Get Ready for the Races: What to wear

One of the biggest fashion events of the year, the Dubai World Cup sees men and women dressed to the nines — from dapper suits to gorgeous fascinators, the event sees a lot of experiments with fashion. While some are successful, some others can be seriously scarring to the eye. With the event right around the corner, if you’re still planning what to wear, don’t panic: we enlisted the help of some experts, whose tips will ensure you walk to the grounds looking and feeling absolutely fabulous and chic.

One of the biggest fashion events of the year, the Dubai World Cup sees men and women dressed to the nines — from dapper suits to gorgeous 
fascinators, the event sees a lot of experiments with fashion. While some are successful, some others can be seriously scarring to the eye. With the event right around the corner, if you’re still planning what to wear, don’t panic: we enlisted the help of some experts, whose tips will ensure you walk to the grounds looking and feeling absolutely fabulous and chic.

For Men

Mahir Ali, the Artistic Director and Head of Operations at Ascots & Chapels, highly recommends playing around with colour. “While the races provide an opportunity to wear colour, you can choose from pastel tones for shirts and even suits, but it’s advisable to use bolder colours for accent pieces. Avoid matching your shirt colour to your tie – it’s the easiest opportunity to work a contrast or colour-blocking trend. Spruce up your outfit with a statement tie, a pocket-handkerchief, stand-out socks, a cravat or even colorful shoelaces. Ensure you have some fun with it — just be careful that it’s not overkill. The finer details go a long way,” he says.

If, however, you are not comfortable with experimenting, you can also go classic by donning a traditional suit with a well-fitted shirt, and if you are going with your partner, matching the colour of the accessories with her dress is a nice touch. Even so, avoid picking a black suit, as it is more appropriate for an evening event. Accessorising according to the theme also adds a nice finishing touch to your outfit — for example, picking a pair of cufflinks or a scarf to match the equestrian theme would be appropriate.

Since there isn’t much time to hunt for a new suit now, Ali suggests sticking to one that you are already comfortable in. “A well-worn two-buttoned option gives you a chance to create that broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted look. For a more casual look, mix and match blazers and trousers in complementary colours. A dark blazer with light coloured pants is a winner.”

Ali also highly recommends wearing only lace-ups or brogues when it comes to picking the shoes — boots or loafers are too casual for the event in question. “The shoes do not need to match the suit, but the belt. If you are experimental, you can also give two-toned shoes a go,” he says.

Don’t let the ladies steal all the thunder with their interesting hats; you can don interesting headgear as well — anything from a fedora and classic trilby to a bowler or a top hat — just ensure your cowboy hat remains in cold storage.

As far as grooming is concerned, Ali says, “The races are a formal affair, so your hair should be neat and trim, but not loaded with hair products.”

“At a half-day event held outdoors, it’s important for 
style to marry comfort. Have the right attitude to carry whatever you have with confidence, and have fun at the races. In the future, you could invest in a well-tailored suit to ens-ure a great fit for your body and unparalleled attention to detail,” advises Ali.

For Women

Not be partial here, but women definitely have a tougher time dressing for the races, given the sheer variety of outfits available to them in the region. Instead of worrying about trumping everyone else’s looks, we suggest, you shop in your closet, at the last minute, and create a whole new outfit.

Kelly Lundberg, CEO and Founder at Style Me Divine says, “If you can’t find a dress you love, restyle an existing favourite with a statement necklace, a pair of new shoes, and co-ordinate a fascinator for an unique look that no one else will have.”

If, however, you do have the time to shop, keep a few things in mind. “Attention to detail is the key to a successful race-day attire,” says Lundberg. She recommended coordinating the hat or the fascinator with the outfit, but not necessarily matching it.

Plus, you don’t always have to stick to a dress, “A jumpsuit, or a two-piece skirt-and-top combo looks chic and sophisticated as well,” advises Lundberg.

Pay attention to the accessories — add a cocktail ring, a statement necklace, a cuff or bangle, and a cute box clutch to the ensemble. “Stand out of the crowd in the right way by avoiding styles that are super short, have keyholes or loads of cut outs,” suggest Lundberg. They are best suited for a night about town.

As far as make-up is concerned, keep it simple. Since it tends to get very hot during the day, it is bound to melt and stream down on your dress — which lets admit, is not a very pretty look. “Take time to apply a sheer base, and top it up with powder to avoid shine, and add a pair of natural-looking false lashes to amp up the look,” she suggests.

Since the rest of your make up is staid, you can add a pop of colour through a bright red lippy — coral and pink tones work best for the day.