What to wear to the races....

neveah

I'm going to the Galway races this year with work so there will be both work colleagues and customers of ours there. The day we are going is not ladies day so I'm just wondering what the style is like for the other days? Do you still get really dressed up/wear a hat etc? I really haven't a clue what to wear so any suggestions would be appreciated

convert

I think that the races are probably one of the only events where you can get away with wearing what you want (apart from Royal Ascot, maybe!).

Obviously, if you're going with work colleagues and clients, you'll need to be smartly dressed. If you want to go that extra little bit, then wearing a hat is an option (although if it's windy/wet be prepared to carry your hat into and out of the races, and any time you go outside).

Good footwear is essential. You need something in which you can walk from the carpark to the enclosure without sinking into the grass or falling over on any uneven surface. If you are at lunch, then at least you will be sitting all day, but if you aren't, then wear something you're comfortable standing in all day. (If you are doing the lunch-thing, then you could always have a pair of flats in your bag, and change into them when you get into the enclosure).

Also, if you're going for lunch, then you'll need to wear a jacket/cardi to cover your shoulders if you go for something without shoulders.

I would always recommend someone to dress for the weather: there is nothing worse than seeing girls in skimpy summer (or night club!) dresses, looking absolutely miserable because they didn't bring a coat/jacket to wear.

When going to the races, I usually wear a dressy suit, or a dress with a suitable coat/jacket over it. Depending on the weather and/or outfit, I'd sometimes wear a pair of boots, especially if it was wet.

If you're looking to splash out on a new outfit, I find Hobbs, Reiss and Coast pretty good as I can always find something to suit my taste, and they're also pretty good for picking up something that isn't skimpy and can be used again, whether for formal work 'dos' or weddings, Christenings, etc.

Depending on your taste(s), something like the following could work as they are dressy enough to look like you've made the effort, yet suitable for entertaining cliets as they're not too dressy to make you look like you're heading for a night out:

http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0210-4902-2623L00&productvarid=0210-4902-2623L00-CERISE-8&refpage=1226

http://www.coast-stores.com/GENEVIVE-LACE-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143409230

http://www.coast-stores.com/JOCASTA-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143404006

http://www.coast-stores.com/TORI-LACE-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2224745109


(I'm going through a 'structured' phase at the moment, hence the above suggestions. However, there are lots of 50s style dresses out there, as well as other dresses that aren't so figure hugging)

Finally, go for something that you'll feel comfortable in, that you won't have to be tugging it up or down!, and that suits your figure. Pair it with some nice (but, if you're standing, comfy!) shoes and a bag. Put on the hat if you'd like to dress up. And bring an umbrella with you, just incase the weather isn't so nice. There are some nice ones out there that you can use to accessorize your outfit, but don't forget about the little ones that fit in your bag, too - very handy if you don't want yet another thing to carry!

Enjoy your day (and try not to lose too much money on the gee-gees!)

convert

Here's a thread from last year re. what to wear to the Galway races. It might be some help.

solerina

I go racing a lot and to be honest you will see all kinds of outfits, a lot of people wear clothes similar to what you would wear to a wedding, hats are optional but I love them so any excuse to wear one.
As was recommended above wear comfortable shoes (or bring a large bag with flip flops for your tired feet).
Dress for the weather and bring a warm jacket/shrug.
Enjoy, the races are great fun !!