Held this year from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th September 2025, Doncaster’s St Leger Festival is still considered part of the summer racing season so no matter what the weather, most ladies are not ready to hang up their summer outfits for warmer autumnal clothing.

For the Ladies, We Say…Going back as far as 1776, Doncaster’s St Leger is the oldest Classic in the world. It may be a Classic race, but the racegoers’ fashion style is bang up to date, so when considering what to wear to Doncaster, bear in mind those hardy northern ladies are still betting on summer outfits as favourite. This may be their last chance of the year to strike a pose in that summer dress.
Official Dress Code
In general the racecourse recommends something smart-casual, and discourage racegoers from wearing any sportswear or ripped jeans.
Premier Enclosure and the ‘Posh’ Hospitality area at the Home Straight Restaurant – smart attire for ladies. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted in these areas. The dress code also applies to children
County Enclosure, Conduit Restaurant, boxes, press and the Owners & Trainers areas- The only stipulation is that sportswear and offensive fancy dress are not permitted. However racegoers often choose to adopt a smart style with many opting to dress for the occasion on feature race days such as the St Leger Festival.
The ‘Punter’ Grandstand Enclosure for the race day regulars and the Picnic Family Enclosure– Here the dress code is relaxed,the only stipulation is sporting team shirts and offensive fancy dress are not permitted.
All prices are correct at time of publishing

The Style Award on Ladies Day
The Style Award for the Best Dressed is held on Ladies Day, Thursday 11th September. To take part, racegoers have to have their photo taken at the Style Awards backdrop on the day. The judges will select five finalists and choose a winner to be crowned the 2025 Style Awards Winner.
Stay cool but look red hot in Self Portrait’s Red Bow Embroidered Midi Dress with its large bow shape embroidered on the bodice and a slim bow motif belt. Cotton embroidery with linen/cotton trim and a full polyester lining. £350.00 The low sweetheart neckline and thin spaghetti straps present a blank canvas for a statement necklace such as Thomas Sabo’s Elyndra Eye Pendant An amulet pendant made from recycled 925 silver with 18k gold plating. In the centre shines an eye-shaped garnet-red zirconia framed by sparkling white zirconia and protective turquoise-colored stones. £360.00 Pair with their Elyndra Earrings Garnet-red zirconia & teardrop red agate which is a symbol of strength and vital radiance. £270.00 Add arm candy in the form of Red Bead Bracelet with round red-agate beads and a gold-plated eye bead with garnet zirconia £125.00 And maybe cool the temperature and stack with Elyndra Turquoise Bead Bracelet in polished imitation turquoise with a central silver eye motif set with a turquoise stone £110.00 It’s time to raise the heat again and take a sizzling step forward in Kat Maconie’s Tamannaah Pumps £440.00 They’ve transformed the classic slingback into a standout piece with its oversized gold flower embellishment and gold heels. Top it up with Mi Bolsa London’s Top handle “Mi” handbag in Ruby Red £243.00. Don’t forget your rose coloured sunglasses to keep an optimistic view when placing a bet. Thomas Sabo’s Square Mia in pink | Were £170.00 now £85.00. Heads Up – Increase your chances of winning the Best Dressed and wear a hat. Carmen Hire – Jess Collett Milliner This wicker finish straw boater with pinopok swirl and red silk flowers will be perfect for the red dress. Retail price of £950, this boater can be hired for 3 days at a price of £120.00 plus postal charges and a refundable £150.00 security bond.

