The going was definitely glam as the sunshine allowed a full display of fashion at Aintree Ladies Day during the Grand National 2022. Crowds returned to the famous horse racing event after a two-year absence, with the hats and frocks bigger and brighter than ever.
The Grand National had last been open to the public in the pre-pandemic normality of 2019. The event was canceled in 2020 and was then held behind closed doors in 2021 because of Covid restrictions so everyone was keen to get out and enjoy the occasion this year.
The festival ends with the world-famous steeplechase on Saturday but on Friday – Ladies Day – there is also competition off the track as punters compete in the style stakes. And they did not disappoint as an array of eye-catching outfits arrived at the racecourse.
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Deana Taylor, of Felicity Hat Hire in Liverpool, has been providing headwear for the occasion and said that, following the break, people are going for a “bit extra”. She said: “We have every colour, shape and style in here. Girls from Liverpool are not afraid to go for it – the bigger, the better in most cases.”
She said green and hot pink are the favorite colors of the season and everyone is making maximum effort. “It has been such a pleasure to see people coming in for their hats for the races,” she said. “We have some people who come in and label-drop – talking about Jimmy Choos and Gucci handbags – and then we have other girls who have been to Primark and the market.
“It doesn’t matter; the same amount of effort and thought has gone into every single outfit and I don’t think anybody has been in who hasn’t told me every little thing about what they’re planning to wear.”
Gill O’Neill, who owns dress shop Fairytale Endings in Liverpool’s Met Quarter shopping centre, had predicted a colorful crowd. She said: “People are going for it this year – things are a bit sort of brighter and maybe a bit more out there because I think people really want to be seen and make a bit of a splash. We’ve been selling a lot of bright colors – bright yellows and bright blues – and a lot of people have been asking for big hats as well.”
Hairdresser Andrew Collinge said the uncertain weather means stylists in his salon will be getting through a lot of hairspray. “I think the style at Aintree is excellent,” he said. “It’s a really great occasion. It’s like a really wedding, and it’s an occasion to dress up and really show off your style. Everyone always makes a great effort but this year maybe they might do a little bit more after two years off .”
Mr Collinge said this year he expects looks to have a 1960s vibe, influenced by television programs such as The Ipcress File, and recommended an elegant low chignon for a look that will last whatever the weather. “It’s a hairstyle that won’t let you down,” he added.
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