Bright colors, slit dresses and bold hats can only mean one thing: Ladies Day is back at Aintree.
Dressed in their best outfits, racegoers put their best foot forward and came out during the nice morning weather to show off their outfits ahead of the second day of events on Friday.
While the Liverpool festival is all about horse racing, today is the day fans will take part in a competition to win the coveted cash prize after being crowned best dressed. But getting glam for the annual event is an expensive affair, with hair salons and tanning shops packed to the rafters from the early hours of this morning.
A hair extension technician working during the Grand National has revealed that fashion fans will spend more than £500 on their hair and “thousands” on finding the perfect outfit.
Michelle, who works at Dianne Marshall Hair Extensions in Liverpool, told LBC News that demand is “very, very high” and preparation usually begins months in advance.
Dressed in their best outfits, racegoers put their best foot forward and came out during the nice morning weather to show off their outfits ahead of the second day of events.
She revealed that the process leading up to it involves: “Making sure the girls are inside, ready for the day so they can come back, do their makeup and then start the day on Ladies’ Day.”
The extensionist explained: ‘Depending on what you choose, extensions can cost between £300 and £500, and that’s just the hair.
Then, obviously, there are the suits. People spend anywhere from £200 to thousands on clothes.
Meanwhile, Hannah, owner of House of Darlins, Liverpool’s largest beauty salon, told the radio station: “You’re getting everything done – your nails, your hair, your tan, your make-up and your new dress.”
‘I just think it’s the one day of the year in Liverpool that you can do whatever you want and push the boat as much as you want. And that’s okay, no one can say anything because it’s the regattas!’
The beauty expert revealed to her Instagram followers that she had set her alarm for 3.50am, writing: “Aintree runs but you work in the beauty industry.”
And it’s not just about makeup and hair: Madison, owner of The Tanning Girl salon, said, “I do one coat for my clients.” I’m not just talking about orange. I think it’s a big stereotype.
‘No one is orange anymore. Tans are back in fashion and the formulas are different. Everyone loves a nice natural golden brown color.’
Getting glam for the annual event is an expensive affair, with hair salons and tanning shops packed to the rafters since the early hours of this morning.
While the Liverpool festival is all about horse racing, today is the day when racing fans will take part in a competition to win the coveted cash prize after being crowned best dressed.
One reveler wanted to stand out and opted for a hot pink and yellow ensemble with a matching clutch.
Dressed in a stunning matching floral mesh pantsuit, a contestant is shown typing on her phone.
While Cheltenham is all about country tweed looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin, and the ensembles did not disappoint, with many opting for Barbie-inspired looks for the big day.
The first to arrive at the racecourse brought bright sunglasses and fabulous hats, but had to hold on to their large headdresses as they battled the strong winds in Liverpool.
As well as enjoying the racing, revelers are sure to enjoy the party spirit with plenty of champagne for everyone.
Saturday’s Grand National, known as the People’s Race, attracts national attention in a way that perhaps no other horse race can achieve.
Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which stretch over 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain, although it used to last about a furlong and a half more.
The decision to shorten the race slightly was made to move the start line further away from the grandstands to help avoid false starts and make the first jump safer as riders and horses would arrive more slowly.
It comes just after the second day of the Cheltenham Festival was renamed ‘Style Wednesday’ and instead included a fashion competition for both men and women.
The second day of the prestigious four-day event is known for attracting a host of royals and celebrities showing off their sartorial prowess while enjoying a day at the races in Gloucestershire.
Some enthusiastic race-goers even begin planning their outfits for the popular occasion about six months in advance.