Best in Show

Race season has started and for many ladies, the competition in the style stakes is far more intense than the actual horse racing. The prizes for Best Dressed Lady have never been so fabulous like this week's Punchestown Races, sponsored by Coast, in which the winning lady will enjoy a 2 day stay in New York, Madrid and Spain; have personal ‘Coast by Appointment’ style consultations, with prize vouchers of €1,000 to be spent in each Coast store. All flights and hotel expenses will be paid, so the focus is on enjoying the ultimate shopping experience in some of the world’s most stylish cities.

My advice for dressing for the Races is to work with a structured dress to suit your body shape, whether that be a tailored piece that accentuates your silhouette or a kick skirt, according to your style preference. A bright on-trend colour like a coral pink provides a strong base that can be easily accessorised with a headpiece and jewellery that complement the bold colour. Alternatively, opt for a printed piece in keeping with this season's hottest trend but keep accessories a little more minimal and allow the dress to be your statement piece. Be mindful of the weather and pick a cropped jacket or complementary shawl to offset the look.

Don't feel you need to spend a fortune to be in with a chance of winning on the day as judges favour recession-friendly labels styled in a creative way over pricey catwalk labels. Similarly when it comes to your headpiece, unless you have the budget for a Philip Treacy beaut, get creative with the superglue and see what your local haberdashery store has to offer.

Check out these fab racing frocks from Oasis