I headed to Aintree for the final day of the Grand National, and it quickly became clear the real spectacle wasn’t just on the track. Racegoers from up and down the country may have arrived for the main event – but it didn’t take long for the focus to shift. Somewhere between the first glass of fizz and the final furlong, fashion took centre stage.

Heels sinking into grass, hats battling the wind, champagne corks popping – and a racecourse that felt more like a Parisian front row than a finish line. This wasn’t about who was crowned champion in the parade ring, it was about who wore it best. And after what feels like a long decade of playing it safe, fashion is finally back where it belongs – bold, unapologetic and impossible to ignore.

I went expecting good outfits, but what I got was a full-blown return to glamour. The kind we haven’t properly seen since the golden era of 2016, but sharper, slicker and far more self-aware.

Post-Covid, we all leaned into the ‘natural’ look – pared-back, effortless, sensible. And yes, it had its moment. But somewhere along the way, we lost our sparkle.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the feeling of getting properly dressed. A great frock, your hair done, a bit of drama for good measure – not for anyone else, but for that instant confidence boost. Across the course, colour came back with a vengeance: bold, bright and impossible to ignore.

Meanwhile, Zara Tindall delivered a masterclass in tailored elegance on Ladies Day, proving femininity doesn’t start and end with a dress. And, unsurprisingly, royal influence was impossible to miss. The blueprint still comes from one place – the Princess of Wales, who’s polished, put-together aesthetic continues to shape how women dress for major occasions.

So if you’re heading to the races this season, have a wedding, garden party or any event that calls for a real fashion moment – take note. Because this is what getting dressed up looks like again. These are the styling tips you actually need:

Be bold, be vibrant. Because beige has officially had its moment. Across Aintree, it was a sea of red, cobalt blue and unapologetic colour, with even classic whites feeling fresher when styled with intent.

What stood out wasn’t fleeting trends, but confident dressing – sharp block colours, punchy tones and romantic florals that actually made an impact.

Yes, it’s still early spring and the weather wasn’t exactly forgiving, but that didn’t stop anyone.

My takeaway? Skip the safe pastels – they feel predictable now, and lean into colour that turns heads the second you walk in.

Take a leaf out of Zara Tindall’s book and, of course, Jade Holland Cooper, because tailoring is where modern race-day style really lives. Suits aren’t just an alternative anymore, they’re the power move.

And you don’t need a designer budget either – the high street is delivering seriously strong options right now.

We’ve seen Princess Catherine champion the power suit time and time again, and for good reason: it’s polished, versatile and quietly confident.

Paired with a silk blouse, a top-handle bag and classic courts, it works just as well for weddings as it does for the races – and crucially, it adapts with you throughout the day.

What I loved most? Women actually made an effort again. Bold lipsticks, a touch of blush, that soft sun-kissed glow.

It instantly lifted every look. This isn’t about going full glam for the sake of it, but there’s a clear difference between everyday minimal and occasion-ready polish.

A subtle smoky eye, a sharp wing, a defined brow – these small details completely transform how you carry an outfit. It’s not overdone, it’s intentional and that’s where the magic happens.

Right so I know we all love a clutch – in theory. In reality? Not so practical. What stood out this year was the return of the top-handle bag: elegant, structured and actually useful.

You can fit your essentials (and yes, sometimes you can even squeeze in a power bank) without compromising the look.

Accessories felt considered, not afterthoughts – from statement hats to polished bags that pulled everything together. It’s proof that the right finishing touches don’t just complete an outfit, they elevate it.

And last but not least – if there’s one styling trick I noticed, it was the hair, and it was obvious who the style muse was.

The Princess of Wales regularly opts for a sleek updo when wearing millinery – and it’s no accident.

A chignon is timeless, elegant and lets your outfit (and hat) do the talking, while still looking completely put-together. But what really stood out at Aintree was that people didn’t forget the hair.

As much as I love a bouncy blow dry, it doesn’t quite cut it for a major event. Hair up simply feels sharper, chicer, and far more considered.

It also doesn’t have to feel too formal – a high ponytail or even a soft, undone bun works just as well for a more relaxed take. Even Meghan Markle has made the effortless updo her signature. And if it works for the royal set, it will absolutely work for you.