What NOT to wear at the races: Celebrity stylist reveals why midlife women go wrong with 'overly theatrical' looks - and how statement accessories make you look 'too much'See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JESSICA GREEN, ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR Updated: 12:36 BST, 5 June 2026
Glamorous racegoers stepped into the weekend in style as they descended on Epsom Downs Racecourse for Ladies Day.Cheery revellers got the day off to a fashionable start as they showcased fancy fascinators adorned with feathers and decadent bows, risqué hemlines and skyscraper heels. The ensembles on display for the Derby Festival were as daring as ever, with low-scooped corset style tops on display alongside racy thigh splits. Others dressed for the occasion with bright and vibrant hats, oozing glitz in a bid to be crowned best dressed. Ladies Day features the third Classic race of the season, The Betfred Oaks. This highly-anticipated race day is also a chance for racegoers to showcase their style Strike a pose! Glamorous racegoers stepped into the weekend in style as they descended on Epsom racecourse for Ladies Day Here come the girls! Despite cloudy skies, revellers at the Epsom Derby dressed to impress in bright and bold frocks and fascinators Strike a pose! The event is a chance for revellers to show off their style, and several were racegoers were determined to show off their style prowess Say cheese! Three joyful attendees take a moment to rest their feet among the celebrations Here come the girls! Spirits were high in Epsom as the weekend celebrations kicked off Strike a pose! Derby revellers dressed for the occasion with bright and vibrant hats Monochrome magic: One glamorous attendee opted for a thigh-skimming gown and striking white fascinator Ladies Day features the third Classic race of the season, The Betfred Oaks. This highly-anticipated race day is also a chance for racegoers to showcase their style, with colourful dresses, wide-brimmed hats and fancy fascinators.The website calls Ladies' Day 'a spectacular, gleeful celebratory day where people come together to join in racing’s most spectacular carnival'.The owner normally receives about 75 per cent of a race's prize money, while the remaining 25 per cent is generally split between the trainer (10 per cent), the jockey (10 per cent) and then the final 5 per cent to stable staff and racing charities.While all eyes are on the runners and riders of the day, the competition also provides the opportunity for the ladies attending to fight it out for who is best dressed on the other side of the fence.Epsom organisers describe the Derby as the 'world’s greatest flat race'.With an incredible prize pot of £1.5million, the race lasts one-and-a-half miles.The owner normally receives about 75 per cent of a race's prize money, while the remaining 25 per cent is generally split between the trainer (10 per cent), the jockey (10 per cent) and then the final 5 per cent to stable staff and racing charities.Cheltenham Racing Festival, which takes place in March, has taken the decision to rename 'Ladies' Day' as 'Style Wednesday' to encourage both men and women to take part in the fashion competition.The Jockey Club, which runs 15 courses across the UK, also ditched the Best Dressed competition.Instead, the day now includes the Slow Fashion awards, open to both men and women, which 'celebrates vintage and borrowed items, as well as investment pieces'.
