Hailing from Australia’s number one horse racing city, Melbourne, I know a thing or two about what’s hot to wear to the spring races.

I’ve always been fascinated by the bold, statement-making, and ultra creative outfits the ladies wear to celebrate the races. It’s a major time for glitz and glamour, and honestly just a fabulous excuse to get all dressed up.

Now I’m living in the UK, I’m super excited to see the Brit’s take on spring racing style. Are they going to give the Melbourne ladies a run for their money? Do they go full out glam, or rather a subtly elegant look? What designers do they wear? Do they prefer local fashion brands, or international names? I have so many questions, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

With the Grand National only a few weeks away, it’s nearly time to see the ladies strut their stuff and have my questions answered! To find out more about the racing carnival’s fashion scene, I was invited to Aintree Racecourse for a behind the scenes look at the HELLO! Magazine photoshoot of one of the Ladies Day Ambassador’s, Sam Quek.

The photoshoot screamed sass, luxury and pure elegance as Sam was styled in a range of feminine pieces, perfect for a day at the races. From bright, vibrant colours, to minimalistic, crisp whites, and glittering embellishments, each piece was immaculately timeless and fabulously ladylike.

Classic styling will be a favourite for many race goers at the Grand National, and especially for Ladies Day. It’s luxurious, refined, and even fashion forward.

If you’re stumped on what to wear to the races, or simply want some spring fashion inspiration, keep scrolling to see the pictures of the gorgeously stunning looks from the photoshoot. I’ve also popped together a few spring racing style tiles to give you a bit of an idea of the racing outfits I’ll be looking at styling.

E. Xx

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E’s Spring Racing Style Guide:

Brights

Be bold and brash, and brighten up the racecourse with this fabulously colourful look. Colour blocking is big and back for spring/summer, so you’ll certainly be hanging with the fash-pack if you nail a style like this one.

Get the look: Topshop Unique Floral Jacquard Dress / Vetements Manolo Blahnik Slingback Pumps / JW Anderson Logo Bag / Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Headband / Roberto Cavalli Moon and Star Necklace / Delfina Delettrez Topaz Ring

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Monochrome

Timeless, as timeless comes. You will never put a foot wrong by rocking monochrome. Implement that relaxed pyjama-style trend by opting for a silk cami and wide leg pants, and edge it up with a structured straw hat and comfy platform wedges.

Get the look: Zimmermann Polka Dot Camisole / Zimmermann Polka Dot Wide Leg Pants / Chloe Camille Wedge Sandals / Corto Moltedo Clutch Bag / Eugenia Kim Straw Sunhat / Zara Multi Hoop Earrings / Cornelia Webb Pearl Ring / Chloe Pearl Ring

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Stripes

Step away from what everyone else is wearing and go down a nautical route with stripes. Teaming stripes with a satin skirt will give the look an instant touch of luxe, and accessorising with gold will make you the only thing radiating on that racecourse.

Get the look: Zara Striped Bodysuit / Topshop Lame Skirt by Boutique / Fendi Wave Mule / Gucci Broadway Clutch / Lelet Gold Plated Headband / Charlotte Chesnais Two Finger Ring / White Noise Gold Ring / Lara Bohinc Solar Earrings

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Florals

Florals are the most popular pattern for spring, so of course they’re an obvious style choice for a racing carnival. Why not edge them up, and instead of wearing a dress, choose a florally blouse which you can team with hot red mega flares! Add some decadence with fancy jewels, oversized sunglasses and an embellished clutch…preferably Gucci.

Get the look: Dolce & Gabbana Rose Print Chiffon Blouse / Zara Flare Trousers / Zara Strappy Sandals / Gucci Embellished Clutch / Chloe Myrte Sunglasses / Maison Michel Luisa Headband / Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Ring / Percossi Papi Multi Stone Earrings

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Embellishment

Resemble royalty and choose a razzle dazzle embellished look for your day at the races. I give you permission to go a little OTT with jewels, beading, sparkle, sequins, and gold…lots and lots of gold.

Get the look: Topshop Embellished Cape Dress / Vanusita Mother of Pearl Headpiece / Fendi Baguette Clutch / Topshop Court Shoes / Shaun Leane Diamond Earrings / Oscar De La Renta Flower Bracelet

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The Grand National Ladies Day is held at Aintree Racecourse on 7th April 2017. To book tickets, head to: www.randoxhealthgrandnational.co.uk/day/ladies-day

Check out more of the behind the scenes fun with Sam Quek and HELLO! Magazine here:

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Editor’s note: This was a sponsored post in collaboration with Aintree Racecourse. However, all opinions, wording, style tiles, photography and creative direction of the article are my own.