The Guide’s Aintree Style Awards judge reveals what she’s looking for in a winner

The countdown is on to this year’s Grand National weekend and that means final outfit prep for anyone planning to enter the Style Awards.

This year’s awards, held on Ladies Day Friday April 10, are even bigger than usual, with two brand new categories alongside Best Dressed – Best Suited and Best Hat.

Racegoers now have three chances to walk away with fantastic prize packages including a luxury trip to Ibiza, £1,000 to spend with official style partner Debenhams and a super-indulgent spa date as well as top tickets for next year’s Ladies Day.

The Guide’s Rachael Rhodes will be on the judging panel this year with the tough task of helping to pick three winners.

So we asked our Rach what it is she loves about Grand National fashion and what exactly she’ll be looking for on the day.

She says; “I’ve covered Aintree for the last four years as part of The Guide team and I think what makes Aintree so special when it comes to fashion is girls from Liverpool are iconic for their style.”

“The effort and energy are always there so you see this wonderful array of styles, lots of gorgeous floor-length dresses and a multitude of colours. 

“Last year the big colour was lemon, and it could be again this year, but who knows? That’s what makes it so exciting to be judging the Style Awards because Scousers really do go above and beyond for their fashion and they always pull it out the bag.”

When it comes to the Best Dressed award, Rachael says she’ll be keeping an open mind.

“I think it’s not just about the outfit, it’s how a person wears something. There might be an outfit I wouldn’t have thought about but someone’s put it on, given it their own spin and they look absolutely amazing. 

“I often see women walking around Aintree and they’re holding themselves in such a sensational way, and maybe they’ve added a particular shade of lipstick or a hat that pulls it all together.

“That’s what I love, when someone can wow me like that. It’s all about adding their own sparkle. I really respect it when a girl can do that and I feel Scousers do it really well.”

Rachael, who’s a fan of pre-loved fashion herself, says it’s definitely not about designer labels or who’s spent the most to look incredible on the day.

“I’ll be going to all three days of the National so I need three outfits which is why Vinted is a wonderful thing! Places like that do make statement looks more accessible, which is great, and once you’ve worn it you can just resell so you share the love which is what it’s all about. 

“Anyone entering the Style Awards doesn’t have to be wearing an outfit that’s cost a fortune, absolutely not, and it’s not something I’ll even be interested in knowing. It wouldn’t change my opinion or sway me in any way because it’s just about looking fabulous.”

She’s hoping the two new categories will be a chance to raise the bar and attract even more racegoers who might not otherwise have taken part.

“Because we’ve got Best Suited, I do hope a lot of men go in for it this year and put themselves out there. I love it when the men look really dapper and there are always suits that really catch your eye as you’re walking around.

“But the Best Suited isn’t just for men, I’m a big Sex And The City fan and Carrie Bradshaw wears a lot of tailoring, so I think women can wear suits just as well as men and I know quite a few who’ve ordered them for the races this year.

“As for hats, we see some stunning ones every year and I hope people will go even further this year because there’s a great prize on offer.

“I’d like to see a hat that complements the outfit and is bold. I’ve chosen one from Felicity Hat Hire which is quite understated, but I think if someone’s brave enough to wear something that’s a bit out there, hat’s off to them!”

Get more from Aintree here.

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