Ladies Day Inspiration for Vintage Lovers (and event ticket giveaway!)

Ladies days at the races are often seen as the fashion event of the season. Women take the opportunity to really go all out on the glam front and dress to impress. Personally, I have never attended a race day or anything like it, but that’s all about to change when I attend the Newbury Ladies Day on the 13^th of August. Not only will this be my first ever experience of watching any form of racing, but it’s the first time I’ve ever been at any event with this sort of expectation of dress (other than weddings, which I have only attended 2 of as an adult can you believe it). Not only are there the races but I am also kindly being supplied with an afternoon tea (yum) and Will Young is performing after the event in the evening, it’s sounds like it’s going to be a fun day!

Now, my day comes with a particular hardship in terms of dress choice as I am spending the morning doing a tour of the tunnels of Clapham Common underground station (yes, seriously) so I can’t wear heels and given the nature of the tour it probably isn’t a good idea for me to wear anything too smart or fitted. However, I also don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to really glam up. My current vague plan involves a quick change in a toilet somewhere, as I don’t want to have to be too practical!

Anyway enough of my concerns, when it comes to these occasions I think it’s easy sometimes to choose something because it looks right for the event, but lose out on reflecting your personal taste. To me this seems a shame, as you want to wear something that you love and will wear again. With this in mind here are some favourites of mine that will shine at the event and still staying true to my love of vintage and pin up styles. I narrowed it down to just 6:

This first April green dress is from Lindy Bop and is currently in the sale is a total steal at £13! I think this is a great colour for summer and you know I love this pale greens. The lace mean it’s a great day to night dress, and the sweetheart neckline calls out to my soul while the looser bottom really helps to balance out those pear shapes like myself!
Next up is yet another gem from the Lindy Bop sale, this Maybelle twin set does have a grown up, formal look but I think the colour makes it seem playful enough for a day at the races. It reminds me so much of Jackie Kennedy.
Last up for the top row we have the Dolores Paradise Hawaiian Pencil Dress by Collectif. You might recognise this dress as it’s one of Collectif’s classic style, produced in lots of different prints and colours. This print is perfect for the summer/spring time and it’s vintage inspired without seeming too over the top if that’s what you like, I think this is possibly the most versatile of the bunch.

On to row two. I honestly tried to not include a nautical number but I.Just.Could.Not.Help.Myself. This one is a Vivien of Holloway Sarong Anchors Aweigh, it combines two of my dream items, a VOH sarong dress and nautical theming, hello sailor! (sorry not sorry). Honestly I think this is my dream dress, but the price also reflects that at £120. One day beautiful dress, one day…
Interestingly these last two dresses seem to be budget versions of the original VOH sarong dress, and they seem pretty decent for budget versions. This middle dress is by Hell Bunny (you can buy direct from this website now, now exciting!) and this Bamboo pencil dress is pretty similar in terms of shape. Again, the light colours of this dress would be great for this summer event and it adds a tropical feel that won’t be out of place if the weather feels like being all British about it!
Let’s finish off with another piece of Collectif. This Mahina Tahiti Palm Print Sarong Dress is the cheapest of these bottom three (surprising as I always considered Hell Bunny to be the most budget friendly but it seems like they are going a different way at the moment) and the print is so cute. Again it’s tropical and has a summer feel but the design feels unique and could easily be drawn towards the tiki style with a bit of bamboo jewellery.

If you two want to attend the Newbury Races day then you are in luck, as I not only have two tickets to give away for you and a friend, but there is a £30 John Lewis voucher too so you can grab your own dream dress! To enter simply enter the Rafflecopter below, but to be sure you qualify please read the following rules:

This giveaway is open to UK residents aged 18+ only and your email address will be used for promotional purposes by the Company in question but will never be used by external third parties.

If you don’t win, fear not, simply use the code FUN16 for £5 every ticket!
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*My tickets and the giveaway have all been provided by Newbury Race Course, all words and opinions my own.

RELATED POSTS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply