Police officer describes uniform as ‘retro cargo’ as he shares fashion tips at races

Police sergeant Wayne Stephens explains his fashion choices

Ahead of next week’s Royal Ascot meeting, many racegoers will be spending hours picking out an outfit.

The royal meeting is renowned for its high fashion as much as its high stakes, traditionally in the Royal Enclosure top hat and tails for gentlemen and on the shoulder dresses and hat or fascinator for ladies.

For those who spend the day working at the meeting, the choice of what to wear is much more limited.

Yet, according to a police officer who was on duty during the Derby at Epsom, a lot of effort went into his choice of uniform for a big event.

Sergeant Wayne Stephens approached Raceday.tv , which was filming some of the best looks at the racing festival, to ask if he could be included.

His tongue-in-cheek exchange with presenter Ella McNeill, entitled 'This policeman is an absolute legend' has been viewed more than 5,000 times on the broadcaster’s Instagram page.

Although he was wearing a familiar police uniform, Stephens said there were wardrobe choices to be made before he went to work.

“I’ve gone for the retro cargo look,” he said. “High visibility is key here at the Queen’s Stand if you want to see me, and a matching hat with high top so you can see me in the crowd.

“I’ve come with all these accoutrements for various bits and pieces that I need to do. It sees me through the day.”

He went on, “It’s how you feel on the day, when you wake up and go ‘Am I going to wear a black shirt with a pair of black trousers or a black pair of trousers with a black shirt today?’

“It’s how I felt today. The weather was here. I’ve got this light fitting one today which lets the breeze run through. It’s lovely.”

Reflecting on his appearance subsequently Sergeant Stephens said: “It was fantastic to speak with racegoers attending the event to make sure they were able to enjoy it safely, whether that was by offering crime prevention advice, talking a bit more about our role, or in this case, discussing uniform!

“I know from speaking to people across the two days that getting dressed up for the races is a big part of the day and I was happy to talk through what I did to get ready in the morning.”