How Fashion Became a Staple of Horse Racing Events

Horse racing is typically at the heart of some of the biggest social events on the calendar. 

While long-time and passionate viewers of the sport will be looking at the runners and odds available for month in preparation for the biggest events on the calendar, others will have more of an interest on their outfit for the day. FIND more at https://www.twinspires.com/offers/

Fashion is now a focal point when it comes to the notable dates, with meetings such as the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot gaining a life of their own away from the action taking place on the track. 

But, what is the history of fashion at the racing, and how is it as important as ever in this modern day? 

Origins of Fashion at the Races

Horse racing has long had an association with the upper-class, with only those at the highest standing in day-to-day life typically being seen at the racing during the 18th century. 

However, there were similar dress codes during that period as there is when attending modern day racing events. Those attending would be expected to wear formal dress, while outfits that were elegant and modest were essential. 

While the dress code has been adapted throughout history, most of the requirements that must be taken into account to attend Royal Ascot remain in tact. 

Statement Dressing

Horse racing is one of the few sports that has had the power to transcend a movement, and that was visible during the Edwardian Era. 

Statement dressing became much more prominent during this period, and that was reflected by the outfits that could be seen at the racing. Instead of the traditional outfits that were evident in the 18th century, during this period, lavish gowns and extravagant hats were prominent. 

The success of this was reflected based on the outfits of members of the Royal Family, with King Charles still attending Royal Ascot to this day. 

The sophisticated style of dress during the Edwardian Era played a significant role in the rules and regulations that can be found in the dress codes for some of the biggest events in the diary in this modern era. 

Movement Toward Elegance

A freedom to express yourself was reflected at the racetrack during the 1920s and 1930s. Women had a greater sense of importance and freedom following the First World War, which led to a creative output in their outfit choices when going to the track. 

This was found with the bobbed haircuts and flapper-style dresses that could be found at the racing during this period. It was during this period that younger women would turn their back on the traditional outfits, as an emerging number opted for fashion that was typically restricted previously. 

A big impact on this came during the Hollywood glamour era, as feathered fascinators and fedora hats began to appear more frequently at the racetrack. Both would seamlessly pass the test of time, as both options are still apparent at some of the biggest meetings on the calendar to this day. 

Brighter Colours and Expansive Styles

There is a clear influence on bright colours and expansive styles when attending the racing in this modern era, and that is very apparent when you consider some of the standout outfits at the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. 

Bright colours were something that Racegoers would typically avoid during the 18th and 19th century, but they are widely encouraged in this modern era. The first signs of colour on the racecourse can be dated back to the 1980s and 90s when the disco and punk movements were in full force. 

This enabled visitors to embrace their own styles, while Racegoers were free to embrace the diversity. Bright colours create an eccentric back drop to some of the biggest racing days on the calendar nowadays, with bright shades of pink, purple, and blue typically found at U.S. tracks throughout the year. 

Moving Into A New Generation

Fashion is constantly an evolving sector, meaning that the outfits found on track are likely to change once again over the coming years. In this modern day, social media stars have the power to move the needle on their own, and they will likely create the next fashion crave that will be found on the race track in the coming years. 

A key trend that many are opting to follow in recent years revolves around sustainability, with ethical fashion being a key theme when putting together outfits. Therefore, fashion could one day soon go back to the 18th century with fresh takes on the out-dated looks.