Dubai World Cup Chat // Is Ladies Day Racing Style Etiquette Still A thing?

Racing season has officially begun in the UAE with Dubai’s ultimate racing destination – Meydan Racecourse - in full swing with styling events, millinery exhibitions and of course an abundance of horse racing action leading up to one of the year’s most prestigious events in the region – the Dubai World Cup and home of the richest horserace in the world – casually worth a cool US$30.5 million.

So, what are we all wearing?

Ladies Day racing style has always hit different. It celebrates women and glamorous style and normally there are competitions for Best Dressed and Best Hat. 

There has always been rules and formalities in relation to the dress code all over the world. But the question is, in 2025, is ladies racing style etiquette still a thing?

I would argue…yes, it is very much so and I personally would never want it to change. I love traditional dress code rules when it comes to Ladies Day at the races plus, I love the pomp and ceremony surrounding racing events such as Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup, the Galway Races and Cheltenham.

The tradition of Ladies Day dates back to the 19th Century when horse racing became a popular pastime among the upper classes in Britain.  Women would attend races alongside men, often dressed in their finest attire showcasing their social status and wealth.  During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ladies Day fashion was governed by strict etiquette and dress codes.  Women were expected to wear long dresses that covered their ankles, with high necklines and sleeves covering their arms.  Hats were a must, often adorned with feathers, flowers or ribbons adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.  Attending Ladies Day at the races for women of the upper classes was a symbol of prestige and social standing. It was an opportunity to see and be seen, to mingle with fellow elites and to display their wealth through luxurious fabrics, extravagant accessories and impeccable grooming.

Fast forward to the 21st Century and not much has changed when it comes to certain race meetings.  For example, there are strict rules that one must adhered to when attending the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.  Women MUST wear a hat or a headpiece in fact fascinators are banned in place of more substantial hats or headpieces. Hemlines need to below the knee and shoulder straps must be a minimum width of 1 inch (2.5cm).  Although Royal Ascot is known as the epitome of Ladies Day formal style, there are many other race meets with more relaxed rules.

In saying that, I would always err on the side of caution when it comes to thinking about and planning your race day outfit.

Here are a couple of my conservative top tips on what constitutes a ‘ladies’ day’ look from someone who has just won ‘Best Hat’ at the 2025 Emirates Super Saturday event at Meydan and who grew up attending many Ladies Day at the famous Galway Races.

• Less is more when it comes to baring flesh so avoid strapless dresses, anything too revealing and anything too low cut.

  
  

• Keep dresses and skirts at a modest length.

  
  

• Opt for a full sleeve or a cap sleeve in a dress/top will suffice. 

  
  

• Shoes should be formal. Opt for courts or stilettos rather than open-toe sandals.

  
  

• Hats would be my preference over a fascinator without a solid base any day.

If you are attending the Dubai World Cup this year on April 5th and starting to think about your outfit – remember the tips above especially if you are planning on entering the Best Dressed, Best Hat or Best Couple Style stakes.  Competition is high with everyone trying to win the prestigious titles on the day.  Research past winners of the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes to give you an idea of the caliber and above all…enjoy the day! 

It’s a wonderful day out soaked in UAE heritage and legacy.

// Irene Feeney Steele