Get ahead in the fashion stakes

Nov 8 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

Horses in action at the Chester Races _320

CHOOSING an outfit for a day out at the races usually involves deciding between floaty dresses, linen suits and stylish, wide-brimmed hats.

But what should you wear when the next big race meeting in Merseyside happens to take place in the winter?

The Northwest Racing Masters is set to be one of the region’s biggest sporting and social weekends of the year and takes place on November 24-25 at Haydock Park and Aintree Racecourse.

With more than 18,000 people attending last year, organisers say the event is an ideal opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the races without having to wait until the Grand National in April.

But how do you look elegant in the winter months and keep warm as you’re cheering on the horses?

Metquarter’s Christopher Moyle offers the following fashion tips:

* This season is all about bright, primary colours, particularly red and blue. For instance, a bright red coat over a navy blue dress or skirts teemed with coloured tights works beautifully.

Another way to do colour this winter is in dresses and tops with bold or floral prints.

* Wrapping up with layers is practical and fashionable this year. Perfect for the races are dresses or smocks that can be worn as a bunched top or work as a dress layered over trousers. Versatile pieces like this adapt to the weather and this way, you can go from the racecourse straight to the bar for the evening.

* Also, you can cover up by wearing heavy materials; a thick dress can still look elegant and warm. Tweed trousers are especially good at the moment but make sure they are lined or line them for yourself.

* Finally, if you want to stand out at the races, it’s all about choosing a distinctive item. Go for killer heels in exotic skins, which lengthen the silhouette, or winter wedges which look great with tights and have the added bonus of not getting stuck in the grass. Try to avoid wearing boots – unless you want to look like you’re about to ride one of the horses!

You can really show off and build an outfit around a stunning piece. A fantastic necklace, bag or elaborate hair piece will dress up the look, ideal for the races.

TWO-DAY tickets are available from the sales office of both Haydock Park and Aintree. For both racedays, accompanied children aged 16 and under are admitted free. Aintree booking line: 0151 522 2929, www.aintree.co.uk, hospitality: 0151 5222911: Haydock booking line: 01942 402624, www.haydock-park.co.uk, hospitality: 01942 402623.Log on to www.visitliverpool.com/northwestmasters for details.