Ladies Day at Aintree: Hats Turn Heads as 'Scouse Met Gala' Takes Centre Stage
Racegoers at Aintree's Ladies Day are turning heads with hats that are bigger and bolder than ever, as the event dubbed the 'Scouse Met Gala' gets under way at the Merseyside racecourse. The second day of the annual racing festival, which culminates with the Grand National steeplechase on Saturday, saw an expected crowd of 50,000 dressed in florals and bright colours, making a spectacular fashion statement.
Royal Presence and Extravagant Millinery
Among the throng was Zara Tindall, who wore a cream trouser suit with a matching hat, accompanied by her husband Mike and daughter Mia. The royal appearance added a touch of glamour to the festivities, but it was the hats that truly stole the show. Charlotte Hawes, 32, from Wallasey, Wirral, described her black hat adorned with red roses as 'heavy' but 'secure', emphasising that bigger is better for this annual event.
'I love everyone's style, everyone really makes an effort,' she said. 'It's the Scouse Met Gala, as they say. All the girls of Liverpool are so stylish.' This sentiment was echoed by milliner Steph Corlett, 38, from Maghull, Merseyside, who noted that hats have become a major trend in recent years, with her burgundy horse-shaped headpiece crafted just the night before. She reported her busiest year yet for Ladies Day orders, attributing the surge to post-pandemic efforts in fashion.
Creative Outfits and Cost-Conscious Style
While some embraced extravagance, others focused on creativity and affordability. Hannah Mooney, 32, from Widnes, Cheshire, sourced her tweed and brown outfit, complete with a camel-coloured trilby, from charity shops and the preloved app Vinted. 'My aim was to spend as little as possible on an outfit so I could spend more on betting on the horses,' she explained. Her sister Jessica Mooney, 34, who wore a floral long-sleeved dress with a white headband, praised the unique atmosphere: 'You don't see anything like this anywhere else. It's definitely one of the best days of the year.'
Helen Scott-Allen, 46, from the Isle of Man, opted for vintage flair with a 1950s horse-racing themed Paganne dress from eBay, paired with a hat featuring a horse and jockey shipped from America. 'As soon as this festival finishes I start planning it for next year,' she said, highlighting the meticulous preparation involved. Her husband, Dave Allen, 44, joked about his last-minute colour-coordinated outfit, noting he follows instructions with just five minutes' notice.
A Celebration of Bold Fashion
Leanne Kelly, 41, from Perth, Scotland, embodied the spirit of the day with a huge floral and feathered headpiece matching her off-the-shoulder dress. 'It's all about the hat. I just love a hat. For me it's got to be big, it's got to be bold, it's got to be something fun,' she declared. This enthusiasm underscores why Ladies Day at Aintree continues to captivate, blending high-stakes racing with unparalleled fashion flair. The event not only showcases individual style but also fosters a sense of community among attendees, making it a highlight of the British social calendar.
