABI. Read our ultimate guide on what to wear to the races this year and discover timeless looks designed to impress, whatever the occasion.
What to Wear to the Royal Ascot
Each enclosure at the Royal Ascot has its own dress code; it’s important to familiarise yourself with the one you’ll be visiting and adhere to its guidelines. While the dress code for this event is universally formal, the Royal Enclosure demands a higher level of formality. It requests midi dresses or skirts that fall just above the knee or below, like our JULIETTE Blue Dress and her powder blue lace fabrication; trouser suits of matching material and colour, like the RILEY Black Blazer with the matching CHARLOTTE Black Trousers; or jumpsuits that comply with the shoulder strap requirements (minimum one inch wide), like our KIMBERLY Black Jumpsuit.
The Queen Anne and Village enclosure dress codes are similar to the Royal’s, though they allow halter necklines and enforce no minimum dress length. You can opt for a mini dress like our ISLA Mint Dress and her bouclé-tweed fabrication and pearl-embellished straps or ELYSIA Gold and her tulip silhouette. Matching co-ords and jumpsuits are also accepted in these enclosures. Whatever piece you choose, don’t forget to complete the ensemble with a hat or fascinator.
What to Wear to the Cheltenham Races
Cheltenham Racecourse imposes no dress code, so you’ll be able to wear whatever you feel most confident in, – just check the forecast beforehand to ensure it is weather-appropriate. If you’re after a midi dress, our curated collection of midi dresses offers show-stopping options for the races and any other formal occasion on your calendar. Expertly crafted with high-end finishes and luxe detailing, these forever pieces ensure you stand out for all the right reasons. Our LORENA Floral Dress is perfect for outdoor formal occasions with her floral appliqué, corded lace and fishtail-flared hem. The LARISSA White Dress is another excellent contender, featuring a bold architectural square neckline and beaded embellishments.
If you're looking for something other than a dress, a jumpsuit offers a polished and comfortable alternative that still feels event-appropriate. They're ideal for standing out with ease, combining a tailored look with the effortlessness of a one-piece outfit. Our SLOANE Jumpsuit is a standout option, available in black or white; this elegant number features a mesh bodice with intricate beadwork, an asymmetrical waistline, and crepe trousers.
What to Wear to Grand National Festival
Like Cheltenham, Ainstree Grand National Festival doesn’t enforce a strict dress code, although it does favour smarter attire. On Ladies’ Day especially, it becomes a high-stakes fashion event, with guests showing off their most glamorous ensembles for the Style Awards. This is the perfect time to reach for bolder pieces you otherwise wouldn’t think of choosing: vibrant colours and patterns, like our SIMONE Pink Dress or SAFFRON Floral Dress; and bold embellishments, like the BELLA Black Jumpsuit or our STELLA Star Blazer, Corset Top, and matching trousers.