Day at the races

The boundaries between formal and casual, old-school and contemporary, town and country wear, weekend and work wear, have become so blurred for many of us feel rather confused about what to wear for most occasions. We don’t want to look as if we haven’t bothered, but nor do we wish to give the impression that we are trying too hard.

So a day at the races, especially Ladies’ Day, is a rare treat, an increasingly unaccustomed opportunity to go for it – and to get back to classic ways of putting an outfit together, choosing matchy-matchy accessories for one thing (although that’s not an essential; there is also plenty of room for the fabulously surprising, even eccentric, colour and style clashes).

On the outskirts of Doncaster, Bawtry is a small town with lovely boutiques catering for those intent on making a statement at the nearby Doncaster Racecourse, or indeed any racecourse.

Robinsons of Bawtry is a treasure chest of special occasion fashion for men and women, with brands including Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Eton, Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Jeffery West , Barbour, True Religion, Alexander McQueen and Bernshaw.

As our race preview fashion shoot demonstrates, it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it that matters most – and that means with attitude.

You might not always win on the horses, but dress with confidence and you’re always on to a winner.