PERFECT RACE DAY HATS

We've had a slew of Ladies Days at racecourses up and down the country - as well as abroad with the Kentucky Derby in the US in early May - all sporting gorgeous hats and wonderful outfits. Since we are already very good friends with Liz Wright, owner of the Simply Devine Hatshop in Tadcaster, we asked her if we could do a photoshoot at her shop. With Royal Ascot looming in June, we put on our gladrags to see how we would style a day at the races.

We totally loved the blue WOW hatinator, which Anne C. is wearing with a Zoe swing dress from Phase 8 in their current collection. The shoes, surprisingly, are from George at Asda and match perfectly, while the rose gold earrings and blue clutch are also from Simply Devine, which also sells special occasion bags, pashminas and jewellery.

Anne H is wearing a gorgeous white poppy hat, and eagle-eyed regulars may spot that Anne C modelled the same design last year in red.  Either colour is absolutely stunning, and Anne created a mono look with dress bought last season from Mint Velvet. Her shoes are LK Bennett but purchased at the McArthur Glen outlet in York and handbag is from Coast which also has a fabulous collection of bags for special occasions.  

Anne C is sporting a cute raspberry pink crin hatinator which shimmers in the sunlight, and is light and easy to wear. She is wearing it with a black James Lakeland sleeveless chiffon dress - still available on their website here (although Simply Devine is expecting a consignment of this design in summer colours (oh dear!!), and she has accessorised with pearl and diamante earrings and a long bead necklace from Simply Devine.

This black creation is one gorgeously outrageous hatinator and just perfect for Royal Ascot, with a profusion of silk flowers and shimmering crin, this is guaranteed to turn heads!

Anne C's colourful rainbow hatinator (these are like hats but sit on a band for comfort, and also avoids hat hair!) The orange/red base is trimmed with yellow and lilac so can be worn with several colour outfits for a completely different look.  Anne's dress is several seasons old and is from Monsoon, but a similar one is available here.

Back to the WOW hat again (as in the blue one), but this time in black, and another favourite for race days. Simply Devine also has this hatinator in a tomato red, silver, or pale pink. Anne's dress is from Chesca and is still in their collection, although bought last year. They also have similar dresses in silver grey, black and navy.

Now this wasn't one of Anne's favourite looks, but is funky and lots of fun - but maybe for someone a little braver... The orange feathers sit on a black band, giving off a slightly 1920s vibe.  It is a couture piece and is also available in black, red or purple.

Another one of those hats if you're feeling brave.  This is a striking cream and black pill box hat complete with elastic which goes under the hair to keep it in place. The lavish cream crin is topped with a black flower with a diamante centre.

And finally, a profusion of feathers on this spectacular light burnt orange hatinator, which would be fabulous for a winter event too, and would be striking with a black coat and orange accessories. We will be showcasing hats over the coming weeks for a mother of the bride or groom, and fascinators for wedding guests or race days, so watch this space...