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DRESSED TO THE NINES

Glamorous Chester racegoers turn heads in bold dresses and headpieces & even Tulisa is in on the action

Typically Chester has a less strict dress code than racing events such as Royal Ascot, but that hasn’t stopped them pulling out all the stops. 

THE sun is shining and the drinks are flowing at Chester Racecourse as the second day of the Boodles May Festival gets underway.

Leading the way of stylish guests is singer Tulisa, who arrived for the thrilling day of racing in a white mini skirt and black top.

Tulisa at Ladies Day at the Boodles May Festival at Chester Races.
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Singer Tulisa looked sensational in a black and white outfit at Chester racesCredit: BackGrid
Tulisa at Chester Races, holding a glass of champagne.
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Tulisa watched the horses with a glass of fizz, and looked stylish with a black fascinatorCredit: tulisacontostavlos/Instagram
Woman in lavender dress at a racecourse.
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This glamorous racegoer looked sensational in a pastel strapless dress, with her hair in a bouncy blow dryCredit: PA
Three women in elegant outfits and hats pose in front of a floral wall at a racecourse.
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Florals were all the rage for these well-dressed palsCredit: PA
Three women at a racecourse taking a selfie.
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A group of friends posed for a selfie in their matching blue dressesCredit: PA
Women in stylish outfits at a racecourse.
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This attendee turned heads in a bold yellow jumpsuit and large headpieceCredit: Getty

The 36-year-old former X Factor judge finished off her stunning races look with a chic black fascinator and matching black gloves.

Glamorous attendees have dressed to the nines for the horse racing extravaganza, with many braving towering stilettos. 

Many people appeared in high spirits as they posed for selfies in their head-turning outfits.

Bright dresses appear to be all the rage for many guests at the Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day. 

More on races

And of course, numerous outfits have been finished off with bold headpieces or fascinators. 

As the thrilling races kicked off, revellers celebrated in style with bottles of bubbly.

Yesterday was Ladies Day at the three-day Boodles May Festival, which is one of the most glamorous days in the Chester racing calendar.

Love Island's Gemma Owen and footballing legend Robbie Fowler were some of the famous faces spotted at the racecourse.

Chic attendees also have the chance to be crowned as the most stylish guest in the Best Dressed Competition.

Typically Chester has a less strict dress code than racing events such as Royal , but that hasn’t stopped them pulling out all the stops. 

Oldest racecourse in the world announces huge changes that will take fifteen years to finish

Each stand at Chester Racecourse adheres to a specific dress code policy and those who don't uphold it may be refused access to the event.

The 2025 style guide states that if you're in the County Long Room, Winning Post, The Garden, Hospitality Areas and Chester Members area, the dress code is 'strictly smart'.

Woman taking a photo of three women in floral dresses at a racecourse.
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A group of stylish friends posed for a photo as they arrived for the racingCredit: PA

Attendees are encouraged to wear cocktail dresses, sleek power suits, shiny shoes and statement fascinators.

The website states: “It’s time to get fancy! A raceday outfit is like no other so we want you to dress to impress.

“You’ll ooze classic sophistication and shine like the fashionista you are.”

The Tattersalls enclosure is more of a smart casual stand, and you can either wear a polo shirt or collared shirt, smart jeans (not ripped), trousers, chinos, or a smart dress. 

The most casual stand is The Roodee, where relaxed summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts and sunglasses are welcomed.

Why has Ladies Day been scrapped at Cheltenham Festival?

CHELTENHAM'S Ladies Day event on day two of racing is now known as Style Wednesday - and it's open to both men and women.

A Cheltenham Racecourse spokesperson said in 2024: "This year we re-launched day two of The Festival as Style Wednesday to celebrate 'fast horses, slow fashion', encouraging racegoers to make more sustainable fashion choices, showcasing their unique and personal style, and to share the stories behind their amazing outfits with friends, family and on social media.

"This includes re-wearing outfits they already have in their wardrobes, purchasing timeless garments to wear again and again and also buying from retailers specialising in pre-loved clothing."

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