What to Wear to the Steeplechase Races: A Style Guide 2026

What to Wear to the Steeplechase Races

Few days out are as stylish as a day at the steeplechase. From the International Gold Cup in Virginia to the Aiken Steeplechase in South Carolina, race day is a chance to dress up in classic country style: tailored tweed, a good hat and boots made for the grass.

As a British countrywear brand, we've spent more than 25 years dressing women for race days in England, from Badminton Horse Trials to the Goodwood Revival. This guide brings that know-how to the American steeplechase season, with what to wear, what to pack and how to stay warm and dry from the first race to the last.

The US steeplechase season

American steeplechase racing runs in two seasons, and the dress code shifts with the weather.

• Spring (March to May): the Aiken Spring Steeplechase in South Carolina in March, then the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow and the Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville in May. Lighter tailoring, florals and pastel tones.
• Fall (October and November): the International Gold Cup at Great Meadow, the Aiken Fall Steeplechase and the Montpelier Hunt Races in Virginia. Tweed, wool, rich autumn colors and warm layers.

The steeplechase dress code

Most race meets don't have a formal dress code, but the tradition is smart country style. Think of it as what you'd wear to a country wedding, adapted for a day outdoors on grass.

• Tailored, not stiff. A well-cut wool or tweed jacket is the backbone of any race-day outfit.
• Dress for the weather. Fall mornings can be cold and afternoons warm, so wear layers you can take off.
• Think about your feet. You'll be walking on grass, often soft. Leave the stilettos at home.
• Wear a hat. Hats are part of the fun, and many meets hold a hat contest.

What to wear to the fall races

Start with a tailored jacket. A wool or tweed jacket looks polished over a dress, jeans or tailored trousers. The Knightsbridge Wheat Cashmere & Wool Jacket and the Knightsbridge Chocolate Brown Cashmere & Wool Jacket are soft and warm in classic fall shades. For a bolder look, try the Grantham Midnight Check Wool Jacket or the Knightsbridge Fern Tweed Jacket.

Layer up underneath. A fine knit keeps you warm without bulk. Try the Merino Wool Turtleneck under a jacket, or a Cable Knit Camel Jumper for a more relaxed tailgate look. Add the Chatsworth Wool Gilet for extra warmth on a cold morning.

Bring a coat for the late races. As the sun drops, temperatures fall fast. A wool coat like the Oxford Amber Coat or the Demelza Camel Wool Coat looks elegant over everything.

If rain is forecast, choose a coat that keeps you dry and still looks smart. The Odette Khaki Poppy Lined Waterproof Coat is fully waterproof, and the Louise Mahogany Poppy Lined Wax Coat is classic British waxed cotton. For more on wax jackets, read our women's wax jacket guide.

What shoes to wear to the steeplechase

This is the most important choice of the day. You'll walk between the paddock, the rail and the tailgates, often on soft ground.

• Suede ankle boots are smart and comfortable. The Beth Tan Suede Boots go with everything from jeans to a midi dress.
• Waterproof boots are the answer to a wet day. The Sloane Mocha Waterproof Boots and the Ranger Brown Waterproof Boots keep you dry without looking like rain boots.
• Loafers work on a dry, sunny day. Try the Hackney Mahogany Suede Loafers.

Avoid stilettos, which sink into the turf. If you love a heel, choose a block heel or a wedge.

Race-day hats and accessories

Hats. A felt or suede hat is the fall choice. The Jesse Tan Suede Hat has the right country feel, or try a Green Newsboy Wool Cap or a Wax Deluxe Check Cap for a more relaxed look. Save fascinators and wide straw brims for the spring meets.

Scarves. A large wool or silk scarf adds color and warmth. The Alaskan Pheasant Green Scarf and the Poppy Giant Long Scarf both double as a wrap when the wind picks up.

Gloves, belt and bag. Leather gloves like the Camel Driving Gloves keep your hands warm while you hold a program and a drink. A Lion Tan Belt adds shape over a coat, and the Phillipa Tan Leather Handbag is big enough for the essentials.

What to wear to the spring races

Spring meets like the Virginia Gold Cup are more dressed up and colorful. Swap tweed for a lighter tailored jacket over a floral or tea dress, and bring out the wide-brimmed hats. Mornings can still be cool, so a light jacket or a cardigan is useful. Keep a waterproof layer close by for spring showers.

Tailgate style

Tailgating is half the fun of race day, and many meets judge the best tailgate. Dress for being on your feet all day: layers you can take off as the sun comes out, comfortable boots and a scarf for when the wind picks up. Pack a Large Umbrella in the car, just in case.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear to a steeplechase? Smart country clothes: a tailored jacket, a dress or trousers, comfortable boots and a hat. In the fall, add warm layers and a coat.

Can you wear jeans to the steeplechase? Yes, at most meets, especially at a tailgate. Dress them up with a tailored jacket, a good scarf and suede boots.

What shoes should I wear to the races? Boots or flat shoes that cope with grass. Avoid stilettos.

Do I need a hat? It isn't required, but hats are part of the tradition, and many meets hold a hat contest.

What should I wear if it rains? A waterproof coat and waterproof boots. Both can still look smart.

Find your race-day look

Explore our jackets, coats and footwear, designed in England for town and country. And if you're at the races this season, come and find us.