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Ladies' Day dress code: What to wear to the Grand National at Aintree, according to experts
How to be the best dressed guest come horse racing season, accoridng to experts
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Your support makes all the difference.Aintree’s Grand National festival is almost upon us so if you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning what you’re going to wear.
This year, the event begins on Thursday 4 April and ends on Saturday 6 April.
Every year, more than 150,000 racegoers attend over the course of three days, but while the Grand National might be recognised as one of the biggest horse racing events on the calendar, it’s also one of the most sartorially elaborate.
As much about fashion as it is the horse racing, day two of the festival is dedicated to Aintree’s world-famous Ladies Day on which a host of women put their finest and most dazzling outfits on display in a bid to win the annual Style Award.
Outfits are judged on their colour, style and all-round eye-catching appeal, with the winning ensemble earning its owner a brand-new Range Rover Evoque car.
Unlike Royal Ascot, the Grand National has no official dress code but if you want to be the best dressed guest come horse racing season, you’re going to want to make an effort.
How to choose the perfect hat
When it comes to occasion dressing hats are crucial and, while they’re not compulsory at Aintree, their presence at racing events in general is unrelenting.
But, while many women wear hats for fun, London-based Australian milliner Lisa Tan explains that they originally served a different purpose on race day.
“The wearing of hats to the races wasn’t really specific to the races themselves – back when racing began, hats and headwear were very much cemented as an essential fashion accessory and were worn to all formal occasions, hence the wearing of them to the racecourse,” Tan tells The Independent.
“However, what women wore to the racecourse was also a sign of their social standing and wealth – an elaborate hat and outfit would signify you were from a higher class. And men often encouraged their women to wear expensive and fanciful outfits to promote their social standing – after all, it’s a wealthy man’s sport and they don’t call it the Sport of Kings for nothing.
Tan continues: “I guess the more interesting observation is that, after millinery fell out of favour as an essential fashion accessory, it somehow still survived within the racing dress code and, if anything, is a more important part of today’s racewear than it ever has been before.”
When it comes to styling a hat, Tan suggests wearing your hair off your face by tying it back as this creates a “more elegant look and a stronger neckline”.
The milliner also suggests making the most of Aintree’s relaxed dress code by experimenting with headpieces and fascinators instead of the traditional hat. Unlike Aintree, Ascot implements the rule that all women attending the event must wear hats or headpieces with a solid base of at least four inches (10cm).
“As oversized headbands (à la Prada) are trending heavily this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make an appearance at Aintree, and given they won’t be allowed at Royal Ascot, it’s the perfect place to wear them,” Tan says.
How to style with confidence
As for the rest of your outfit, fashion stylist Rebecca Lockwood suggests showcasing a mix of both elegance and individual style.
“There aren’t many occasions in which you can go all out and this is one of them, so go for it!” she tells The Independent.
While it can be tempting to stay traditional at the races, Lockwood encourages attendees to have some fun with their styling.
“There are some key colour trends this season that would work perfectly for this occasion,” she says.
Here, the stylish recommends an array of hues from heated desert tones such as terracotta, chalky brights and delicate neutrals including off white, taupe and icy blue.
Lockwood also recommends wearing items that, while stylish, will ensure you feel comfortable throughout the day.
“Trouser suits can be a fantastic way to look stylish and also mean you can incorporate a jacket into your look. I would opt for a contemporary cut jacket with a wide leg trouser,” she says.
“Another top tip of mine is to invest in a clear umbrella. If the weather isn’t on your side this can make for an essential outfit addition.
“The transparency of it won’t take away from your outfit and you can still capture a great photo.”
While statement high heels in an eye-catching colour are also on Lockwood’s list of must-haves for the day, if you’re worried about sinking into the grass while standing trackside a pair of wedge espadrilles make the perfect spring-worthy substitution.
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