HELLO!'s Best Dressed Competition is almost under starters orders, so we asked TV presenter and Investec Derby Festival Ambassador Laura Whitmore for her tips on how to be a winner at this year's Ladies Day on Friday 5th June.What is your number one tip?"Be comfortable, it's a long day. Enjoy the excuse to dress up. It's not my usual style but it's fun to embrace making an effort and being sophisticated with a touch of quirkiness too. So try wearing an usual hat or have fun with shoes and other accessories."
Looking back at previous years, who stands out as the style winner for you?"Jodie Kidd could look great in a bin liner but what she wore last year was so classy and chic. Absolutely stunning. Samantha Barks and Gemma Chan looked absolutely beautiful the year before too. I love a dress with a strong and flattering cut."What do you plan to wear this year, and how do you describe your style?"I'm going to pop into Philip Treacy's studio to pick out a hat and then I work downwards when deciding what to wear. I think I'll wear some colour this year. Previously I've worn gold and black."
Some people find it hard to wear a hat rather than the hat 'wearing' them, so how do you find the perfect one?"Try on as many as possible! It's like a good pair of jeans, you need to find the perfect shape for you. But there is always one out there so persevere!"Do you have any fashion don'ts when attending the races?"Don't wear something you're not comfortable in, it will show on your face."
What kind of look do you favour the most?"I like mixing styles. I like pretty patterns and then you can toughen them up with some jewellery."You are known for your own unique sense of style, but do you win on the horses too?"I've won the previous two years! I don't bet much but I enjoy the thrill of it. I normally chose an Irish jockey and a horse name that appeals to me. It's more luck than knowledge!"
Investec Derby Festival on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June. To book tickets, visit www.epsomderby.co.uk
