Kris Smith’s race day fashion dos and don’ts

DO
“Invest in a well-fitting suit. I understand it’s not affordable for every guy out there to go bespoke, but getting an off-the-rack one tailored can be equally as good. Remember when you’re calculating funds - a suit can be used outside of race day. Pair the blazer with jeans and a t-shirt or the trousers with just a shirt and a pair of brogues. You’ll get mileage from it for years to come.”

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DON'T
“Be too safe. Guys in so many ways have fewer options for being creative with fashion than women. If you’ve got the will to step outside of your comfort zone, then there’s loads of scope for experimentation, it’s all about how daring you are.”

DO
“Go for colour. As with previous seasons, blue is going to be massive again this year. It can be paired with anything and that’s why it’s so important in every man’s wardrobe. Another colour that I’ve never really considered before - and one that is big right now - is mint. It’s a colour that can be applied to things like ties and shirts and it really is going to be massive.”

DON’T
“Over-accessorise. Both men and women can go too far and sometimes less really is more. I don’t mind a top hat, or a Panama or a trilby, provided it goes with the outfit, but stick to one or two statement accessories. Lots of guys wear gloves, but unless the weather is bad I wouldn’t recommend them. Ditto with umbrellas.”

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DO
“Wear cufflinks. I love them and have so many pairs - they add instant class and style. When I’ve worn suits that aren’t that great, cufflinks just add something. Again, if cost is an issue, paying attention to small touches such as cufflinks makes a suit look much more expensive and it’s often these details that people will notice.”

DON’T
“Think that pink is only for girls. A lot of guys are scared of wearing pink and I don’t know why. You can have so much fun with the colour and against a nice tan, it really works. Also, single guys take note - women love pink, so if you’re looking for love on race day…”

DO
“Have your trousers tailored so that you only get a “pop” of your socks when you walk, rather than the cropped hem that says, “look at me”.”

DON’T
“Avoid the classics. I’m a traditionalist - I love tweed, elbow patches and all of that. Pay tribute to the style traditions that surround horse racing. An easy way to incorporate a classic look is by wearing a wide collar that accommodates a tie done in a good old fashioned English Windsor knot.”

DO
“Match your belt to your shoes. Not everyone considers this, but everyone should! A belt should definitely be worn and it should mirror the colour of your shoes.”

DON’T
“Wear shoes without socks. While I’m a big fan of the European trend of wearing shoes with no socks, it’s often not race wear-friendly and in many areas you won’t be allowed in without socks.”