Fashion stylist and television presenter, Gok Wan, says that being comfortable and customising outfits to express personality are his key tips to successful raceday style at the Rose of Lancaster Stakes Ladies Day, where he is set to play to a crowd of 12,000 racegoers.
Gok, who is perhaps best known for his hit television series ‘How To Look Good Naked’, explains: “My first raceday fashion tip is to be comfortable; being at the races is like being at the biggest wedding of your life so ensure you have some comfortable shoes and even if you want to wear heels on the day, pack some flats.
“Secondly, do some form of customising. Race day is all about showing yourself off and is one of the biggest catwalks in the world, so make sure you look unique and beautiful.
“Finally, I would make sure all your accessories reflect your personality, whether that’s a clash of prints, a dash of colour, an enormous hat or the most beautiful, demur fascinator, it’s got to show you.”
The Rose of Lancaster Stakes Ladies Day on 10th August is Haydock Park’s most stylish social occasion of the year, renowned for its glamour and fabulous raceday thrills.
Gok goes on to recommend some handbag essentials for raceday: “You’ll need a top-up of makeup, a change of lipstick for the evening - because you’ll usually end up staying for the party, then some flat shoes, some form of cushion pad or plaster for the balls of your feet and, of course, your race card.”
He even has a couple of tips up his sleeve for the men, as he believes looking glamourous isn’t something that’s exclusive to female racegoers: “Depending on the dress code of the enclosure, the lining of your suits, your socks, your tie, and all of your accessories will become the biggest part of your expression. Keep it colourful, keep it bright and if I was you, I would clash the hell out of it.”
Gok also explains how DJ’ing at a racecourse makes for an entirely different experience to his usual sets.
“Racecourses for a DJ are an absolute dream as you have a ready made party of hundreds or even thousands of people that are there purely to have fun," says Gok. “There is nothing better than being a DJ and looking out into the crowd when they are jumping to your tunes.”
A self-professed music fan, Gok continues: “I am starting with some nice commercial house, some old favourites, then I am going to go into a very very old school 90s dance scene!"
In between races, guests are invited to take part in the Rose of Lancaster Style Stakes competition where racegoers can compete for the style crown and a selection of fabulous prizes, all judged by Gok himself.
The Rose of Lancaster Stakes Ladies Day is set to be a summer scorcher of fashion, racing and live entertainment. Whether you want a glamourous giggle with the girls, or if you’re looking to enjoy an afternoon of horse racing, this fixture is one for the diary!
The fixture is a seven race card, offering racegoers plenty of opportunity to place their bets and enjoy the thrill of Flat racing. Tickets for the day’s racing start from as little as £10, with a wide range of ticket options across Haydock Park’s selection of enclosures.
