It’s that time of the year again. With only a few days left for the Dubai World Cup and the Jaguar Style Stakes, if you haven’t already sorted our your wardrobe, here are some must-dos for one of the year’s most fashionable events.
For the ladies
Daytime Appropriate
Dress up, not down! The Dubai World Cup is a prestigious event and attracts a huge international audience. It is showcased around the world. Think classy, sophisticated and head-to-toe style. If in any doubt, check out previous winners from the renowned Jaguars Style Stakes.
Wear comfortable shoes
If you are intending to step out in new shoes make sure you have at least worn them in — wear them around the house with a pair of socks. It might not be the most elegant look, but if you have to stand around at an event for a long period of time, maybe in the heat, you will know that your shoes (and feet) will stand the test of time.
Have your make-up applied professionally
A make-up artist is skilled and knows how to bring out your best features, it will last longer and will give a more polished look. To make sure your look is brought together, take your dress, a piece of fabric from your dress or a picture of it as this will help the make-up artist style your finished look.
Avoid over overmatching
Gone are those days the secret to a super stylish look is to co-ordinate rather than match. Be careful about adding in lots of accessories just for the sake of it, as this is never a good idea as your accessories can often say more about you than your clothes do! Remember, less is more.
Hat or Not
A headpiece is the perfect opportunity for ladies to make a statement, make sure that your choice complements your dress. If you are opting for a hat rather than a fascinator, remember dark brimmed hats cast a shadow across the face; photo opportunities will look better if you opt for a lighter colour. Whilst we are unlikely to experience high winds here in Dubai, no one wants to be competing with horses running down the track so secure headwear, either with a hatpin or an elastic loop hidden in your hair.
For the gentlemen
Escape the office look
Choose a colour of shirt not normally associated with every day, such as pink or purple. For extra attention to detail and to stand out from the crowd add in a pocket square or a pair of vibrant socks. Bear in mind, the same applies to men as with women; coordination is the key not overmatching.
Suits you
Make sure your jacket is the perfect fit as clothes that are cut close to the body will instantly upgrade any individual look. Prevent the ultimate fashion faux pas by wearing your suit buttoned correctly. Gentlemen, take note — for a two-button suit, fasten the top button only and for a three-button suit only fasten the middle button.
Too-long trousers
No matter how you decide to match your outfit, wear your jacket or accessorise your look if the length of your trouser is either too long or too short it will be at the detriment of the overall appearance. Avoid killing the look and if in doubt visit a tailor. Ideally the trousers fronts should end were laces start and the back run about half way down the heel.
Hats off
Time to dust off your panama — this is the ideal choice for gentleman race-goers. Stylish and practical, wear it low over the brow, with a slight tilt. Whilst fellow race goers are melting under the hot Dubai sun, you can ensure you are race day cool. Better still if you want to impress tip you hat, raise by the crown and welcome your ladies.
Pace yourself
Ladies and gentlemen race-goers, the Dubai Gold Cup is an a notoriously long day so make full use of the fantastic facilities Meydan has to offer, whether you are relaxing and enjoying refreshments, checking out the fashion and fillies or casting your eye over the winners, don’t burn yourself out too quickly and miss the highlights. Enjoy!
*Kelly Lundberg is a Dubai-based personal stylist. She will soon launch a four-day course, The 7-Step Styling Formula, to focus on helping stylists create a career within the fashion industry, focusing on how to turn a hobby into a business, marketing your personal brand, as well as essential practical styling sessions. The course costs $2,395 (Dh8,797) for all four days and all course content will be provided. For more information, go to kellylundberg.co.
