There are few more enjoyable social events on the calendar than a day at the races. Horse racing attracts people from all walks of life, ranging from those with the deepest of pockets that can afford to buy luxury outfits to those that have slightly smaller budgets to work their outfit around.
However, the inclusive nature of the sport means that followers of all demographics are welcomed, and that is echoed by the stars that are at the top of the sport, with some beginning their careers in humble surroundings.
Part of the fun of going to the races is finding winners on track, and entries and odds for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup can be found here: https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/odds/
So, what steps should those that don’t wish to buy a whole new outfit for a day at the races follow?
Repurpose an Outfit
Getting dressed up for a big day at the races is part and parcel of enjoying the experience. However, hundreds of dollars don’t need to be invested to find the perfect outfit, as visitors can instead repurpose an outfit that they have previously used.
For example, a dress worn to a wedding can be re-used for a day at the races, adding a blazer or chic wrap to ensure that it is suitable for a day of being outside should the weather temperature cool.
A similar process could be followed with a tailored trouser suit that is typically used for work events. A neutral toned color could be swapped out for a silky blouse and statement brooch, making it perfect for a day at the races.
Rent Must-Have Items
Visitors to the races don’t need to spend money to put together their outfit for a day at the track, instead rental options could be explored. This could potentially be most important when it comes to finding the desired accessories to compliment your outfit that you may not have in your wardrobe, such as a hat or fascinator.
Both of these pieces of headwear are incredibly popular for females attending the races, but very few have the accessories to hand. Rentals can limit the cost that you will pay, as some headwear can be extremely expensive.
As well as rentals, popular options such as second-hand platforms have become extremely popular alternatives in this modern day. This is mainly due to the impact that fashion has on the planet, with the industry causing around 10% of global greenhouse gas omissions.
Reinvent Footwear
Everybody loves to buy new shoes for a big occasion, but how often is a piece of footwear worn twice after they have been broken in?
Therefore, instead of spending big money on a pair of shoes for a day at the races, it could be wise to instead reinvent a piece of footwear already owned and tailor it to your outfit. This could revolve around ditching the uncomfortable stilettos that may have been unpractical for a day at the track in favour of wearing comfier options such as block heels, leather loafers or wedges.
Not only will your feet thank you for this gesture, but it will largely ensure that you will have a better day at the track, as you won’t have the desire to sit down after standing up all day.
Make Alterations
Most of the time we always have a desired outfit in mind, but a major concern would be the color or fit when it comes to being relevant to a day at the track. Instead of paying for a new outfit altogether, alterations should be considered to ensure that you can still get the outfit that you’re looking for.
For example, floor-length dresses or loose fitting jackets can be altered to become more useful for a day at the races. Meanwhile, colors can be altered using washing machine dye, which can help revive tired and sun-bleached dresses and tops.
Check Venue Dress Code
It is becoming more common in this modern day for racecourses to adopt more lenient dress codes. Of course, certain major events such as Royal Ascot still have strict measures that must be met, with those that are non-compliant unable to pass through the entry gates.
However, this isn’t common across the board anymore. Instead, most racecourses opt to be more inclusive and encourage visitors to dress in whatever makes them feel most comfortable.
This could ensure that you won’t need to even entertain the idea of buying a new outfit for the day out, as you could have clothing that is perfectly smart-casual enough to ensure that you feel your best without the burden of having to pay big money. Checking the dress code for an event is always the first step to consider before making any plans for a potential outfit.