EXCLUSIVE Celebrity stylist reveals what to wear to the races this summer and the fashion trend you should definitely avoid

Daily Mail​

10 hours ago

Glorious summer weather has finally arrived in the UK, which means horse-racing season is firmly upon us.
With the The Debenhams July Festival kicking off next month, as well as Goodwood Festival and Sandown Park's Ladies Day, glamorous guests will be donning their finery and heading out for a day of fun.
So there's no time to waste to find that perfect ensemble ready for a jam-packed day of racing action.
Such events - including this week's Royal Ascot - provide a rare opportunity for people to dress up in elegant, bold or vibrant occasionwear - with revellers urged to 'dress to impress' at most racecourses.
But styling a polished head-to-toe look can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, celebrity stylists Lisa Talbot and Rochelle White have revealed to FEMAIL the top trends that inspiring fashionistas will be sporting this season.
This year, the 'power of pastels' will shine through, with Lisa insisting: 'Soft sorbet shades like lavender, lemon, and powder blue are having a major moment. They feel fresh, feminine, and perfectly suited to a sunny day at the races.'
For a firm fan-favourite, racegoers should opt for florals, which are 'always a race day favourite', according to the fashion expert.
Read on for the experts' top tips on what to wear to the races this summer - including some of the best options from the British High Street...
1. EMBRACE FLORALS WITH A TWIST
Lisa said: 'Florals are always a race day favourite, but this summer it's all about oversized blooms, blurred prints, or bold graphic botanicals.
'Look for sculptural silhouettes or asymmetric cuts to give your florals a fashion-forward edge. Think Erdem meets edgy.
'Pair a romantic floral midi with sleek accessories in neutral tones to avoid looking too "girly". Add a structured bag for polish.'
Rochelle echoed this, adding: 'I feel that floral prints are always a favourite across many race days. They offer a soft and botanical feel no matter where you attend.
'The styles tend to be flowing and flattering, such as wrap style, ruffle detail across some and even mid or maxi length. Brands such as Ghost London, Nobody's Child and Oasis are good for this look.
'It's best to team these styles with wedges, floral headpieces or fascinators,' suggested the stylist.
Holland Cooper's Paloma Maxi Dress £179
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Friends Like These Red Floral Flutter Sleeve Empire Midi Dress £59
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Karen Millen Applique And Beaded Linen Woven Midi Dress With Tie Back Detail £279
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Wolf's Evie Small Bag £189
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2. POWER OF PASTELS
'Pastels are another big trend for summer 2025,' revealed Rochelle. 'Pastel perfection is all about the dreamy hues of pale blues, blush pinks and light yellow - these are having a moment.
'They bring a fresh and fairy-feel to the races even on cloudy days. I would suggest breathable fabrics, such as pleats and floaty styles and adding layering on top if it's not such a warm day. Brands that do this well this year are River Island and Monsoon.'
Lisa, meanwhile, suggested mixing pastels for a 'tonal look, or ground the sweetness with sharp tailoring, think a pastel trouser suit or a structured shift dress'.
Wallis' Midi Shirt Dress £75
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Oasis Halter Neck Chiffon Tiered Maxi Dress £69
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Holland Cooper's Paros Shirt Dress £299
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Hope & Ivy Vera Wrap Maxi Dress £140
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3. MONOCHROME MAGIC
'Monochrome is timeless, chic and easy to pull off,' explained Lisa. 'Whether it's all white, bold black-and-white contrast, or colour-blocked brights, this look always delivers impact.
'Choose strong silhouettes like a wide-leg trouser with a one-shoulder top to make a monochrome outfit feel race-day ready. Finish with a statement hat or headband.'
'Monochrome never really goes out of style,' agreed Rochelle. 'And is suitable for so many occasions.
'Think bold, think timeless chic,' said the fashion expert, adding that fitted or structured tailoring would work best with this look, or polka dot prints.
Holland Cooper's Ariella Midi Dress £249.00
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Phase Eight's Delie Spot Dress £199
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Radley's Under The Sea handbag £259
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Ghost London Maxi Dress £179
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'Pillarbox hats, oversized glasses and very subtle jewelry,' also add to the monochrome look, said Rochell.
'Karen Millen and Reiss are great for this. You could even team this with statement hats that are oversized.'
4. NEUTRAL ELEGANCE
Lisa urged racegoers to not 'underestimate the power of camel, oat, stone, and biscuit tones'.
'Understated and elegant, neutrals offer a more refined take on race day dressing,' explained the celebrity stylist.
'Layer different neutral tones for a luxury look. Add interest with textures, lace, linen, silk and finish with gold accessories,' suggested Lisa.
Rochelle agreed, saying: 'If you're looking for a more understated look, and bright colours, prints and pastels aren't your thing, this is a great alternative.
'You can mix up fabrics and add in textures like cashmere and even silk. Brands such as COS and Mango do this well.
Nobody's Child Cream One Shoulder Drop Waist Trent Midi Dress £110
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ME+EM Silk Lily Of The Valley Print Ruffle Maxi Dress + Bandeau £550
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'It could even be elevated with gold jewellery, designer elements such as bags, glasses and side scarfs, mixing it with traditional headwear or a hair accessory or clip.'
5. TAILORING WITH A TWIST
'Whether it's a belted blazer dress or a fluid co-ord, tailoring offers comfort, structure, and style in one. It's a sharp choice for those who want to stand out without a dress,' said Lucy.
She added that racegoers should pick lighter fabrics like linen blends or soft crepe for breathability.
The fashion expert also suggested teaming any tailored outfit with a bold heel or coloured clutch to soften the look.
Meanwhile, Rochelle suggested the 'humble jumpsuit could be the perfect pick for this summer at the races'.
'Jumpsuits are contemporary and offer a chic classic look. With so many varied styles such as tailored and wide or straight leg, they can provide comfort, elegance and confidence.
'These can be paired with heels or wedges, with either an oversized or angular hat that adds the sharpness to the fit. Brands who do this well are House of CB, ME+EM and Holland Cooper.'
Phase Eight's Maxine Spot Chiffon Jumpsuit £149
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Reiss Salma Jumpsuit £268
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Holland Cooper's Knightsbridge Blazer £349
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6. STATEMENT COLOUR
'From cobalt blue to cherry red and emerald green, a hit of bold colour guarantees you'll turn heads at the paddock,' revealed Lisa.
She said that racegoers should keep their 'silhouette simple to let the colour shine'. 'Pair with metallic or nude heels to keep the look grounded,' explained the stylist.
'If you're someone who wants to stand out or make a statement, this could be a good look,' Rochelle echoed.
'2025 has seen a big push on bold colours in fashion and many people are embracing the colour block trend.
'Bright pinks, cobalt blue, emerald green and burnt orange are really the go-to for this summer. They can be styled either mixed and matched or bold blocking.
'Crisp white, gold or metallic accessories work well with this look. Brands such as Whistles and & Other Stories do this well.'
7. BOLD ACCESSORIES
Coast at Debenhams' Lace Panelled Long Sleeve Dress £139
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Phase Eight's Suede Twist Sandal £99
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£89.95
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Fairfax & Favor Mini Windsor bag £275
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'Millinery takes centre stage at the races,' revealed Lisa. 'Think oversized bows, sculptural headbands, or sleek pillbox hats.'
The fashion expert also suggested that statement earrings and embellished clutches add extra glamour to any look.
'Let your accessories do the talking. If your outfit is bold, keep your hat or fascinator refined or vice versa,' the celebrity stylist insisted.