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Here's how to look your best at Dubai World Cup

The fascinator (um, a headpiece), the dress, the shoes, the crowds - the Dubai World Cup is always great fun. Oh, and let's not forget the horses

For many women, tomorrow is the day that has taken a lot of sartorial planning. It is the Dubai World Cup and dressing for this is serious business, just like it is at Royal Ascot. There are some unwritten rules that you should follow. Dresses and skirts should be below the knee - it's time for modest dressing. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun - hats are often the way many women bring in that quirky element. While it's not a must to wear a hat or fascinator, it is considered the norm. It's a long day, so remember you want to be chic, but do keep it comfortable - and this is balance that requires some amount of savoir-faire. Let the experts tell you how to be on point from head to toe!
The Hat
Let's start at the top, and while wearing this is not a must, let's face it,  it's the headgear that makes the difference - and when else could you get to put on a fun fascinator? So invest in a hat - only if it is one you want to repeat again. Make sure it does not make so much of a statement that when you pull it out of its box for a second wear,  everyone says, "Is that not the hat you wore at the Dubai World Cup?" Says stylist and personal shopper Mukta Shadadpuri, "I believe in always dressing for the occasion, so I would say that a hat is an absolute must at the Derby. That said, it is very important to choose a hat that suits one's face and frame whilst complimenting the outfit, rather than overshadowing it. I would personally go with a simple and sleek silhouette and let the hat add the element of drama. I am also a huge fan of fascinators - British milliner Philip Treacy is my all-time favourite." She suggests you take inspiration from Elizabeth Hurley, who at Royal Ascot last year, wore a classic white Versace dress paired with a statement tulle hat and minimal accessories.
The Clothes
If you think you have to break the bank, think again - you do this day on a budget or you can splurge. Either way, you will still "slay". This year, we are seeing a lot of colour patterns, emphasis on sleeves and cold shoulders - and one 'made in Dubai' label that is coordinating all these styles into their Spring collection is KAGE.  Since it is a Dubai event, if you're going to buy designer, give it a chic touch and stick to a homegrown label. Basma Abu Ghazaleh, the designer behind KAGE suggests, "My tip when dressing for an event is to always feel comfortable in what you're wearing. Feeling relaxed and confident with your outfit choice is key to looking good and effortless. With Derby dressing, I think the silhouette of your dress is important, a simple shape in a mid-length is elegant and perfect for the event. The off-the-shoulder, striped dress with bell sleeves from the KAGE spring/summer collection." But if you're not looking to buy designer, there are plenty of high street options. Says the online fashion store, Namshi's fashion editor, Shannon Cross, "For the Dubai races, SS17 trends are all about over-the-top details and colour pops. Ruffles can been seen everywhere (think sleeves, hems and necklines) and shirting-style pinstripes in deconstructed shapes are here across dresses and jumpsuits. Colour palettes take a sweet turn, with candyfloss pink, canary yellow and bright white being the firm favourite." Check online or at the stores Zara, Reiss, H&M or any other high street brand.
The Hair
Generally, you want to put your hair up if you're wearing a hat or fascinator - so don't wash your hair on the day of the races. Hair that is just cleaned is harder is put up than hair that is a day old. It will also give you more time for make-up on the actual day.  Fadi Chedid, a well-known celebrity makeup and hair stylist who runs his self-named salon at Burj Al Arab says, "A chignon always works well for race day. It has to be elegant, so even if you don't want to wear a hat, keep this in mind." He suggests if you opt to not wear a hat, then use a comb - it's a modern taken on the hat. "And no sun-kissed Californian hairstyle and no bedhead hair," he says.
The Makeup
It's a long day, and you will be in the sun, so remember to use some sun protection. Or look for make-up that has this built-in. MAC Cosmetics' senior make-up artist in the Middle East, Vimi Joshi says, "The most important factors are heat and longevity. Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara. You do not want to have to worry about looking like a mess by the end of the day." Joshi's product for Derby Day is MAC's Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour. There are, of course, other waterproof and heat proof cosmetics. Pick yours.
The Shoes
So we know that getting dressed up usually means one thing to women when it comes to shoes - and that's towering heels. But if you are not that comfortable and feel you get might get tired, try block heels. Avoid wedges - as practical as they may be, they are just not dressed-up enough. You're better off going for a pretty pair of ballerinas. As Blanca Prieto, Women's Buyer, Level Shoes, says, "When it comes to the Derby, there is no rule. From opulence to sophistication, a woman may choose an outstanding embellished heel from Ralph & Russo or Giambattista Valli suede sandals detailed with light ruffles. For a summery yet comfortable style, go for the Daisy block sandals from Fabrizio Viti's standout SS17 collection. For something more vibrant, opt for the Flora sandals from Aquazzura, beautifully detailed with a floral appliqué on the toe strap. These will look best with a cocktail dress."
Sujata is KT's fashion editor. She makes it her business to stay on trend
sujata@khaleejtimes.com