Sharp Suits & Winning Looks: What to Wear to The Edinburgh Cup

In fashion terms, a day at the races is all about style, sophistication and making a statement. For men, the general expectation is that of smart attire, with traditional tailoring forming the backbone of most looks. On days such as The Edinburgh Cup, however, racegoers up the ante with their apparel with hundreds of pounds worth of prizes in the offing up as part of The Style Standout competition with Slater Menswear.

So where do you start if you want to win in the style stakes? A well-fitted suit - or blazer and trouser co-ord - in navy, grey or beige are classic investment pieces and form your building blocks. However, according to Declyn Cooper, Head of Tailoring at Slater Menswear, mixing up these pieces to form new combos can not only build versatility into your wardrobe but offer up modern takes on timeless looks. “At the races, men will seek out the new trends, but if you’ve invested in well-tailored suiting it’s possible to mix and match these pieces to create new looks that feel on trend,” he sees. “We see beige blazers and black trousers being worn a lot together, for example, which not only looks great but is adaptable to warmer days.”

Colour, meanwhile, is both a chance to let your personality shine or pay homage to the mood of the moment. Earthy tones are fast becoming modern classics with olive greens, tans and soft browns offering a refined yet natural aesthetic. “I expect to see much lighter colours coming through,” he says. “Lots of light greys and beiges.”

Beyond these, bold hues like electric blue, rich burgundy and deep forest greens are hitting the mark right now whilst ice cream tones in pale pink, pistachio and sherbet lemon hit the sartorial sweet spot in summer.

Pattern can speak volumes too. Checked or floral prints - on waistcoats for example - can add personality without overpowering an outfit.

Trends also dictate what type of tailoring makes it off the hanger and into the stands. This year double-breasted blazers are expected to make an appearance with softer shoulders and unstructured fits making way for a more relaxed approach to formal dressing. However, it’s important not to forget what works for your body type, as being a slave to fashion is not going to win many style points. “Unstructured styles and double breasted blazers work brilliantly if you’re tall or slim – as do textures and layering - as it balance out the proportions,” says Declyn. “If you’re shorter or broader, monochrome outfits work best to visually streamline the look and oversized jackets should be swapped for singe-breasted suiting with minimal padding.”

As in womenswear, accessories can make or break an outfit. A watch, for example, may be small but can speak volumes. “For a summer race meet, sunglasses and handkerchiefs are always personal favourites of mine,” adds Declyn. “In Scotland, we rarely get to wear sunglasses, but they look great in pictures – so it’s a good idea to put some time into thinking about what style suit not your face but your outfit too.”

A Panama hat or flat cap can add a stylish edge, especially for outdoor summer races. And it’s not just about the statement specs or headgear – for men, often the biggest fashion moments happen in the minutiae. Details like contrast stitching, colourful linings and statement buttons can be celebrations of style in their own right.

Not forgetting the shoes. “There is a lot of standing about or walking about at races,” says Declyn. “A nice pair of rubber soled leather loafers not only look great, but will help your day”. Those looking to push the envelope, however, should consider a pair bold-coloured monk strap shoes men in burgundy, navy or even textured designs like brightly-coloured crocodile or suede to steal the spotlight.

“The devil really is in the details when it comes to these finishing touches,” he says. “Having judged a few style awards in the past, my one tip is to always pay the upmost attention to the smallest of details. Every element of your outsit needs to be considered. These include making sure your garments fit perfectly, having a tidy knot in your tie and choosing a handkerchief  or pocket square to contrast with the whole outfit. Getting these things right go a long way in the style stakes.”

Think your race day look has what it takes? Step up in style and head to our Style Standout fashion wall by the main stage to enter. Strike a pose, snap a photo, and you might just be crowned the best dressed of the day! For more information, click here.