Who doesn’t like to be complimented on their personal style and the way they dress?

Last year Charlotte Hallett scooped the top prize on Ladies Day at The Game Fair when she was nominated as a style icon for the day. But how did she do it? How did she stand out from all the other well-dressed ladies attending? We caught up with Charlotte and asked her to share her style secrets.

“When the judges announced I had won first place I was shocked and ecstatic. I was not expecting to win at all. After seeing all the other fabulous ladies I thought I’d have no chance, especially as it was my first time attending The Game Fair,” said Charlotte.

“Beforehand I had decided to go with something that made me feel comfortable and confident. My main inspiration was Kate Middleton, back in her pre-princess days.  I love her country looks and always revert to her style for guidance.”

What I wore

“I wore a Holland Cooper white shirt and tweed skirt, Schōffel brown gilet and a brown Mackenzie and George fedora I borrowed from a friend. I knew I would be walking a lot so I wore a good pair of broken-in loafers which are from Fairfax & Favor.”

How I chose my clothes

“The key thing I do before any event, big or small, is to check the weather! I cannot stress this enough. Always check the weather for two weeks prior to an event, this helps you prepare for the kind of footwear and layers you need. If it’s rained for a few days beforehand the ground will be muddier than a pig pen and you don’t want your beautiful suede boots wrecked.”

“Remember that The Game Fair is not the races or a polo match. So save the beautiful hats and heels for the horses. For headwear think fedora, bakerboy cap or headband. For shoes think loafers, a broken-in pair of leather boots or wellies if needed. Something that keeps your feet dry and stops you having blisters.

“The key to any outfit is preparation. Something I’m always telling my partner five minutes before we go out!

“Think location, purpose, weather and style. You don’t want to be the odd one out in a beautiful silk dress when everyone else is in tweed.”

What about colours?

“I like to think everyone has a favourite colour they know that works with their complexion. I am olive skinned, so I know warmer tones and bolder colours work for me.
We can all follow the latest colour trends but they don’t always work for all of us. Again, think about where you are going. The Game Fair is a country fair, and we associate earthy tones with the country. So use earth tones as your base colour and accessorise for a pop of colour, either with your hat, bag or gilet.

“Which brings me onto the subject of accessories.

“I love handbags but I hate taking big bulky bags out with me to events. There is nothing worse than carrying a big bag which gets in the way of shopping, eating and walking. So I suggest a bag that can hold the essentials, across the body or a shoulder bag.

“As for hats, you can’t go wrong with a good fedora or straw hat. If hats aren’t your thing, maybe a cute headband. But nothing too flamboyant.

“Fabrics. Tweed, leather, cotton? I would avoid thick material such as leather and wool. The Game Fair is held in July so think light but warm layers. Blazers, gilets, lightweight jumpers.  For the overall look I like to incorporate a bit of tweed. So I wore a tweed skirt last year. This year, maybe a tweed waistcoat with jeans, depending on the weather.”

My favourite item of country clothing

“I live in Kent which is known to be quite mild compared to some parts of England, but my house is very exposed to the valley so it’s always cold for me. So I love a good gilet/ waistcoat.

“The brands I love are Fairfax & Favor and Holland Cooper. They’re the brands that I first discovered when entering the country fashion world. But once I delved deeper I found other brands which provide a stunning range of clothes and shoes, such as Welligogs, Doyenne The Label, Penelope Chivers and Hicks & Brown. Then there’s always somebody new at The Game Fair who makes wonderful clothing and kit.”

My essential piece of country clothing?

“A gilet and wellies, must-have pieces in my everyday wardrobe.”

Ladies Day at The Game Fair this year is on Friday 26th July 2024. You can follow Charlotte on Instagram @charlotte_in_kent