Stephanie Smith: Glamour a clear winner as Ladies’ Day brings out best-dressed racegoers

Elegance, restraint and pure fashion know-how were the watchwords for yesterday’s Ladies’ Day meet at the York Ebor Festival, as the county’s best-dressed race-goers stepped out for this eagerly-awaited annual display of Yorkshire high style and pure glamour.

Unlike this year’s Ladies’ Day at Ascot, there were no overly outlandish and elaborate costumes or vulgar, attention-demanding dispays of themed head-gear, fit only to frighten the horses.

Instead, there was an eclectic and well co-ordinated mixture of super-stylish special occasion dressing, featuring both fashion-forward and classic looks.

Bold colour was much in evidence, with fuchsia, hot orange, peppermint and rich cobalt blue all combining to fill the enclosures with an impressive display of cheery floral brightness, intensified by the luxury of the late summer sunshine.

Some chose demure, embellished maxi dresses, bringing a fresh yet classical feel to special outdoor dressing. Meanwhile, others opted for a well-cut shift dress in jewel-bright satin, nothing too tight or too low. Matching shoes were a popular choice, although many stylish race-goers decided to add a splash of directional colour interest with a hat, choosing a bold, contrasting shade to lift their outfit well above the ordinary.

Yesterday’s annual Ebor Best Dressed Lady Race-goer competition was won by Vicky Jenkinson, from York, who wore a pink knee-length dress from Reiss, accessorised with nude shoes and bag, and topped off with a stunning statement headpiece made of pearls and feathers, made in Ireland.

Nominated racegoers took part in a catwalk show in the dedicated “Fashion at the Ebor” marquee, which is running throughout the festival, presenting a prize each day for the best-dressed lady, gentleman and child racegoer, as well as for the best hat.

As Ladies’ Day winner, Vicky Jenkinson will be invited back to take part in the all Yorkshire Grand Finalat Doncaster in October.