There’s still time to find a winning outfit …
If the Galway Races are a foretaste of the RDS Dublin Horse Show – when Ladies Day is the social highlight of the year – then trends show that block colours and monochrome looks are the winning formula.
Megan Cunniss from Newcastle, Co Galway won the Best Dressed competition in a dress she designed, featuring contrasting edging accessorised with a wide-brimmed hat from Millinery By Mairead. She hired her clutch bag from Mála Hire.
Black and white is always a classic combination – who can forget Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Dolittle at the races in My Fair Lady – and also gets the royal seal of approval. Zara Philips’ retro-inspired look at Royal Ascot this year was arguably one of the best outfits. She wore an A-line Laura Green dress with a black collar and Juliette Botterill hat.
Earlier in the summer, Ciara Denvir from Belfast won the Bollinger Best Dressed competition at Punchestown Festival in a polka dot blouse from Spanish brand Coosy Studio and skirt from Romanian designer ATU Body Couture, with a hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery. An August Night bag and green Prada shoes completed her ensemble.
If you’re inspired by these winners, there’s still time to enter the Best Dressed competition on August 7, with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of €10,000 from Poretti and the runner up winning stays in five-star hotels in Dublin and London (The Morrison and The Trafalgar St James). In the Best Hat category, sponsored by Ireland’s Blue Book, the winner will receive a €2,000 voucher to spend on stays and fine dining experiences. A new category this year is the Irish Heritage & Sustainability Style Award sponsored by Jack Murphy, and also the Best Dressed Duo sponsored by Cashel Palace Hotel.
If you haven’t yet decided on a hat, take some tips from these Irish designers …
“Shop smart – look for a hat that works with multiple outfits and suits different occasions. The key is timeless style over trends,” advises Martha Lynn who trained under Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones in London, and makes hats to order. Her signature style is to combine traditional styles with a modern edge. “If your hat complements your shoes or bag, your look becomes more versatile and interchangeable. It makes pulling together an outfit much easier.” @marthalynnmillinery
Traditional styles such as Panamas and boaters are making a comeback. Irish designer Aoife Kirwan, who hand blocks and sews every hat, makes some of the prettiest we’ve seen. @aoifekirwanmillinery
Milliner Carol Kennelly is known for her statement hats that include decadent jewellery, intricate beadwork, exotic feathers and vintage-inspired designs that are playful yet modern. Her tip: “A great hat must have drama while still looking elegant from all angles.” @carol_kennelly
You don’t have to spend a small fortune on a hat. Explore hat rentals from Aoife Harrison, who rents hats from €60 and has a gorgeous atelier in Dublin. @aoifeharrisondesign
Others include: Harriet Houlihan @harrythehat2024; Marc Millinery @marcmillinery; Jennifer’s Hat Emporium @jennifershatemporium and Hats Amore @hatsamore
In Belfast, try Blush Boutique on the Lisburn Road where you can rents hat for several days from £50stg. @blushboutiquebelfast
Finally, many ladies like to give a nod to the occasion by donning a smart trilby or Fedora – the best are from Anthony Peto @anthonypeto.
As for shopping online, the best value for Chanel-style statement hats at a steal are from Jasper Conran. Try his Filippa wide brim straw hat, €69.95, which will look as good on Ladies Day as on holidays! @jasperconran
Get into the spirit with The Strawberry Saddle, a limited-edition cocktail at The Ivy Dublin, or strike a pose with The Ivy Stallion on Instagram and tag @the_ivy_ie to be in with a chance of winning dinner for four.
SEE MORE: 12 Of The Best Dressed For Ladies Days
