Hats for the Races

The wearing of hats and headpieces has a strong and proud tradition on the world renowned racing scene here in Ireland and abroad, and one which is still honoured at the races drawing hundreds of thousands of people from all over Ireland and worldwide. If the actual races don’t grab your attention, the amazing style and stunning fashion surely will and while a day out at the races is an event on most peoples bucket list for many reasons, it is an unmissable day out for fashion lovers.

Going to a race meet is a great opportunity for pulling together an outfit with some real wow factor, as we get so few opportunities to do so nowadays, apart from attending weddings and wearing a hat is the “Cherry On The Top” adding a sense of drama and intrigue to your overall outfit. It can be acting out your fantasy, the wildest thing you’ll wear all year. Let your personality shine! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your colour accents, and build a punchy outfit you wouldn’t normally wear for a formal event.

If you’re going to a race meet you shouldn’t forego the opportunity of wearing a hat and your outfit should be the supporting act and your hat the main event. Ailish McElroy Millinery offers a wide variety of hats for hire as well as a bespoke design service 

Ordering a bespoke headpiece for the races

Once you have your tickets booked, start planning your outfit right there and then and get in touch with your lovely Milliner for an Appointment! Try to avoid throwing something together at the last minute as it is important to book your hat in advance of busy periods such as the races to ensure the right hat is available.

If you wish to have a bespoke hat handmade to order it will need at least a few weeks to be made. So, please make sure you plan ahead in time for production and delivery. The other great thing about doing this is that this enables your Milliner to make customizations for you, specific for your outfit. Almost all Milliners (not department stores) will work with you to make such customizations to your bespoke design.

The most important thing when choosing a hat for the races is to make sure you look at your outfit as a whole, rather than treating your hat as an afterthought. Ask someone to take a photo of you from every angle, so you can see what your hat of choice brings to your overall look. Wearing a hat isn’t something we get to do often, so make sure you do it with style and have some fun.

Hats for Hire by Ailish McElroy Millinery is available all year round for for events in Ireland like the Galway Summer Racing Festival, the Curragh, Listowel Racing Festival, Punchestown and Leopardstown. Hats can be hired using our delivery service, and we will send your Hat in the Post by Special Delivery, to arrive two days before your required to wear date.

Ailish McElroy Millinery had also attended race meets abroad and has been beautifully worn at Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup and Paris Longchamp Racecourse.