The Betfred St Leger Ladies Day returns to Doncaster Racecourse on Thursday 10th September, when thousands of racegoers will attend for a “Reyt Good Day Out” and begin celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger Stakes.
Betfred Ladies Day is one of the biggest fashion events in the region, with more than £2,500 worth of Style Awards prizes up for grabs, including a £1,000 gift voucher for Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield. After a full day of glamour and world-class racing, racegoers can look forward to a high-energy DJ set from Mark Wright.
To help you create the perfect raceday look, local beauty, fashion and lifestyle creator Daisy Tomlinson has put together this year’s style guide, sharing her take on ‘Timeless Style’ and how to create a look that ‘lasts as long as the Leger’:
There is something so exciting about getting dressed up for a day at the races, especially Ladies’ Day! It’s one of those occasions where you can really have fun with fashion, get glammed up and wear something that makes you feel amazing.
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t feel like you have to follow every trend; the best outfits will always be the ones that feel timeless, reflect your personality and make you feel like the best version of yourself.
When it comes to raceday style, I truly believe that classiness is always the way forward. Fashion trends come and go, but elegant dressing will never date.
With the Betfred St Leger Festival celebrating its 250th running this year, I love the idea of taking inspiration from some of fashion’s most iconic decades. Whether it’s the bold prints and flowing silhouettes of the ‘70s, the sharp tailoring and statement shoulders of the ‘80s or the sleek elegance and minimalism of the ‘90s, every decade has given us iconic fashion. It’s all about taking those classic influences and making them your own.For me, less is often more. Clean lines, beautiful tailoring and thoughtful accessories will always make a stronger statement than trying to wear every trend at once.
I always think it's worth investing in pieces you know you'll wear again and keep re-styling. My timeless wardrobe staples are: A timeless midi dress - whether it’s an elegant slip dress, a classic bodycon or a structured A-line silhouette, the dress you choose will always be the star of the show! A beautifully cut blazer/blazer dress - a classic piece that can instantly elevate your look and can be styled differently year after year. Also a perfect choice if you want to go for long sleeves.A pair of classic court heels - this style will truly never go out of style. Opt for a classic black pair, and you can never go wrong, or add a pop of colour to brighten up a monochrome look.A structured handbag or clutch - the perfect finishing touch to pull the whole look together. I love matching mine to my shoes for a polished, coordinated look.
It's not about buying a whole new outfit for every event; it's all about styling these pieces in a way that feels fresh and reflects your personality. There is, however, one exception…
If there’s ever a day to embrace a little drama - it’s Ladies’ Day. A fabulous hat or statement fascinator is part of what makes the occasion so special, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it.
Let one piece steal the spotlight - a good rule of thumb is to let one statement piece do all the talking. If you’ve chosen an understated dress and classic shoes, you can absolutely turn heads with a bold, oversized hat. Balance is everything - if your outfit is already full of colour or intricate detail, a more refined headpiece will create a beautifully balanced look.Wear with confidence - the best hat or fascinator is one you feel amazing in. If you love it, it’ll show! Think of your outfit as a conversation; every piece should complement the next, rather than compete for attention.
I’m always drawn to colour, but I believe it works best when it’s used thoughtfully. Rather than mixing lots of different shades together, choose one or two key colours and let them do all the talking.
A pop of colour can completely elevate a look. If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, try adding colour through a vibrant clutch bag, a striking pair of heels or a colourful fascinator that can add personality without overwhelming your outfit. If your outfit is already full of colour or print, keep accessories a little simpler to create a balanced look.
Sometimes it’s those little finishing touches that make the biggest impact, so don’t underestimate how much difference the right accessory can make.
Above all, wear your outfit with confidence. Choose pieces that make you feel comfortable, elegant and unmistakably you. The most memorable raceday looks aren’t necessarily the loudest; they’re the ones that feel effortless, beautifully put together and worn with confidence. After all, confidence is what makes A Reyt Good Outfit for A Reyt Good Day Out!
To finish off the style guide, here are my Ladies’ Day essentials (the little things we tend to forget on the day but really need!):
Heel protectors - a must if you’re wearing heels on the grass for a whole day.
A portable phone charger - so you’re ready for the photos to capture all the memories.
A mini deodorant or perfume - great for a quick refresh throughout the day, especially if the weather is hot!
Hair grips - because a little breeze shouldn't ruin a great hairstyle. Also great for keeping any hair accessories in place.
Sunglasses - because you never know when the Yorkshire sun will make an appearance. They can also really elevate your look!
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For a classic race-day dress, look for quality fabric, an elegant neckline and a length that allows you to walk comfortably over grass, steps and busy concourses. Block colours provide a lovely canvas for a feathered hat, while subtle checks or prints can work beautifully when paired with plain accessories.
A race-day hat has presence, but it should still feel like you. The right style frames the face, complements the outfit and remains comfortable enough to wear through lunch, the parade ring and the journey home.
Racecourses involve more walking than many people expect. There may be grass, gravel, steps, uneven paths and long stretches on your feet between races. Very high, narrow heels can look lovely for photographs but become a burden by mid-afternoon. A block heel, elegant loafer, smart ankle boot or lower court shoe is often the wiser choice.
A classic look of block colour or polka dot is a winner!!
Compliment the look with a beautiful bespoke fascinator by Chique, certain to turn heads.
Chique Boutique occasion wear is made using high-quality fabrics, built to last. Choose a timeless piece that you can rewear with different accessories for any occasion.
Choosing a timeless classic can elevate any wardrobe and never date.
Be brave, be bold - you do you.
Wear a pop of colour and stand out in a crowd.
Luxurious, versatile pieces that embody the modern rural lifestyle, effortlessly and stylishly.
