There’s a buzz that runs through Newcastle every summer, and it’s not just the fizz being poured by the gallon. It’s Ladies Day Newcastle Style Awards at Newcastle Racecourse — one of the biggest social events of the year, and for many, the true highlight of the racing calendar.
But while the racing brings the thrills and Bongo’s Bingo brings the chaos, there’s one competition that quietly commands just as much excitement: The Style Awards.
It’s not just a fashion show. It’s a full-blown celebration of North East individuality, elegance, and effort — and for some, it’s the main event. So if you’re heading to Ladies Day 2025 and want to understand what it takes to stand out, be seen, and maybe even take home the crown, here’s everything you need to know.
🏆 What Are the Style Awards?
Each year at Ladies Day, Newcastle Racecourse runs a Best Dressed competition that’s open to all ticket holders — no extra fee, no secret sign-up. You simply have to turn up looking the part and be seen by the right eyes.
There are usually style spotters roaming the racecourse throughout the day, selecting guests who catch their attention. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a catwalk-style final where a judging panel chooses the winner. Prizes in past years have included luxury experiences, designer fashion items, and premium race packages.
So yes, it’s friendly — but it’s also fiercely competitive.
🎯 What Are Judges Looking For?
This isn’t about labels or money. It’s about impact. Judges tend to look for people who:
- Make an impression (think colour, silhouette, detail)
- Have pulled together a cohesive, confident look
- Reflect their own style and personality
- Pay attention to fit, finish, and accessories
- Embrace the occasion but don’t just play it safe
You don’t need a designer wardrobe to win. You need to look like you planned it, and you’re enjoying it.
👒 For Women: Elegance with an Edge
Florals and fascinators are still a staple — but if you really want to turn heads, consider pushing beyond the usual.
2025 Trends to Watch
- Sculpted dresses with asymmetrical cuts
- Colour blocking in bold pinks, reds, and electric blue
- Textured fabrics like satin, organza, and pleated chiffon
- Oversized headbands and hair bows as alternatives to traditional hats
- Statement jewellery to elevate simple silhouettes
The North East always brings a bit of glamour, so don’t be afraid to lean into it — high ponytails, contour, lashes and gloss are all fair game. But the best looks this year will likely have a twist: a vintage bag, a non-traditional heel, or a splash of metallic.
🕴️ For Men: Sharpen the Standard
Let’s get this out of the way — yes, men can and do win the Style Awards. And rightly so. Some of the best-dressed racegoers we’ve seen turn up in tailored looks that give Savile Row a run for its money.
What Works in 2025:
- Soft pastel suits with earthy tone accents
- Double-breasted blazers with cropped or tapered trousers
- Suits paired with open collar shirts, loafers, and pocket squares
- Co-ords or monochrome looks with luxe fabric finishes
- A touch of vintage flair — braces, chain watches, or a fedora (if you can pull it off)
Trainers might be tempting, but if you’re going for Best Dressed, stick with polished footwear. A good pair of brogues or loafers can do a lot of heavy lifting.
💡 Tips to Stand Out — The Smart Way
Whether you’re gunning for glory or just want to feel 10/10 all day, here are a few practical pointers:
- Plan early – Don’t leave your outfit until the week before. Get it fitted if needed.
- Accessorise thoughtfully – A bag or tie that nods to your outfit’s theme shows attention to detail.
- Dress for the full day – You’ll be walking, dancing, and posing. Avoid anything too tight, fragile, or hard to sit in.
- Confidence is your best outfit – Genuinely. If you feel awkward, it shows. If you feel amazing, you glow.
And if you’re unsure, try your full look on in advance and wear it around the house. Can you sit, dance, sip prosecco and take a selfie? Then you’re good to go.
📸 The Catwalk Moment
If you are chosen by the spotters, you’ll be invited to join a finalist presentation — usually held in a designated marquee or area near the Grandstand. There’s often a live audience, a small stage, and photo ops aplenty.
It’s worth remembering that even if you don’t win, just being selected means you’ve nailed the brief. Plus, the social coverage and memories are worth it alone.
📅 About Ladies Day 2025 at Newcastle
This year’s Ladies Day takes place on Saturday 26 July 2025, and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
You’ll get:
- A full day of live horse racing
- The Bongo’s Bingo Afterparty with music, mayhem and prizes
- Street food, cocktails, and group packages available
- A chance to enter the Best Dressed Style Awards
- All at the iconic Newcastle Racecourse, just 20 minutes from the city centre
👉 Book your tickets now at Newcastle Racecourse — from general admission to luxury hospitality.
✨ Final Thought: Don’t Just Dress Up — Show Up
At the heart of it, the Style Awards aren’t really about being judged — they’re about showing off a bit, feeling confident, and making memories.
It doesn’t matter if your outfit cost £50 or £500. What matters is that you wear it like you mean it. Because when the gates open, the fizz is flowing, and the sun’s hopefully shining — you’ll be part of one of the most vibrant, stylish, unapologetically Geordie days out of the year.
Go big. Go bold. Go be you.
First-timer tips
https://innewcastle.co.uk/ladies-day-newcastle-first-timer-tips-a-guide-to-the-races/
What to wear
https://innewcastle.co.uk/what-to-wear-to-ladies-day-newcastle/
Ladies Day history
https://innewcastle.co.uk/a-history-of-ladies-day-newcastle-racing-roots-to-ritual/
Heels survival tips
https://innewcastle.co.uk/heading-to-the-races-this-summer-read-these-top-tips-for-surviving-heels-all-day-long/
The Jockey’s Rest
https://innewcastle.co.uk/the-jockeys-rest-returns-for-ladies-day-newcastle-2025/