Race season is well and truly underway and every year we look forward to seeing the assortment of head pieces from wide brimmed hats to small and stylish pillbox fascinators.
Almost every racecourse up and down the country has its own Ladies Day event, which is often regarded as the fashion highlight of the season. Traditionally racegoers wear their most stylish outfits, extravagant hats and glamorous hairstyles in a bid to be crowned best dressed whilst enjoying the thrill of the races.
Ladies Day events date back over 300 years where the concept is first thought to have evolved at Royal Ascot. An anonymous poet first described the day in print in 1823, recounting Thursday at Ascot as “Ladies’ Day… when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.”
So whether you’re a boutique owner looking to add a touch of elegance to your product line, or you’re heading to a Ladies Day event yourself this season, we’ve got you covered with our top tips for picking the perfect headpiece…
- Assess the dress code
Ladies Day events can differ from racecourse to racecourse, so depending on which event you’re attending, take a look on their website to read their tips and guidelines. For example, Royal Ascot states that “Hats should be worn, however a headpiece which has a solid base of four inches or more is acceptable.”
- Consider your whole outfit
If you already have your dress picked out, consider the colour, silhouette and style of your whole outfit and pick a headpiece to compliment it. Get a friend to take a full length photo and consider your ensemble from different angles and perspectives.
- Research trends
While elegance and style will always win points at Ladies Day, it’s worth having a look at specific season trends in colour, shape, fabrics and trims. The Royals are always great for inspiration so have a peek at what they’re wearing to summer events and special occasions. Boardmans are constantly investing in trend prediction and if you’re a boutique owner or retailer we can take the pressure off you to keep up to date with the latest trends in millinery. Just drop us a line to discuss how we can support you.
- Consider the fit
Ultimately you will be wearing your chosen hat or fascinator all day so make sure it fits comfortably. If you find yourself adjusting and fiddling with your headpiece when you try it on then you probably won’t feel happy or confident on the day.
- Choose the right piece for your face shape
Some hats are more suited to certain face shapes, so go for a style that highlights your best features. Hats look great at an angle if you have a square face, whereas those with a long face should avoid a narrow brim. If you’re lucky enough to have an oval face then you can pull off almost any style so go ahead and express yourself! Also consider how you’re going to wear your hair on the day. For example, heavy hats are better when balanced with a subtle, elegant hair style.
WIN 2 tickets to Ladies Day at Moda!
We love a girls day out here at Boardmans and to celebrate the season we are giving away 2 tickets to a Ladies Day event of your choice! All you have to do is come and visit our stand at Moda SS19 at the Birmingham NEC on one of these dates…
4 AUGUST 2019 9.30 – 6PM
5 AUGUST 2019 9.30 – 6PM
6 AUGUST 2019 9.30 – 4PM
Where: Hall 18 Accessories, Stand M11
Occasionwear collection
We will also be launching our stunning new occasionwear collection, designed in collaboration with couture designer Beth Morgan. The show stopping range of hats, headbands and fascinators offer the perfect finishing touch for any occasion whether it’s a day at the races, someone’s big day or a summer event and we can’t wait for you to see it.
Get in touch
Boardmans offer independent boutiques and high-street retailers some of the most elegant and stylish accessories on the market. Our talented design team consistently create sell out product lines, utilising vibrant colours, quality materials and sophisticated styles, inspired by key catwalk trends. If you’d like to request a brochure or find out more please get in touch with a member of our team.
