Fashion: Finish first in style stakes

With Musselburgh's Ladies' Day looming, follow our simple tips to be ahead of the fashion field

IT WAS clearly not a place for wallflowers. From flaming orange and shocking pink to neon yellow, colour was key at the recent Aintree Ladies' Day where lime knee-high boots, psychedelic prints, fairy tutus and fishtails were just some of the outfits vying for attention.

With the highly anticipated 2010 Ladies' Day at Musselburgh Racecourse looming, it's all too easy to take inspiration from Liverpool when it comes to deciding just what to wear. Yes, there will be a sea of glamorous headpieces and a riot of styles, but to make sure you stand out from the crowd this year less is more.

"When you've been looking forward to Ladies' Day all year, you don't want your day to be ruined by someone else in the same dress," explains former Miss Scotland and TV presenter Nicola Jolly, who is the face of Musselburgh Racecourse Ladies' Day. "I try to prevent a wardrobe misadventure by pairing neutral separates with a fabulous fascinator and a unique handbag and shoes."

Jenners fashion stylist Amy Falconer agrees: "Colour is great at Ladies' Day, as is bold print, but you always run the risk of bumping into someone in the same ensemble. With pastels and nudes a big trend story this season, it is the perfect excuse to work with the look and create a stylish outfit that you can personalise with bold accessories, such as a headpiece and jewellery."

Take inspiration from Vivienne Westwood Red Label – a pretty, pastel dress with fun accessories makes for a versatile outfit with scope to update for other big summer occasions. Marc Jacobs and Louise Gray showcased playsuits on the catwalk, and the high street also has a fantastic selection. Not just for teens, playsuits can be given a sophisticated edge with a chic blazer. Head to Miss Selfridge, Reiss, Day Birger et Mikkelsen and Pied a Terre.

Don't be daunted by nudes and neutrals. Footwear giant Pied a Terre has branched out to ladieswear. The new range, available at Jenners, is all about sophisticated sorbets, polished pastels and cool nudes. And if you're worried they look a touch drab on the hanger, try teaming them with colourful accessories to really get the wow factor.

If it's your first time at Ladies' Day, bear in mind that the weather in Scotland is nothing if not unreliable. Wet ground can mean stiletto heels stuck in the grass – a sartorial disaster. Thankfully, chunky wedges are very much of the season and can give pretty frills, a cool edge. Kurt Geiger, Carvela, Bertie and Pied a Terre house some of the best wedges of the season.

Headgear is a must for Ladies' Day. But not any hat will do – huge hats will either look dated or wildly over the top this season. The high street is awash with fascinators, ornate headbands and pretty corsages to add a touch of grown-up glamour to your outfit.