Race Day Hat Newcastle from Margaret Woodliff Wright, the Northumberland Milliner. We all know that going to the races is a great day out, and whilst dressing for the occasion as well as the weather is important, many racecourses now have strict dress codes. So, when choosing your outfit remember to check the dress regulations for the racecourse and race meet you are attending.

Race Day Hat Newcastle. If you are invited to a “dressy” party, cocktail reception or wedding, many of the headpiece styles that are suitable for Ladies Days at the Races will also be accepted at these events.

So before making a definite choice, check the dress codes for the event you are going to – for instance if you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to an event where the dress code advice is “Cocktail” – etiquette guides that men would normally wear a smart lounge suit or black tie. Meanwhile, women might choose an evening style trouser suit or a short sparkly evening dress finished with a small, perching hat which could be finished with beading, feathers not to mention a little pizazz!

You will find a selection of race day and cocktail hats and headpieces in the Ready to Wear Online Store and once you’ve checked out the styles on my website, if you would like to commission a couture piece, for your special occasion, please just get in touch. You will find more details about how to commission your own couture hat or headpiece, in the How it Works section below and to arrange a date for a consultation just complete the “Book a Consultation” form.

Each couture commission is completely hand-made in my studio, shapes are hand-blocked, with the trimmings and flowers expertly made, and shaped by hand.

The commission starts with an initial in-person visit to my studio in NE67 or NE1 – for pieces with universal head fittings this could also take place by Zoom – to look through and try on my samples. Firstly, together we select the shape itself, then the design, styling and fabric choices follow – these may include parisisial straw, luxury felt, fine silks, lace, flowers, feathers, veiling and beading. It’s very helpful to bring a sample of your fabric with you to the appointment, many bring the dress itself, though I appreciate that this is not always possible! The first consultation will last about 1-1.5hrs, and throughout the commission making process I will stay in touch by email or FaceTime to update you on progress.

Once the shape has been made there will be a further consultation, which can be by Zoom, to confirm the choice of trims and finishes. At the final appointment, we will have a grand trying-on session and I will explain to you how to adjust your headpiece. Your headpiece design will take four to six weeks to create, and start from £300 (halo bands from £250) there are more details here.

Please get in touch for more details and to make an appointment complete the consultation form below.