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Trackside Trendsetter: How To Steal the Spotlight on Ladies Day

Returning to Musselburgh on Friday 8th August, elegance and excitement meet head on at Ladies Day thanks to The Style Awards with Tiger Lily Boutique. Here, we take inspiration from some of last year’s strongest looks, so you can take the lead in the style stakes this summer…

Wednesday 16th July 2025

Style. Elegance. Glamour. A heady mix of fashion and horse racing, Ladies Day has it all. It’s a day when thrill of the sport only tells half the story and fashion takes centre stage.

Celebrating the most fashion-forward ensembles and best millinery moments it’s not just the horses that compete at this event. Thanks to The Style Awards with Tiger Lily Boutique the most stylish of racegoers can win a coveted prize. With a holiday to France to win it’s time to plan your outfit seriously.

"At Ladies Day, your outfit is more than a look - it’s your introduction,”

says the Edinburgh-based personal stylist and image consultant, Laura Russell from Satisfashion.

“With so much glamour in one place, standing out means thinking ahead: from choosing a show-stopping hat or fascinator to selecting an outfit that’s flattering and functional but also pushes that sartorial envelope. Every detail matters, from colour palettes that pop against the summer sunshine to accessories that tie the entire look together with polish and personality.

“However, what really stood out about last year’s winners, is that it’s not about the clothes alone - but how you wear them. Carrying yourself well and pulling everything together with confidence is what matters most”.

Here, we asked the experts to dissect three of last year’s strongest looks, to reveal what makes a winner:

Look 1: Black, White & Bold All Over

“Monochrome magic, right here!,” says Clare MacDougall, Creative Manager at Tiger Lily Boutique. “This high-impact black and white striped dress is giving vintage drama with a modern twist and the sculptural fascinator is pure art. We love how the vertical stripes flatter the silhouette and the gloves, earrings and accessories tie it all together. It’s playful, punchy and totally unforgettable - everything a Ladies Day look should be. If bold colour isn’t your thing, this is proof you can still turn heads with clever contrasts and strong styling”.

“What made this look unique is how the hat wasn’t a typical complementary colour,” agrees Laura. “Instead, the bold stripe echoed the outfit and made it feel like a complete, striking statement.”

Look 2: Confidence with Colour

“This winner just oozed sophistication,” says Laura. “From the flawless accessories to the updo and those sunnies, it was perfection! Confidence played a huge role here too. When you're wearing something that fits well and flatters you, it really shows”.

“Talk about bringing the sunshine. This stunning yellow floral number is everything Ladies Day is about- fun, fearless fashion with head-to-toe coordination,” adds Clare. “The soft ruffles bring drama without overpowering, and the matching hat, shoes and bag make it feel beautifully complete. The takeaway? Don’t be afraid of colour! Find a shade that makes you feel fabulous and commit to the theme with confidence.”

Look 3: Pinstripe Perfection

“We had to include this dapper gent,” says Clare. “His rich brown pinstripe blazer, wide-leg cream trousers and sharp fedora exude race-day elegance with a nod to vintage glamour. It’s the little touches - the patterned tie, boutonnière and even the umbrella - that show he’s thought of everything. Gents accompanying the ladies this year: this is how you complement without competing.”

But there are lessons for women here too: Structured tailoring and earthy tones can be incredibly chic on race day.

“Wearing separates can be tricky to nail – male or female - and it’s often easier to stick with a matching suit,” says Laura. “But if you know your own style and plan it out you can pull them all together for a winning look.”

So, with the countdown to Ladies Day well and truly underway, what are you planning to wear to win?