Coleen Rooney pulls off sophisticated look for Ladies' Day at Aintree (but not everybody else followed suit...)

By Maysa Rawi

Simple and sophisticated: Coleen Rooney arrived at Aintree today to judge the Ladies' Day Best Dressed competition in an elegant black mini dress and Christian Louboutin heels


She may be a footballer's WAG, but Coleen Rooney pulled off a sober and sophisticated look for today's Ladies' Day at Aintree.

In a black, fitted mini-shift dress with a high neckline and puffed, embellished sleeves, she bucked the trend for orange flesh, baring only her legs.

She accessorised with an embellished clutch bag and favourite Christian Louboutin heels. Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, while her make-up was kept simple save her smokey kohl-rimmed eyes.


Media storm: Photographers surrounded Coleen and her friend as they arrived at the famous racecourse


The mother-of-one, who was pregnant with her first child at last year's Grand National, is due to judge the annual Best Dressed competition.

But anyone hoping racegoers would tone down their outfits following last year's assorted rainbow of clashing prints will be disappointed as Aintree kicked off.

It's Ladies Day later today but the women were out in full force yesterday - with heavy fake tan and flouncy florals the order of the day.

And no one appeared to be pacing pacing themselves ahead of the rest of the week's events as punters proved the WAG fad is showing no signs of dying.


The long...: Floral max-dresses galore as crowds of women descended on Aintree for the first day of the races


..And short of it: Racegoers took inspiration from many forms, including bananas and Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth


The worst offenders basked in the Spring sunshine sporting acid neons and over-accessorising maxi-dresses with shocking clutch bags and fascinators.

It appears not many at Aintree subscribe to the theory that 'less is more' and the colourful display is no doubt just a taste of what is to come over the next few days.

And onlookers could be forgiven for thinking a brunette dressed in a slashed one-piece and high heels was just another racegoer instead of a model in a fashion show.


Here come the girls: A foursome take inspiration from an episode of Footballers' Wives


In the pink: Perhaps these girls were inspired by Colleen Rooney's pink number from last year's race


Matalan hosted the runway event which failed to add any element of style to the Grand National.

Elsewhere, wannabe Wags piled on the make-up for the Merseyside event, battling it out for most garish outfits, and it was certainly a close call.

Floral maxi-dresses were out in full force, and although the trend is hot off the catwalk, the looks were far from couture.


Hat's off: Model Tracy Gunn wears a specially commissioned Liverpool day head piece


Clash of the acids: Racegoers didn't only shock in the colour department, they wore ill-fitting outfits


Get together: A trio of ladies have a drink and a laugh as they enjoy the sunshine


Faux-pas: Despite their outlandish attire, the girls still happily pose for pictures


Footballers Robbie Fowler and retired Steve McManaman formed the celebrity contingency for today, bringing their families with them as they opted for the smart look.

Robbie's wife Kerrie proved the ultimate anti-Wag in opaque tights and flat pumps.
Perhaps she was trying to avoid guilt by association.

Either way, the brunette certainly stole the show and gets top marks for keeping it simple.


Doting dads: Footballers Robbie Fowler, left, and retired Steve Mcmanaman, right, take the children out


Family day out: The real Wag sensibly chooses not to attract attention in a demure outfit


Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson was jumping for joy again the day after Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League, as his horse What A Friend romped home to win the totesport Bowl.

In a dramatic race Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander fell, but nothing could stop What A Friend, ridden by Ruby Walsh.


Model behaviour: Is that Liz Hurley? Er, no, the Matalan fashion show fails to add any style to the garish event


Strike a pose: Matalan shows off its collection of bright hats and trendy harem pants with gladiator sandles

Ferguson said: 'I'm very pleased, it's fantastic and I was so excited.

'It's great. That's the beauty of the racing game. Every fence you're jumping yourself, that's the beauty of it.'

'We knew the form of Carruthers because we've run against him in the past, so I was quite happy, but the other fella (Nacarat) gave me a fright.'


Victory: What A Friend ridden by Ruby Walsh wins the big race at Aintree, the totesport Bowl Steeple Chase, for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at 5-2


source: dailymail