The Party Enclosure
The County Enclosure is THE Party Zone for the whole duration of St Leger Festival with post race celebrations, music and non-stop entertainment. This is the place to wear an outfit that can transition from day to evening.
Maxis dresses look fabulous as day and eveningwear The Goddiva Floral Printed Chiffon Halter Maxi Dress is perfect for any semi-formal occasion. Crafted from floaty chiffon, with an ombre floral print and a halterneck. £95.00 . Wearing a large hat whilst dancing the night away may not be a good idea so go for a headband such as Feather Oversized Headband £120.00 by Amore Headwear based in Beverley East Yorkshire. A padded headband overlaid with trimmed goose feathers. Available in a choice of 60 colours, and feather colour charts can be posted to match against your outfit. The time lead is about 2 weeks but will try to accommodate you if you need a rush order.
Trip the light fantastic in Polina Magiy’s Ester Pink ballerina flats with a square toe. £320.00 Made from shiny finish pink suede and metallic fuchsia pink leather. Features slim laces that wrap at the ankle. A perfect alternative to high heels especially when you are out all day and evening. £320.00 Match with Mi Bolsa London’s Suede Basket Bag in Baby Pink £167.00
Sparkle in Sif Jakobs’ Ellera Waves earrings There are 3 different sizes from Medium at £89.00 to X large at.£149.00. Wear just one pair or 2 together! Made of 18 karat gold plated 925 Sterling Silver with facet cut multicoloured zirconia. Add some fun with XUXA’s Purple, Pink & Blue Mixed Jade Stone Natural Beaded Bracelet £40.00
If the sun shines add GUESS® Navigator sunglasses in violet £115.00

Another transitional day to evening dress is Wiggy Kit’s Petra Dress a daffodil yellow linen chambray summer dress with white daisy style appliqué. £395.00 Note: You may want to wear an underslip as it is not lined. Harrogate based Jenny Roberts Millinery Yellow Straw Shell Headpiece with White Daisy Lace Trim is the perfect match. £94.00 plus postage for a week’s hire. Jenny is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The dress will go with flats or heels. Julia Leather Mules by Casadei® are not too high and show simple elegance. Were £465.00 now £232.50 Add a medium sized handbag to keep all your day to evening essentials Mi Bolsa London’s Camilla Half Moon Woven £184.00 Has a top handle and shoulder strap. Accessorise with Kitty Joyas’ Daisy Studs £205.00 and matching Daisy Pendant £185.00. Get more colourful Green, Yellow and Pink Flower Metal Beaded Bracelet by XUXA £35.00 and stack with their Blue and Red Flower and Gold-Tone Metal Beaded Bracelet £35.00 Add glamour and mystery with a pair of GUESS® Marciano geometric sunglasses – a shiny ivory frame with twinkling stones and a smokey grey lens. Were £195.00 now £136.50

Sunday Funday
The final day of the festival is called the Betfred Sunday Funday. A day of fun with a whole host of FREE family-friendly entertainment shows across the course. It is a more casual day but do remember the enclosure dress codes still apply.
Keep hold of the last days of summer in Goddiva’s Mini Dress In Tropical Papaya Print with ruffled sleeve cuffs. £42.00 If you are not in the Premier Enclosure then wear comfy statement sneakers so you can join in the fun. GUESS® Jazlie laminated leather-blend sneaker in shiny silver. Were £97.00 now £47.50 Carry a medium or large handbag for all your family funday essentials GUESS® Atalia raffia handbag Was £150.00 now £75.00 Go for a more casual style hat such as Barts Arday Straw Festival Fedora Hat in cream in cream Available by Cotswold Country Hats £12.99 Accessorise with GUESS® Square sunglasses in sunny orange £85.00; GUESS® Crazy in love necklace – a double layered necklace consisting of wide and narrow links, with heart shaped charms of pave embellishment and crystal appliqué. £85.00 and the colourful GUESS® Petra earrings made of crystal and cubic zirconia appliqué. £100.00
Self Portrait images provided by Self Portrait
Thomas Sabo images provided by pr agency Task PR
Jess Collett images provided by Jess Collett
Kat Maconie images provided by Kat Maconie
Mi Bolsa images provided by pr agency Black PR
Guess and Goddiva images provided by pr agency Trace Publicity
Sif Jakobs and XUXA images provided by pr agency We Are UK PR
Amore Headwear images provided by Amore Headwear
Polina Magiy images provided by Polina Magiy
Wiggy Kit images provided by pr agency Fincham Communications
Jenny Roberts Millinery images provided by Jenny Roberts
Kitty Joyas images provided by pr agency K and H Comms
Casadei images provided by pr agency Purple PR
Cotswold Country Hats images provided by Cotswold Country Hats
