A Retro Day Out: Ladies Day At The Races

It's well known that the Irish have a huge love of horseracing and in recent years racing festivals have become the hottest sporting and social events on the calendar. Fashion is a key feature of racing; most festivals have a designated ladies day with impressive and much coveted prizes for the best dressed.  Whether you opt for a classic vintage piece or something bold and daring from the high street you’re in with a chance – there’s no right or wrong at the races. It’s also one of the few occasions apart from weddings that we girls get to don a hat and drink champagne!

So far this year I’ve been to the Punchestown Festival and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival and I had an amazing time at both. If you’re looking for a day of glamour, excitement and flirting (yes, there’s always plenty of men!) I would thoroughly recommend hitting the races before the summer season is over. See 2012 Ladies Day dates below.

What I wore to Punchestown

Hat – Vintage (circa 1940s) from the Ha’penny Flea Market

Blouse – Penneys/Primark

Skirt – River Island

Cardigan – F&F Tesco

Gloves – Vintage

Bag – Penneys/Primark

Shoes – Shoe Rack

 

A close up of my Punchestown accessories. The umbrella is from Penneys/Primark

My friend Magdalene and I at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby


Headpiece – Handmade by myself

Top – Penneys/Primark

Skirt – Asos

Gloves – Vintage

Bag – Borrowed from my sister

Shoes – Shoe Rack

Umbrella - Penneys/Primark

                                                                My headpiece

The Inside Track – Top Tips:

·         Whatever you wear make sure you dress for the weather. When you are planning your outfit have a warmer/cooler option and bring an umbrella, this is Ireland after all!

·         Leave your impossibly high heels at home. A day at the races involves a lot of walking so wear heels that you’ve already broken in or go with a comfortable wedge. Party feet insoles will also help to prevent sore feet.

·         Though very popular, a clutch bag is not ideal for the race track. I found this out the hard way at Punchestown! It is impossible to hold a drink, study a form guide and hold onto a clutch at the same time.

·         Eat a sensible meal before you head to the race track. With trying to catch the eye of the Best Dressed judges it might be some time before you can grab something to eat.

·         Popping plasters and bobby pins into your handbag is a good idea. Blisters and loose hats/headpieces are the biggest threats to a wonderful Ladies Day.

Ladies Day Dates 2012:

Galway Summer Festival - Thursday 2^nd August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Sligo Racecourse – Thursday 9^th August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Kilbeggan Racecourse – Saturday 11^th August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Tramore Racecourse – Saturday 18^th August

Bellewstown August Festival at Bellewstown Racecourse – Thursday 23^rd August

Littlewoods Ireland Ladies Day at Killarney Racecourse – Saturday 1^st September

Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes Day at Leopardstown Racecourse – Saturday 8^th September

For more Ladies Day Dates click here.