Wrap Up Your Winter Race Day Look

Those looking to start 2025 in style will have our New Year's Race Day firmly in their diary. Part of the Sensational 6, it promises to mix high octane glamour with first class racing. Thanks to Tiger Lily Boutique the fashion stakes are also high with the New Year's Day Style Awards which carry a prize including a £150 voucher to spend in store or online, a 2025 annual membership permitting access to all Musselburgh’s 25 racedays including sell-out Ladies Day, plus a bouquet of flowers and bottle of Pommery Champagne. 

However, despite the warm party atmosphere inside, the temperature outside is likely to be stubbornly low on 1st January, which presents unique challenges when it comes to answering the question of what to wear. 

“When it comes to dressing smartly in winter, there are a few top tips I always adhere to  and key pieces I always suggest clients invest in,”

says Edinburgh-based personal stylist, Laura Russell - a stalwart of our Style Awards judging panel.  

“Firstly, layering is key – and that goes for the gents as well as the ladies. Start with a lightweight thermal or roll neck - even a sneaky base layer works wonders!” 

Then add a tailored coat or blazer.

“For men, it has to be a sharp wool blazer and a classic overcoat (camel, navy, or tweed—yes, please). Then keep it sleek with slim-fit trousers and leather boots”.  

Likewise, for ladies, a blazer or fitted jacket adds another layer to keep you warm without adding bulk. If you invest in quality outerwear, this also allows you to finish with a flourish by adding a statement coat that, Laura says, “can elevate any winter outfit”. 

Laura’s next tip is that footwear matters. For women there is lots of choice, but now is not the time for open toe sandals or skyscraper heels. Instead balance practicality with style by opting for heeled ankle boots or elegant knee-high boots in leather or suede, ensuring they’re practical for winter conditions.  

It’s with the final accessories that racegoers can have more fun and let their style credentials shine.

“Men should not forget to top it off with a scarf, gloves and hat to pull their look together,” says Laura. For a dapper ensemble, they can also consider a cravat - tucked the traditional way inside a shirt or inside a half zip knit for a more casual look – great for adding both warmth and style. 

Ladies, meanwhile, should be thinking how to “add personality with a chic hat (like a fedora or beret) - race day is the perfect opportunity to wear a statement hat or fascinator, it’s a chance to have fun and make the outfit feel occasion-appropriate. Gloves and a scarf in a luxe fabric not only adds warmth but polish off the look”. 

It’s also out with the sheers and delicate fabrics of summer and in with the cocooning, heavyweight textures of velvet, tweed and cashmere. “They exude luxury and are season-appropriate,” she points out. “Incorporating these into your outfit guarantees an added level of sophistication.” 

Once the right component parts are selected it should be easy to build a striking winter outfit. But to show us how, Laura has delved into rails of Tiger Lily Boutique – Musselburgh Racecourse’s exclusive Ladies Fashion Partner - and pulled out four winning New Year Race Day looks for inspiration.