Guest Blog Post - Colour Me March by Deborah Grogan

The weather in March can be unpredictable, sunny and spring like one minute, cold and rainy the next so bear this in mind when planning your outfit. Tweed is very much associated with the Cheltenham Festival as a fabric of choice as its practical, warm and stylish, however it sometimes gets a bad press as being a bit “ old fashioned”, this is certainly not the case. I designed my dress using 1940 patterns and asked a good friend to make it up using a gorgeous yellow/gold Harris Tweed. This need not be expensive, especially if you purchase your tweed from small weavers who have flash sales. The dress was complimented with plush plum spice velvet to add that touch of contrast and art deco style buttons which run the whole length of the dress.

Perhaps the most important decision is what shoes/boots to wear. They should be comfortable but this doesn’t translate to boring or even a low heel. This Karen Millen shoe is perfect as it has a block heel which allows you to wear them with comfort for hours and also prevents you from sinking into the grass.

Accessories are a great way to personalise your outfit, and don’t have to cost the earth. I will be wearing a vintage brooch and Fur Stole blagged from family, which again is a stylish way of keeping warm. Gloves are an elegant must and mine are from Hobbs with my handbag is a lucky ebay find. As the theme for ladies day this year is “colourmemarch” ,why not take this rainbow brolly with you to just in case!

And so for the final flourish. The Hat! I have to confess and say that I am a hat addict. I hardly ever leave the house without one. The hat I will be wearing at Cheltenham was made by Sally Harper-Kenn of Sharpermillinery using the fabric remnants from my dress and a whole lot of skill. The buttons are on the reverse carrying the art deco feel right through to the hat. Pheasant feathers and a brooch provide the finishing touches.

 

Whatever you intend to wear on ladies day, make it original and keep it stylish but above all saviour the unique atmosphere and excitement that you can only experience at Cheltenham Racecourse.