Winning fashion tips for the Punchestown Festival
For more than a century Ladies’ Day has been a constant staple of the many race meetings throughout the country. Thanks to the strict dress code of the 1800’s British Royal Ascot meetings, getting our best glad rags on for show has become the highlight of the racing season. Back then, entry to the sought after Royal Enclosure required morning dress with a top hat for the men and a decently covered day dress for the ladies.
With the smart dress code came a sense of competition to stand out from the crowd and what a better way to do so then with a hat, a tradition that has remained firmly in tack.
Milliner Jennifer Wrynne is certainly keeping the tradition of her trade alive as she nabbed her second Ladies’ Day crown at Cheltenham Festival earlier this year.
Wrynne captured the eye of the judges in a striking green dress matched with one of her own creations.
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“I am queen of the last minute. I bought the dress in Powerscourt Town Centre the day before, but I had the hat design in mind because I wanted to utilise a lace I had bought in Thailand, so I incorporated the lace into the hat,” explains Jennifer, “There is often a theme set for Ladies’ Day like ‘A Touch of Red’ something like that. This year at Fairyhouse the theme is ‘Elegantly Irish’, so wearing an Irish design would work really well. It’s always a good idea to stick by the theme.”
As a milliner, Jennifer naturally believes in the true worth of her craft and the necessity of the hat.
“I would usually start with the dress and from there, you can work around the colours choosing or designing a hat as simplistic or quirky as you please,” she says.“A hat or fascinator finishes off an outfit. It can bring a simple dress to a racing style, making the look individual.”
Celebrity stylist and fashion guru behind Lisa Fitzpatrick’s Fashion Fix, Lisa Fitzpatrick (inset left) is a Ladies’ Day judging veteran. Ultimately what the judges are looking for is somebody who looks chic but comfortable and weather appropriate.
“There is nothing worse than seeing somebody in the freezing cold and rain wearing just a strappy dress,” explains Lisa, “We’re looking for a woman who hasn’t tried too hard, is smiling and enjoying the day and it’s great if there is a story behind the outfit, for example if they had worn it to their wedding and had it altered in some way to suit the event.”
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When it comes to the Ladies’ Day event, most will opt for the safe bet like the floral dress or pastels that have come to light thanks to the spring season. But if it’s the ultimate hurdle of winning the Ladies’ Day trophy you’re after then choosing something with a bit of individuality may see you pass the post quicker. “Be you and dress to suit yourself. If quirky is your style then great, choose something that is different to what others are wearing but be comfortable in it,” says Lisa.“Each year the same trends come around but veering away from this can be the better choice. I think the Parisian chic look is always so good.”
While most of the images from Ladies’ Day are of woman donned in dresses Lisa says tailoring shouldn’t be ignored.
“Trouser suits and jumpsuits are huge at the moment. We’ve seen them on the red carpet with Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston. You can’t beat good tailoring it just looks great. It can be so elegant and chic.”
Lisa admits that despite judging more than a dozen Ladies’ Days over the years, each time the winner has been a unanimous choice between her and her fellow judges. “When the last 10 are standing in front of us that’s when we can spot the winner. There is so much great style out there and it can be really difficult to see everyone at the race meeting,” she says. “We cover as much ground as we can but if you want to be a part of the competition don’t be afraid to come to us, we probably just haven’t spotted you. If you’re not in it you can’t win it.”
The age-old secret behind great style is making it appear effortless and comfortable. If you’re comfortable you unconsciously radiate confidence that will capture a judges eye.
To grab attention you don’t need to be over done. Choosing a simple dress and adding quirky accessories like a clutch or fascinator can bring an entire look together.
This season gilded hair accessories have graced catwalk hair. These pieces of beauty are simple and can range from a small clip to an elegant hairband.
Milliner Ann Flynn of Hat Trick also warns: “Going to the races can be a long day and Ladies Day will leave little time for sitting down. So always make sure to wear fabulous but comfortable shoes that you can wander about easily in.”
For the dress the sophisticated monochrome trend is staying for the spring/summer season. Don’t be over bearing with it, maybe add a touch of dusty pink to avoid the checkers board look or add a simple black belt to a white dress for a demure monochrome style. Also this season, yellow, yes yellow is a must have colour.
It’s not just canary yellow or bright lemon which are on trend, it’s whatever shade suits. Trust us there is a yellow shade to suit all be it amber or marigold it can be found.
If individuality is already your style than opting for the trouser suit may just be the top tip of the day.
Demand for millinery has soared in recent years, according to milliners Ann Flynn and Jennifer Wrynne.
“Irish woman are definitely becoming more daring when it comes to accessorising. Ladies’ Day is a popular event and as it grows so do the designs. Woman are looking for more elaborate, detailed and crazier hat designs than before, which is great to see,” says Jennifer.
Ann agrees but says there is a hat to suit all personalities. “If you are not used to wearing a hat, rest assured that there is a style to suit everyone.”
“A day at the track is not complete without a hat but the hat should complement your outfit, not outshine it. Choose one which is comfortable and easy to wear, especially if you are a hat virgin,” she says.
Stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick agrees that an exceptional piece of millinery can help distinguish you from the crowd.
“An interesting hat or fascinator will definitely help you stand out but make it elegant and chic. The over done look does not work,” she warned.
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