This year’s Ladies Day Style Guide, which has been created by local designer Estelle Pearce, is based around “Made in Doncaster”, which is the overarching campaign for the 2023 Betfred St Leger Festival as Doncaster Racecourse looks to celebrate everything that’s great about the City and South Yorkshire.
Estelle, who has had her work featured at both Digital Fashion Week New York and London Fashion Week, has more than 15 years experience in the fashion industry and is here with her top tips when choosing your race day outfit.
This year, the five themes to consider when deciding on what to wear to the races are:
Floral Fantasy
Doncaster is blessed with picturesque gardens, from Cusworth Hall to Walkers Nurseries and the charm of Brodsworth Hall, so what better way to honour this season's runway trend by sporting florals on your race day dress. Inspired by the artistry of manicured gardens and the undeniable allure of statement stems, this season's catwalks come alive with florals as the focal point.
Celebrate the fusion of nature's beauty as the Racecourse invites you to honor this natural splendor, embrace the blooming elegance and let your style flourish, as you gallop into the fashion forefront with confidence and grace. From delicate cutouts, exquisite embroidery, feminine frills, to vibrant statement pieces, florals add a timeless charm that aligns perfectly with the thrill and sophistication of horse racing events.
Dopamine Brights
With Doncaster's newly acquired City status casting an illuminating glow, the vibrant lights of the city are radiating brighter than ever. As anticipation for the Betfred St Ledger builds, emerges an invitation for attendees to transcend the ordinary and embrace a spectrum of bold and vivid colors that mirror the city's vitality.
This season, seize the commanding energy of Dopamine Brights: immerse yourself in radiant reds, bask in lively yellows, find tranquility in serene blues, and rejuvenate in invigorating greens, and for the daring, venture into citrus hues of lime and mandarin orange when choosing your day at the races dress. Blend, contrast, and accessorise to create ensembles that not only echo your vibrant personality but also radiate unwavering confidence and a contagious zest for life.
Show us your Stripes
In a city where sports and style converge, stripes take center stage as echoed in Doncaster's beloved football clubs, Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rovers Belles, renowned for their iconic red and white stripes. This season it's time to embrace stripes as a fashion statement when selecting your horse racing outfits.
Allow yourself to be drawn to a selection of brightly coloured palettes that infuse vibrancy in a variety of striped patterns or opt for classic bold stripes, a versatile trend that seamlessly transitions from the pitch to the racecourse. Remember you're not just wearing a trend; you're celebrating Doncaster's sporting legacy, paying homage to its rich sports culture, and expressing your unique fashion style with pride. So, show us your stripes, and let your ensemble be a testament to the city's dynamic spirit.
Corset Dress
With the prestigious Betfred St Leger Stakes being a world's oldest classic, the time is ripe for the resurgence of the 'classic' Corset. This season it takes on a transformation, emerging into an iconic corset dress that encapsulates a blend of elegance and rebellion, effortlessly mirroring the enduring spirit of an event that has gracefully withstood the trials of time.
Its resurgence pays homage to the structured fashion heritage of the past, celebrating the splendor of the feminine form, from the intricate details evoking classic romance to the contemporary adaptations exuding boldness, this versatile attire continues to captivate the hearts of fashion enthusiasts in its seamless adaptations. So whether you gravitate toward the refined opulence of a bygone era or the contemporary edge of modernity, the Corset Dress transforms to mirror your aspirations and makes an excellent choice for your day at the races outfit.
Oversized Bows
An irresistible trend of the moment, oversized bows have gracefully woven their enchanting spell throughout the fashion realm, providing a stunning reflection of how the Betfred St Leger Festival intricately binds the community together. These oversized bows, much like the festival's unifying spirit, transcend mere fashion; they are an embodiment of connection and celebration.
As these statement adornments capture both the wearers' hearts and the gaze of onlookers, they offer a unique opportunity to elevate your style into a realm of mesmerizing allure. With their bold proportions, oversized bows seamlessly infuse a touch of femininity into your ensembles, defying the ordinary and becoming an irresistible trend that not only catches the eye but also commands attention.
Yet to decide on what to wear at the races? Visit our friends at Chique Doncaster for your 2023 Ladies Day outfit.
