Race Day Style
These world-renowned events are highly celebrated in the U.K. and beyond with millions of followers and fans. This important pastime brings people from all over, and in England, high society members such as the royal family are also in attendance!
SageBrown has recently teamed up with Lulu Bloom Millinery, based in Suffolk. During a recent photo shoot at the Newmarket race course, we coordinated bags and headwear for inspirational fashion ideas to see you through the horse race events taking place this summer.
Lulu Bloom Millinery is owned by Laura Jolly, a boutique milliner who crafts handmade bespoke and collection head wear for all occasions. Taking inspiration from nature she creates beautiful handmade millinery pieces and endeavours to work as sustainably as possible, locally sourcing fabric, and using gorgeous pre-loved garments too. Natural fibre materials are used to make the bases, and many different embellishments, from feathers, to sequins, flowers and beading are added.
Lulu Bloom Millinery have offered all SageBrown customers a 15% discount on their SS22 Collection.
Use discount code: SAGE15OFF at the checkout.
Complete your perfect race day outfit with our edit of standout handbags and millinery to coordinate with your outfit.
Let’s run through the must-see horse racing events this summer and accessory ideas.
Epsom Derby 3rd - 4th June
Known to fans as simply “The Derby,” the event takes place in June at Epsom Downs in Surrey. An average of 150,000 people attend the famous competition, and audience members are encouraged to dress the part. That means smart fashion for both men and women, , especially as the event this year forms part of the official Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, celebrating The Queen’s 70 year reign!
Women normally don colourful dresses and of course, intricate headwear. Men wear top hats and suits and, whether they are attending Derby Day or any race for that matter, are encouraged to shy away from ill-fitting clothes and sportswear. It’s a beautiful summer event, so if you have the chance to attend just once, you don’t want to miss it.
The Queen will be attending, so have your matching hat and handbag at the ready and make sure you’re feeling regal in a long, elegant dress. Match our Mini Morgan Bag in orange croc with Lulu Bloom’s teardrop head piece with ivory silk and burnt orange detailing. Available for hire or to buy this piece will turn heads and is such a compact and comfortable hat to wear whilst making a gorgeous statement.
Royal Ascot 14th - 18th June
The Royal Ascot meet takes place annually in June and is the country’s most prestigious events on the horse racing calendar. Known for its royal attendees and extravagantly dressed guests, the performance is set in a picturesque landscape over Britain’s gorgeous Ascot Racecourse.
Why do races have Ladies Day?
The term dates back to 1823, when an anonymous poet described Thursday at Ascot as "Ladies' Day... when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine." Traditionally, women were given free or discounted tickets on Ladies' Day, which were otherwise only available to men.
The third day of Royal Ascot, colloquially known as Ladies Day, is a day to see and be seen. It is a glorious occasion, when high fashion and millinery masterpieces take centre stage. The Queen will be making an appearance, so stand out from the crowd and style your outfit with our stunning Sabrina handbag in pink croc and pair it with Lulu Bloom’s Pink Sunset head piece covered in gorgeous pink sequins with a pink feather starburst.
Newmarket – Moet & Chandon July Festival 7th - 9th July
The Moët & Chandon July Festival is one of the highlights of the flat racing season in Britain and provides three days of world class racing and fabulous fashion! Ladies Day is day one of the Cazoo Derby. A show of the finest, finery and the hottest ticket of the summer. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the thrilling racing, epic entertainment and of course fabulous fashion.
Ladies and gentlemen are encouraged to dress up smartly. Hats are not compulsory but many ladies opt to wear one. Match this classic meeting with a classic top handle bag Harmony Bag in a bold yellow colour that can also be worn across the body or on your shoulder keeping hands free to use your binoculars! Why not try this ornate and elegant Sunshine hat to compliment your outfit.
Goodwood Races 26th - 30th July
Glorious Goodwood races dress code is stylish with a more relaxed feel.
Unlike Royal Ascot and The Derby, the glorious Goodwood Races dress code is more relaxed and racegoers are not obligated to wear a hat. However, adding a beautiful on-trend, headband can really up the wow factor of your outfit and also makes the occasion a little bit more special. Lulu Bloom's elegant handmade silver Stars headband is a perfect alternative to a hat or fascinator and looks amazing teamed with our pink croc Melanie clutch bag. With a long chain strap and a shorter leather strap to attach, this is a versatile bag that will take you from day to evening.
As with all SageBrown handbags, there’s an array of styles colours to choose from. We also have many coordinating leather accessories like purses, lipstick holders and mirrors for a special treat. Have fun and style your outfit with some personality and confidence and remember Ladies’ Day is an enjoyable event with lots to experience, not just the fashion. As long as you feel comfortable in your outfit, you’ll have a fantastic time
If your struggling to find the perfect headwear or handbag then both SageBrown and Lulu Bloom Millinery offer a bespoke service.
To commission a bespoke millinery piece, you can either book an online appointment or meet Laura herself in her Suffolk studio who will discuss with you your requirements and design a one-off bespoke hat to your specifications.
For a custom design handbag, our luxury bespoke leather goods service offer customers a chance to design something unique from a vast choice of leathers and colours that won’t break the bank! Contact us for more details.
Lulu Bloom Millinery have offered all SageBrown customers a 15% discount on their SS22 Collection. Go to their website here and
use discount code : SAGE15OFF at the checkout.
Follow her on instagram @LuluBloomMillinery
Stylish outfits and beautiful headwear will be in abundance this summer.
Stand out from the crowd with an eye-catching outfit at the races that will be the envy of many. Bold colour combinations, a statement handbag or an unusual hat can all help to make your outfit effortlessly chic.
Shop race day hat styles here
Complete the look with a SageBrown handbag here