Welcome to Ladies Evening … where fashion is championed as much as the racing!
Ladies Evening is one of the only fixtures of the season when the fashion is as important as the racing, and stylish outfits and beautiful headwear are sure to be in abundance. Thousands of racegoers will put their best shoes forward to impress the judges of the Style Awards, which is open to all, with the winning outfit taking home a huge £500 cash prize!
With an exciting summer of sport planned this year, our 2024 Ladies Evening style guide has been inspired by the spirit of victory as you ‘dress like a champion’ for a day at the races. Here are our tips to help you get excited about your outfit and help you craft a standout look for your day at the races.
Go for Gold: Channel the spirit of champions by using gold to inspire your outfit.
· Statement Piece: Steal the show by choosing a statement dress or tailored suit saturated in gold. Pair back accessories to balance the look.
· Subtle Sophistication: For a subtle nod to gold, opt for bold gold accessories such as statement earrings, bracelets, or an oversized clutch bag to add a touch of glamour to your ensemble.
Take Pride: Celebrate your roots by incorporating elements into your outfit that reflect your cultural heritage and traditions.
· Regional Pride: Showcase your heritage with pride by incorporating elements inspired by your home or culture into your outfit.
· Personal Story: Add a personal touch to your look by adding items that hold sentimental value, particularly vintage pieces
Champion Colours: Be inspired by the colours and patterns of the silks worn by Champion jockeys
· Bold Colours: Embrace the vibrant colours of champion jockey silks by opting for bold and eye-catching hues in your outfit
· Geometric shapes: Choose contrasting stripes or geometric patterns reminiscent of jockey silks.
Sports Luxe: With no formal dress code*, combine comfort with cool by infusing your race day attire with a touch of athletic-inspired luxury.
· Elevated Fabrics: Opt for luxe fabrics such as silk, satin, or leather to elevate the sporty aesthetic and add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.
· Mix and Match: Experiment with mixing sporty pieces with more traditional racing attire for a contemporary twist. Pair a tailored blazer with satin tracksuit bottoms or a structured dress with smart trainers. A headband would partner well too.
Outfit Ideas:
• Pair a gold maxi dress with a tailored blazer for a glamorous yet refined look. Add nude, navy or contrasting sandals with a low heel, matching oversized ruched clutch bag and fascinator.
• Choose a bold, colour-blocked jumpsuit featuring the primary colours indicative of jockeys’ silks, accessorised with statement gold jewellery, for a playful and chic ensemble
• Opt for a floral-printed midi dress, featuring motifs inspired by Yorkshire's countryside, paired with a tailored blazer in a complementary colour. Add a block-coloured hat, nude sandals and clutch bag
• High-waisted tailored trousers paired with a silk blouse, sporty bomber jacket and jewelled headband brings a sports-lux vibe. Pair with oversized sunglasses and a cross-body bag
Final Tips:
• Balance bold statement pieces with classic staples for a polished and cohesive look.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match styles and textures to create a unique and personalized ensemble.
• For an extra dose of Ladies Day style, add a hat, fascinator or headband – not obligatory but great fun
• Pay attention to fit and proportions to ensure a flattering silhouette that's both comfortable and stylish.
• Most importantly, have fun experimenting with different styles and make sure that whatever you wear you feel confident and comfortable as you strut your stuff at the races!
With this style guide as your playbook, you're ready to make a fashionable statement at the races that's worthy of a gold medal. So, dress to impress, embrace your inner champion, and get ready to race in style!
* Sporting team shirts and offensive fancy dress are not permitted.
