{"id":854026,"date":"2026-03-27T14:42:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T14:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/854026\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:42:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T14:42:16","slug":"the-guides-aintree-style-awards-judge-reveals-what-shes-looking-for-in-a-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/854026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Guide’s Aintree Style Awards judge reveals what she’s looking for in a winner"},"content":{"rendered":"

The countdown is on to this year\u2019s Grand National weekend and that means final outfit prep for anyone planning to enter the Style Awards.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s awards, held on Ladies Day Friday April 10, are even bigger than usual, with two brand new categories alongside Best Dressed \u2013 Best Suited and Best Hat.<\/p>\n

Racegoers now have three chances to walk away with fantastic prize packages including a luxury trip to Ibiza, \u00a31,000 to spend with official style partner Debenhams and a super-indulgent spa date as well as top tickets for next year\u2019s Ladies Day.<\/p>\n

The Guide\u2019s Rachael Rhodes will be on the judging panel this year with the tough task of helping to pick three winners.<\/p>\n

So we asked our Rach what it is she loves about Grand National fashion and what exactly she\u2019ll be looking for on the day.<\/p>\n

She says; <\/strong>\u201cI\u2019ve covered Aintree for the last four years as part of The Guide team and I think what makes Aintree so special when it comes to fashion is girls from Liverpool are iconic for their style.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe effort and energy are always there so you see this wonderful array of styles, lots of gorgeous floor-length dresses and a multitude of colours.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Rachael<\/p>\n

\u201cLast year the big colour was lemon, and it could be again this year, but who knows? That\u2019s what makes it so exciting to be judging the Style Awards because Scousers really do go above and beyond for their fashion and they always pull it out the bag.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it comes to the Best Dressed award, Rachael says she\u2019ll be keeping an open mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s not just about the outfit, it\u2019s how a person wears something. There might be an outfit I wouldn\u2019t have thought about but someone\u2019s put it on, given it their own spin and they look absolutely amazing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI often see women walking around Aintree and they\u2019re holding themselves in such a sensational way, and maybe they\u2019ve added a particular shade of lipstick or a hat that pulls it all together.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I love, when someone can wow me like that. It\u2019s all about adding their own sparkle. I really respect it when a girl can do that and I feel Scousers do it really well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rachael, who\u2019s a fan of pre-loved fashion herself, says it\u2019s definitely not about designer labels or who\u2019s spent the most to look incredible on the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be going to all three days of the National so I need three outfits which is why Vinted is a wonderful thing! Places like that do make statement looks more accessible, which is great, and once you\u2019ve worn it you can just resell so you share the love which is what it\u2019s all about.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Rachael<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone entering the Style Awards doesn\u2019t have to be wearing an outfit that\u2019s cost a fortune, absolutely not, and it\u2019s not something I\u2019ll even be interested in knowing. It wouldn\u2019t change my opinion or sway me in any way because it\u2019s just about looking fabulous.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019s hoping the two new categories will be a chance to raise the bar and attract even more racegoers who might not otherwise have taken part.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we\u2019ve got Best Suited, I do hope a lot of men go in for it this year and put themselves out there. I love it when the men look really dapper and there are always suits that really catch your eye as you\u2019re walking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the Best Suited isn\u2019t just for men, I\u2019m a big Sex And The City fan and Carrie Bradshaw wears a lot of tailoring, so I think women can wear suits just as well as men and I know quite a few who\u2019ve ordered them for the races this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for hats, we see some stunning ones every year and I hope people will go even further this year because there\u2019s a great prize on offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see a hat that complements the outfit and is bold. I\u2019ve chosen one from Felicity Hat Hire which is quite understated, but I think if someone\u2019s brave enough to wear something that\u2019s a bit out there, hat\u2019s off to them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Get more from Aintree here.<\/a>
\nPete Tong to perform at this year\u2019s Grand National \u2013 check it out.<\/a><\/p>\n

Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n