It’s ladies day at the races, time to up the style stakes

Dig out your best clothes, find something fabulous to pop on your head – it’s Ladies Day at Brighton Racecourse!

Ok, Brighton might not quite be Ascot, but the second day in the three-day Festival of Racing is always heaps of fun and a chance to go all out in the style stakes – or admire those who do – and maybe even win some cash. Yep, Ladies Day is the one day of the season when the fashion is every bit as important as the racing.

But it’s not just fancy frocks and creative headpieces to gawp at (worth the ticket price alone, we reckon), there’s a roaming acoustic band, a performance by Brighton’s My Charleston troupe, fizz, food and, of course, heaps of flat racing.

Speaking of those fancy frocks, though – you can capture your best lewks in their Airstream photo booth – and it’s worth going all out as there’s £500 up for grabs for the most stylish outfit. Reckon you’ve got it going on? Head to the flower wall to have your picture taken when you get there or maybe you’ll catch the eye of the style-spotter in the crowd.

So how can you improve your chances of scooping the prize? Basically, it’s go big or go home. As stylist Sarah Kate Byrne says, you’ve got to be brave:

“For me, a winning look typically has a terrific hat or headpiece that sets it off and ensures you stand out from the crowd.”

If you don’t happen to have a suitable hat just hanging around your wardrobe waiting for its chance to shine, then you could make one, or buy one of Fumbalina’s epic headpieces or Lucy Kook’s fantastical creations, for example, or even rent one – the sustainable choice.

Sarah Kate recommends trying The Cotswold Hat Club, Lizzie’s Hats and The Hat Club for a top selection of millinery for hire.

Be warned, though: those that make the shortlist will be shown on the big screen (so not one for the wallflowers) and then invited into the Parade Ring for the final judging.

The race is on!

Thursday, 10th August; gates open at 12.25pm; from £21
Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton, BN2 9XZ

brightonracecourse.co.uk