Situated in Aintree, Merseyside near Liverpool this racecourse holds race events in October, November and December then April, May and June. It is best known for the world famous Grand National Steeplechase. 

Official Dress Code

Officially there is no dress code but smart is preferable and often adopted.

Hats are optional too but are frequently worn. 

Sports clothes and fancy dress are NOT permitted for the Randox Health Grand National Festival.  

We Say…

For the autumn/winter race days, most racegoers dress more for the weather rather than fashion opting for tweeds, woollen overcoats, boots and maybe felt hats. 

In the summer, again racegoers dress according to the weather and bring warmer layers for the evening as the day cools off. 

The exception is the Grand National where the ladies (and gents) really go to town on their outfits 

What to Wear to the Grand National

The Grand National takes place in April over 3 days: Day 1 for Liverpool’s NHS Day, a tribute to to the city and the people who make it what it is today; Day 2 Ladies Day (also called #FabulousFriday) when all things style and fashion are in the spotlight and Day 3 Grand National Day for the ultimate challenge in Jumps racing.

Official Dress Code – Again there is no official dress code, but it is encouraged to dress smart.

Sports clothes and fancy dress are NOT permitted for the Randox Health Grand National Festival.

For Ladies – What to Wear

We Say..

For the Grand National ladies, this it the start of summer – warm winter clothes are out and sizzling summer outfits are in come rain or shine.

Aintree may encourage smart but the Grand National lady is in charge here and is more concerned with what’s in fashion and will interpret the ‘smart’ word accordingly. They continue to ‘Dress to Impress’ as they have made this event famous for its glamour and high fashion. Here the ladies are not afraid of the cold (who wants to cover up that gorgeous dress underneath a coat?) and are always optimistic that the sun will shine. However she may be persuaded to wear a jacket if it is a ‘must have’ for the summer. 

She bravely stamps out the pain of wearing high heels to ensure her look isn’t compromised. 

A Grand National outfit is not expected to enter in to the fashion race next year.  Wear it all summer and to other events, but the name of the Grand National fashion game is to wear something new each time.

The Hat

Although the hat is an important accessory, the GN lady focuses more on her dress than her headpiece so you will find small fascinators are just as popular as hats.

 Although the weather is still unpredictable at this time of year, it is all about the glamour so the GN hat/fascinator will be adorned with feathers and blooms. 

The Handbag

The handbag does not have to be functional, just on trend and preferably designer. Depending on the trend for that year, the handbag style can range from the micro handbag that can only fit in a lipstick to the macro handbag that can accommodate all the racing essentials. 

The Tan 

The GN lady does not wear tights – she  prefers her smooth bare legs to be on display to show off her fake or real tan.

Before the racing day, she will visit the tanning salon or use a self tanning product to ensure she has  the perfect tan. This can range from a light healthy glow to a deep bronze depending on her preference.

The Shoes

High heels or comfy flats?

For the ladies who like to hang out in the bars on the ground floor, high heels are the favourite to show off those tanned legs.(designer is preferred). If anyone can wear high heels all day at the races it is the Grand National lady. Luckily Aintree is mainly concrete with no grass to get the heels stuck in or muddied.

However in order to get the best views there are a lot steps to climb up to the top of the stands so bringing along a pair of foldable flats to change in to would be wise. 

Aintree is a massive racecourse and potentially racegoers could be doing a lot of walking. If you are more inclined to move around and explore the racecourse then comfier shoes will be a better choice.   

Statement Jewellery

Statement jewellery adds a generous amount of bling. Necklace, earrings, bracelets and even the anklet to complement the tanned bare ankle. 

Pashmina

The Grand National is all about the summer look, so for the ladies it’s no jacket required.  A shawl or pashmina is the best way to keep the chill away and still have your gorgeous frock on display

To keep the summery feel go for a dreamy ethereal look and choose a light fabric and light colours

Men – What to Wear

Aintree Grand National is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of ladies fashion, but what about the boys?  Don’t be left behind in the fashion race, give the ladies a run for their money and show off your fashion flair.

Although no official dress code, this is the race to show off your dapper style. Most gentlemen wear suits at this event but don’t fade in to the background; swap those dull work suit colours for a more vibrant shade.

Hang up your grey suit for a day of colour. This is definitely a bold move and confidence is one accessory you need to carry around with you.  Bright blue is probably the least scary of the bold colours and the most accepted in a suit. 

The Shirt and Tie

A crisp white shirt will set off your suit. But if you have decided to wear your grey or navy business suit, then maybe team with a coloured or patterned shirt to give interest and ensure you don’t look like you’ve just come from the office. Stripes can still look business like so opt for floral patterns for a softer relaxed look.

A tie is not required but most gents do wear one. A safe bet when wearing a patterned shirt is to wear a plain tie. If you are feeling daring then team with a patterned tie – just don’t choose the same pattern, vary the size of the print and pick out a less dominant colour from your shirt to be the dominant colour for the tie.

Pocket Square

Whether you wear a tie or not, do not forget the pocket square. This is one accessory which always adds a dashing touch with no effort at all– the only rule to remember is that it should never exactly match the tie. When wearing a block colour pocket square with a patterned tie or shirt, don’t always choose the main colour. Choosing the least dominant colour will bring a sharper look and show that you know your style. In fact this is the only place that you could actually introduce a new colour to your outfit and get away with it.

Shoes and Socks

Ditch the trainers for the smarter leather loafer or monk shoe.  These allow the wearer to go sockless for a relaxed modern but still formal style. 

If you do decide to wear socks, then jazz up your style with colourful or patterned ones.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget the sunglasses, a must have accessory for a sunny day at the races. Go for designer sunglasses in the cool classic styles of aviator or wayfarers. This is an easy way to update your outfit and create that designer look without robbing the bank.

The Watch

Another way to add that designer touch is with a watch. A bit more expensive than a pair of sunglasses but see it as an all year round investment. From understated chic to boldly oversized, the watch can show off your personality 

A must have for the modern man, ranging from simple leather straps or metal bangles to colourful chunky beads, from the high street to designer labels.  The man’s bracelet/bangle adds personality to your outfit.

The bracelet

A must have for the modern man, ranging from simple leather straps or metal bangles to colourful chunky beads, from the high street to designer labels.  The man’s bracelet/bangle adds personality to your outfit.