In the sporting world, few events are quite as much of a fashion spectacle as the Grand National, which takes place at the famous Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool each April. The event sees racegoers turning out in their finery to watch the trackside action unfold whilst sipping on champagne and rubbing shoulders with other esteemed guests in the VIP enclosure, and suffice it to say, the winning racehorses aren’t the only thing on display.
Whilst there’s no denying that the race itself is hotly anticipated by horse racing fans, so too are the outfits of the event’s most affluent and well-heeled guests. There are no scruffy T-shirt-and-jeans combos here, because it’s Hollywood red carpet glamour all the way.
While there is no strict dress code for men and women attending the event, that hasn’t stopped people from using the long-awaited race day as an excuse to get dressed up to the nines – and the Grand National Ladies Day, specifically, has become one of the most significant fashion dates of the annual social calendar, with spectators showcasing their unique styles and take the entire event by storm.
So if you’ve got your hands on a VIP ticket to the Grand National 2024, what kind of outfit should you go for? Here, we reveal the fail-safe women’s dress code and style guide to help you stand out from the crowd and make a fashion statement that will leave a lasting impression.
Style code
Your outfit of choice for Ladies Day should be nothing short of jaw-dropping, and something that will garner attention for all the right reasons (think admiration and awe rather than shock), winning you an endless stream of compliments throughout the day. There’s a ‘Style Award’ for the best dressed, so this isn’t all just for fun – and if you want to really stand out in the style stakes then a show-stopping occasion dress is just the ticket.
One of the most highly praised guests last year wore a yellow lace bodice and a multi-coloured skirt, which granted, is something of an acquired taste; when it comes to luxury, it’s important to remember that less is more. On the other hand, another guest wooed the crowds in a beautiful headdress made with fresh flowers – dainty, whimsical, and earning itself a big tick for a stylish summer event like this one.
On the subject of headdresses, hats and fascinators are a regular feature throughout the festival – and the unspoken code for some seems to be, the more outlandish the hat, the better. But as we’ve touched upon, sacrificing elegance for outlandishness is a huge no-no when it comes to high-end fashion, and instead, you should opt for an understated headpiece that is both polished and refined.
While hats and fascinators are a great way to capture the attention of other guests – and the ITV film crew, for that matter! – they are still a fashion accessory that needs to be styled as part of your outfit as a whole. One subtle way women achieved this in 2023 was by choosing oversized headbands – by luxury fashion houses such as Prada – which can draw the eye, and by matching the colour and tone of the dress, you can ensure that the end result is not overtly quirky. According to London-based milliner Lisa Tan, wearing your hair off your face and tying it back can similarly help to radiate more elegance and give you a stronger neckline – so don’t be afraid to try out a glamorous ‘up do’ to complete your look.
Taking inspiration
If you’re a little daunted by the idea of colourful outfits and the concept of show-stopping leaves you breaking out in a cold sweat, then there’s no need to fret; understated looks that exude timeless appeal will almost always garner approval. A good way to know you’re on the right lines is by looking at Grand National tournaments of the past and taking inspiration from celebrities and their outfits – although be aware that just because somebody famous wore something, doesn’t make it a fashion success. Even so, The Grand National is one of the most attended social events of the year, so there have been many celebrities who have graced the pink carpet and shown off their own wardrobe, and there are plenty of ideas and concepts to be taken from them to get you started.
One of these celebrities is TV presenter Rosie Tapner, who wore a colourful vintage blue dress, complete with a pink headband back in 2022 – a style reminiscent of 1960s Audrey Hepburn. Coleen Rooney has also been dubbed the ‘Queen of Aintree’, having rarely missed the event, and has consistently appeared in orange and black lacy dresses. Rooney, specifically, is the perfect person to take inspiration from if you’re not typically a ‘colourful’ dresser. While her outfits are certainly eye-catching, they’re subtle enough to still feel elegant and luxurious, and not so evidently conspicuous.
Whatever you choose to wear on the day, the Grand National is a great opportunity to show off your style and your tastes, and with no specific code or limitations, it’s a chance to get creative and have some fun with it. Whether you’ll be picking something out of your current wardrobe or going on a much needed shopping trip to your favourite designer boutique, it’s all about enjoying the process and feeling fabulous in your attire on race day. Oh, and there’s some horse racing going on too.
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