Situated in Aintree, Merseyside near Liverpool this racecourse holds the world famous Grand National Steeplechase. The Grand National Festival starts on Thursday 3rd April and ends on Saturday 5th April.

Official Dress Code – There is no official dress code, but it is encouraged to dress smart. Fancy dress is NOT permitted. Sportswear – avoid wearing team colours/sports kits.

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 there is no official dress code, this is the race to show off your dapper style.

All prices are correct at time of publishing.

Most gentlemen wear suits at this event. If you don’t want to fade into the background, swap those dull business suit colours for a more vibrant shade or a patterned suit. Hang up your grey/navy work suit for a day of colour. This is definitely a bold move and confidence is one accessory you need to carry around with you. Be the Golden Boy in Gresham Blake’s Burnt Orange Wool Suit £575.00 Dress it up with matching Burnt Orange Waistcoat £165.00 and a crisp white shirt. Add a touch of fun with Light Blue Goldfish Tie in jacquard silk £85.00. Jazz it up with the vibrant Garage at Dusk Silk Shirt £255.00 or go smart casual with short sleeved cotton Graphic GB Red Jacquard Bowling Shirt £175.00 All options will give a sartorial style. Enhance your coolness with a pair of brown GUESS® Round sunglasses Men with gradient blue lenses. £95.00 Whichever style you choose, complete the look with Oliver Amesbury Tan loafer – a contemporary update on the classic penny loafer. £179.00 also available in navy.

Take a bold sartorial step further with a patterned suit such as Simon Carter’s Blue Paisley Jacket (was £475.00 now £237.50) with matching Blue Paisley Trousers (£225.00) which will ensure you fashionably stand out from the crowd. If the suit is way out of your sartorial comfort zone, wear the jacket with a pair of smart dark blue jeans or the trousers with a plain blazer. You will still look dapper. Team with a white shirt such as Simon Carter’s Plain Linen Shirt White (£125.00) or their more casual light denim blue shirt Blue/Yellow Linen Shirt (£165.00) – this way the shirt lets the suit be the centre of attention. A tie is not essential but if you prefer wearing a tie, go for simple such as  Blue Knitted Silk Tie or a contrasting  Arancia Knitted Silk Tie Both £75.00. Accessorise with Jacob Sodalite Bracelet £65.00 and Horse Silk Pocket Square £65.00

For the chic continental look, step out in  Oliver Sweeney’s Vaccona Dark Tan Leather Loafers (349.00) This elegant loafer has a neatly folded apron seam and simple saddle with a classic antiqued brass horse bit trim – perfect for a day at the races! Smart trainers are acceptable – Oliver Sweeney’s Hayle Navy Leather Trainers are made from an inky blue calf leather with a soft sheen. The upper is fabric lined with a padded collar lined in suede and a cushioned leather insock. Also available in white, cognac and brown. £159.00.

River Island offers affordable suits so you don’t have to break the bank. Their Blue Check Skinny Suit Jacket has 3% Elastane to give some stretch (£85.00). The lining is a blue rose pattern which ups the fun sociable status of the jacket. Here shown with the Blue Check Skinny Suit Trousers £45.00. Brown Textured Lace Up Shoes in faux leather £40.00 and Blue Textured Floral Tie & Handkerchief Set £16.00 which matches the suit’s lining. This also comes in beige colour and as the traditional sartorial rule is not to match a tie and pocket square, mix up the colours.  

If you feel more comfortable in grey, go for the Grey Puppytooth Skinny Blazer £85.00. It is part of a full 3 piece suit but for a modern youthful look wear the jacket and Grey Puppytooth Waistcoat £45.00 together with Black skinny fit jeans £35.00. Worn here with a cool pair of Black Square Western Sunglasses £18.00

Accessories to consider for both suits Blue Fabric Bracelet | River Island Silver Star Brooch | River Island

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 consider 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.

In shades of blue, Simon Carter’s Parchment Petals Shirt (£175.00) is a Liberty of London print of roses, poppies, narcissi and tulips so densely packed that there’s almost an abstract quality. Made with Liberty’s famous 100% cotton Tana Lawn® fabric, renowned for its softness. This will uplift your navy or dark grey suit, whilst giving depth to the lighter greys. 

In Bloom Shirt is a design by Sally Kelly. (£175.00) She puts fat bumble bees centre stage and the foliage follows a psychedelic theme with bold colours and huge, outsized motifs with tiny bugs and butterflies hiding in the melee. Made from 100% cotton. This will bring a richness  to all the brown suits in tasty shades of chocolate, coffee, toffee and caramel to the sunburnt tans and cool creamy shades. 

A patterned shirt doesn’t have to be bold to make a statement. The Yusuf Shirt (£175.00) is a Liberty print of blue animal sketches on a fresh white background creating a subtle but eye- alternative to the white shirt. This will complement most suits.

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 – 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.

The 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. Furious Goose has a wide selection of silk pocket squares to choose from. Their pocket squares are designed by hand drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as ancient cosmology through fine art to the contemporary underground music scene. £90.00

Shoes and Socks

It is acceptable to wear trainers with suits but for a smarter look wear a pair of leather loafers or monk shoes. These styles allow the wearer to go sockless for a relaxed continental but still formal style. The above shows a selection of trainers and loafers from Oliver Sweeney

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. Safe bet is to go for the cool classics of aviator and wayfarers, but there are other contemporary styles to choose from. A pair of sunglasses is an easy way to update your outfit and create that designer look without robbing the bank. The above shows a selection of sunglasses from Tom Ford and GUESS® Official Website

Gresham Blake images by photographer Kenny McCracken & provided by Gresham Blake

Simon Carter images provided by Simon Carter

River Island Man images provided by River Island PR team

Oliver Sweeney images provided by Oliver Sweeney

Tom Ford & Guess sunglasses images provided by Marcolin Eyewear via Trace Publicity

Furious Goose images provided by Furious Goose