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What do I wear to Ladies Day at the Races?

Ladies day at the races is a riot of colour, glamorous dresses and flamboyant hats.  Inspired by my recent trip to Chester races I have compiled a list of fashion “dos” and “do-nots”.  As a designer I have always loved fashion by designers such as Alexander McQueen, he used bright colours and bold accessories to create catwalk fashion that was a piece of art in itself.  So imagine my delight when I attended Chester Races. I was surrounded by ladies and gentlemen, that had really made the effort with their outfits.  Taking fashion risks, bright colours, wild hats and extremely high heels.  This is fashion at it’s best, fun, daring and truly theatrical.  It was a fashion carnival of colour.

My Fair Lady:

Since the days of the “Edwardians” and “Victorians”, the races have always been a excuse to show-off.  Historically by wearing the latest fashion, made using luxurious fabrics such as lace and silk was a way of showing wealth and power.  Women were expected to dress modestly and cover-up.  They covered their arms, legs and wore dresses with a high necks.  In order to stand out and attract attention women wore elaborate hats and highly decorated dresses such the outfit worn by Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”.

What to Wear to Ladies Day at the Races Top Ten:

1) Do wear a hat, if you want to take risks this is the best way to do it.  At the races you can pretty much wear any hat as outrageous as you want and get away with it.

2) Do wear a dress this is the one time to flaunt your femininity, whatever size or shape there is the perfect dress out there for you.  Make sure your dress is well fitting and shows of your best bits.

3) Do wear high heels, don’t wear them if you can walk in them.  Yes it good to dress-up and wear outrageously high heels, however it not attractive to see ladies hobbling or walking barefoot half way through the day because their shoes are rubbing too much.

4) Do wear bright colours, however make sure they suit your skin tone and hair colour.  Yellow for example is a hard colour to wear, yet looks great with olive skin and dark hair.  Don’t be afraid to wear red with ginger hair and pale skin, it can make a real statement.

5) Don’t be afraid to cover-up, it can get cold at the races even in summer.  Do wear a smart funky bolero or decorative scarf to match your dress.  Don’t borrow your partners suit jacket.

6) Do bring a handbag with room for fold-up umbrella, do match it too your dress and make it a fashion statement rather then an after thought.

7) Do take fashion risks, however dress to your shape and only wear what suits you.  You can get away with any fashion statement as long as you are the right person to wear it.

Don’t spend a fortune, buy a high street dress and accessories with more expensive items such as a hat or handbag.  This will give you the designer look for less.

9) Do think practically about our outfit, a day at the races is a long day.  Don’t think the short and tighter my dress is the better I will look.  If you feel uncomfortable in your dress it will show.

10) Do enjoy choosing and wear your outfit.  We all make fashion mistakes, so do take the risk this is your one chance to really experiment with fashion.

Designer “Collette Costello” 1950s Style Vintage Dress Perfect for Ladies Day at the Races:

Available in black and electric blue! View our 1950s Style Satin Evening Dress in our shop.