What better a reason to get dressed up than the races? And no better race in my region than the St Leger held at Doncaster Racecourse. It’s the last big race of the season as its on the second week in September and is the one to be seen at and its important to look good whilst being seen!
However, alongside looking good can also come along with the stress of finding that perfect outfit. It’s always the same isn’t it? When you’re not looking for a stunning outfit or accessory you always see one and usually it’s when there’s no such occasion on the horizon (and its often when money is lacking too!). I know that’s happened to me numerous times when window shopping and then when I’ve returned I can never find that something. So when I received tickets courtesy of Meadowhall I had to take a trip there to manage my stress levels and get inspiration for my outfit for the day, as of course I had nothing to wear!
I decided to go with something in mind as I would wander around all day if not . Although I do love dresses, I also like to know that I’ve got an original outfit without the fear of seeing someone dressed like me. So I decided I was looking for classic, affordable separates that I’d wear again.
The second decision was around colour and as I didn’t want to buy a new fascinator I decided to use one i already had. So that gave me black, grey, nude or bright pink to match/contrast to.
I walked around a few of my favourite haunts, Debenhams who had some great dresses but didn’t quite have the separates I wanted, Dorothy Perkins who had lovely autumnal clothes in but their formal was more office over races as you’d expect in September, so I finally ended up in River Island.
I found this gorgeous orange (although the description is red!) top, it had a peplum which allowed me to be body con elsewhere but skim my stomach, and it’s unusual neckline allowed me to pair a statement necklace with it. At £26 I thought it was a bargain as its a lovely thick crepe material. However they only had a 16 and I would have preferred an 18 to ensure a little more tum skimming but time was of the essence so it had to be done.
I decided to go with a black pencil skirt to bring in my black fascinator so I teamed it with my wet look stretch pencil skirt from G21 at ASDA. I did see similar styles in the centre like this amazing leather skirt from Hobbs. At £199 it would be a great staple for Autumn Winter and a classic for lots of years to come but slightly over my budget for the day.
I also loved this Phase Eight Skirt and at £69 the texture of the skirt is gorgeous and would be very work appropriate too. I managed to resist this one but it’s still on my mind so may be a sneaky purchase nearer Christmas.
I quickly turned to accessorising when I got home and added my favourite statement necklace, fascinator and comfy New Look monochrome sandals. Comfy shoes on Leger day are important as there’s lots of standing especially as its so busy. I knew these were tried and tested and by tested I mean they lasted a full 4 hour shopping trip so knew they’d be perfect!
I took my best friend with me and we were lucky enough to win the Leger race bet as we both went to university in Kingston so had to bet on Kingston Hill named after our campus. Here’s the winning slip with my manicure for the day. I used Nails Inc Kensington Mall as the bold orange red colour.
I really love orange as a colour and was so glad I found the top when I did, it really sat well with existing items in my wardrobe plus it was comfy, which if you’re wearing something all day, never harms!
Have you been to the races this season? What did you wear? Share it with me on Twitter, I’d love to see!
