The May Festival
CHESTER
10th May Chester Cup Day ; 11th May Ladies ’ Day ; 12th May City Day
The oldest racecourse in England , the Roodee dates back from the sixteenth century and although it is one of the country ’ s most prestigious Flat racecourses , it is also the smallest . Usually sold out , the Boodles May Festival is packed , sparkling and sassy – spilling out into the city centre after racing for partying into the early hours .
As a near neighbour to Liverpool , and taking place not long after the Grand National , the Boodles May Festival is almost a continuation of Aintree Ladies ’ Day ’ s feast of fun when it comes to fashion . Forget ‘ spring ’ and dive straight into summer here : whatever the weather the summer dresses , bare legs and skyscraper heels are out in force .
Fake tan , well-coiffed hair and lashings of make-up are equally as important as your outfit – perhaps more so ! Go big on bling , designer labels and a statement hat or headpiece : if you ’ ve got it flaunt it – but make sure you ’ re bang on trend and oozing as much style as you can strut .
Men : sharp suits are popular while blazers and chinos also go down well ; both must be worn with shirt and tie .
To make sure your suit is not mistaken for your workwear , look to accessories – see page 12 – and splash out on a pair of designer or handmade shoes . Blazers may be colourful if you have the character to pull it off , while for slim-fit suits add a trilby for a dash of personality .
1
THE BARDOT DRESS
This floaty fit and flare mini dress reveals a sexy Bardot neckline with fashionable frill overlay – perfect to show off your statement hat . The pleated skirt is sporting the musthave on trend dipped hemline . Keepsake dress in navy botanical floral . Price £ 165 from House of Fraser .
5 3
2
ACCESSORIES : 1 . Pretty in pink : Floral Bouquet headpiece by Joanne Edwards Hats with Swarovski beads , £ 875 from Etsy . 2 . The mini bag is a BIG trend this season : try the Dune Elady jewel clutch , £ 60 from John Lewis . 3 . Add a cuff bangle such as this Edblad waterfall bracelet , £ 62 from Nordic Agencies . 4 . Brighten up your step in silver and blue metallic caged stiletto sandals . Carvela Gum sandals , £ 140 from Debenhams . 5 . Whether it is for the sun or the paparazzi , don ' t forget to complete your outfit with a pair of sunglasses . Vogue ' s cat ' s eye sunglasses in blue and light grey will match the dress perfectly , £ 99 from House of Fraser .
4
Richard James double breasted blue seersucker suit , £ 765 ; worn with slim fuchsia & blue geometric blocks tie , £ 95 and pink Deco flower pocket square £ 55 .
22 SUMMER RACING FASHION GUIDE 2017 ECLIPSEMAGAZINE . CO . UK