Past Racing Fashion Ambassador, Karen Koster, shares her tips and tricks to make you wow them at Ladies' Day...

Can't buy me style
As every truly chic gal knows, money alone can’t buy style. Don’t assume you have to fork out a fortune to be in with a chance of winning best dressed.  Sometimes the best outfits are born out of a distinct lack of cash and a little bit of flair.  Shop for one really fabulous item that makes the most of your best asset – some so-right-now sculptured heels if you’ve a great pair of pins, or a big, bold necklace if your décolletage is where it’s at.  Then you can scrimp on a dress that won’t break the bank and that you won’t mind wearing for just one season. Save your pennies for the Tote – and think of that handbag you could splurge on with your winnings!

Hats off
Want to make sure you catch the eye of those all-important judges? Pay attention to the detail and make sure you look good from top to toe. Hats are a Ladies’ Day classic, so even if it’s not a look you’ve tried before, give it a whirl.  Headpieces are another easy way to add drama. If even that is a little too scary for you, try one of the beautifully retro hairbands on offer these days.  Whatever you go with, make sure it’s something you, and your hairstyle, are comfortable with.

Paintbox pretty
I’m a big fan of bright colours, so I’m delighted that all shades of the rainbow are on offer this summer as a strong, saturated palette becomes more important than ever.  Sometimes an outfi t with lots of bold colour can dwarf you if you’re a petite lady like me.  Make sure to wear block colours, which will help to elongate your shape and will make you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.  The good news is that this way of wearing colour is right on trend this season.  Don’t shy away from yellow or pink!  If you’re not used to brights, daffodil yellow sunglasses or fuchsia pink shoes look great with a simple grey dress.

Shine On
An inevitable addition to any stylish racegoer’s arsenal is an umbrella, so why not box clever and make that brolly an extra accessory? Parasols are now getting the designer treatment and some even have extra designs on the inside that are magically revealed when opened up. With a clever trick like that under your sleeve, you’ll be well prepared for any brief summer showers.

Stay on your toes
No matter how beautiful that pair of up-to-theminute spindly stilettos looked on the shelf, they’ll be the bane of your life by the end of a day at the races.  The races are all about being sociable and staying on your feet – mingling with friends old and new, placing bets and refreshing your drink.  You don’t have to sacrifi ce style for comfort, just be clever about where you place the balls of your feet.  Wedges are always a good bet – and the latest are oh-so pretty, with delicate crochet or riding-crop woven leather at the top of the style barometer.

Make or break
So you’ve put together the perfect ensemble – just be careful to avoid falling at the last hurdle and neglecting your make-up. Bear in mind that make-up is an accessory too, so think about how it will work with the rest of your outfit.  A fl awless face is key to achieving a polished overall look – and for a day at the races, it needs to stay fresh all day long.  You’ll need a look that can move from bright sunshine to low evening light.  Sound complicated?  It isn’t!  The latest foundation, mineral make-up, is great for a super-natural look that you can build up later in the day to make sure you wow the crowds at night. The lipstick of the moment is matte but bright – perfect for day.  Then just pop some lipgloss and eyeliner in your bag so you can add some va va voom when the stars come out.