Want to win best dressed at the Galway Races? Here's every winner since 2012 - The Galway Races get underway from 31 July to 6 August
What does a day at the races mean to you this summer? The magnificent horses, packed stands, buzzing crowds, a tremendous splash of colour… and of course the hats!
The key to picking up a ‘Best Dressed’ gong at one of the many themed race days this summer season is individuality. The fashion set who live for the races are willing to spend that little bit more for bespoke, ethical and Irish designed pieces... all of which are fast becoming the labels of the day.
Mad for hats
From the demure to the dangerous, there has been a huge increase in statement pieces spotted around the parade ring on Irish racecourses in recent years. Gone are the days where a simple floral fascinator was enough to finish off your winning summer outfit. The hat is back!
One exciting new Irish designer to look out for this year is Freya Oatway, who recently launched FAO Millinery.
Freya says that when you're racing, it's all about embracing the classic trends: “Our aim is to celebrate the individual with our high quality, hand-crafted hats. They are for everyday style and special occasions, particularly a day or an evening at the races.”
Find out more at faomillinery.com.
Hall of fame
So if you're hoping to win the coveted title at Ballybrit this year, take a look at the past 5 years' winners to see the standard.
2012 - Kelli O'Dell
2012 best dressed Lady was Aussie Kelli O'Dell in a beautiful black lace dress http://t.co/NWhyFi1Kzh pic.twitter.com/soTrH8rmy6
— Ladies Day (@LadiesDayIre) July 25, 2015
2013 - Rachelle Guiry
Rachelle Guiry from Newcastle West is the #bestdressed @Galway_Races #fablook pic.twitter.com/j1Gu4vVS2F
— Erica Hargaden (@Erries1) August 1, 2013
2014 - Helen Murphy
Best Dressed at Galway Races today. Stunning! pic.twitter.com/OjBZ3yl0oe
— NH (@TheNewGirlNH) July 31, 2014
2015 - Alex Butler
What do you think of the Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races! She looks lovely in Red. pic.twitter.com/zSs5x4eL2r
— Barry Packaging (@BarryPackaging) July 31, 2015
2016 - Lisa McGowan
The beautiful Lisa McGowan, wearing Desert Diamonds, won Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races yesterday! pic.twitter.com/73xGRr0Ems
— Desert Diamonds ☘ (@_desertdiamonds) July 29, 2016
