Golden rules for dressing for the races

Pam Finn and Mary Davin in Ballybrit on Monday for the first day of The Galway Races Summer Festival. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Pam Finn and Mary Davin in Ballybrit on Monday for the first day of The Galway Races Summer Festival. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

1. Wear practical shoes. You may be tempted to opt for skyscraper heels but these are a definite no-no. You will have to walk from your car/bus/taxi to the stand and may be on your feet all day, so by the end of the evening (if not sooner ) you will be in pain. You may also be standing on the grass at some point and that comes with a risk of sinkage. A chunky heel combines style with support and may be your best option if you are heading to Ballybrit. A flare heel which has a wider base at the bottom, tapering to a thinner point at the top, is another wise choice, especially if you have wider feet. It provides style, stability, and support. If you would like your legs to appear longer, opt for slim, medium heels.

2. Choose a classic colour palette. The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex often follow this style rule to stunning effect. Opt for an all-white, cream, grey, or black and white fashion combination. This look can be uplifted by a striking hat or the skilful use of other accessories. A polka dot dress is always a winner whether in comes in navy, brown, or white. It is easy to choose a hat, handbag, and shoes to complete the look. If you prefer to be less traditional or formal and are keen to make a strong fashion statement, embrace a fiesta of colour. Step out in bright pink, poppy red, powder blue, or mellow yellow. These cheery colours will lift your spirits even if is raining. Remember, too, to build outfits around colours that go well together.

3. Harness the power of accessories. They play a vital role in creating an overall stylish look. They are an ideal way of adding colour, wit, and glitz to an outfit and offer great scope for individuality. They also can divert attention away from any figure flaws and can be used to dramatically change your image. If you are wearing a simple, plain outfit, you can use jewellery to add a touch of pzazz. Gold jewellery suits those with warm skin tones while silver will look best on those with cooler tones. A simple gold or silver chain and matching earrings will add class to any ensemble. Pearls look good on any age or with any outfit and can lend a touch of sobriety or elegance to an outfit.

4. Wear a hat. It is important to find a flattering style if you decide to wear a hat. Shape, size, and silhouette are important considerations when making your choice. The shape of the hat should suit your height, figure, and face. Choosing a hat with a high crown can give the impression of being taller while a wide-rimmed hat or one with a turned-down brim gives the illusion of the wearer being smaller. The angle at which you wear a hat can make a difference to your general look, too. Some hats look better with a dress than trouser suits. Firmer, more structured hats will look great with a fitted suit but will not set off a flowing dress quite as well. Lightweight and pale coloured hats, such as pebble, black, white, or green look very well in summer. Some people like to wear a hat which matches their outfit. Image consultants say the colour of your shoes and bag should match and that your hat can be a in a different colour. Alternatively, your shoes, hat, and bag can match. Ensure your shoes and bag are a darker colour than your hat if all three do not match. Consider wearing a headpiece if you do not fancy wearing a hat. These come in the form of headbands and combs and are light, stylish, and comfortable to wear.

5. Dress to suit your style and personality. If you are spending a lot of money on a racing outfit, it makes sense to choose one which you will be able to wear on other occasions. The style, cut, material, and colour should flatter your figure and the garment should offer the possibility of being dressed up or down. If you are giving a new lease of life to an outfit from your wardrobe by adding a stylish hat or bag then you will be spared the major financial outlay of a new buy. Belts are not only versatile accessories, they can also be used to accentuate your good points, for example, if you have an enviable waist, always belt it to make the most of it. Avoid belts if you are overweight because they will appear to cut you in half, making you look heavier around your middle. However, if you believe that a belt is the perfect accessory for you, choose one in green, blue, or grey. These are slimming colours. Dressing in one colour is wise too if you are generously proportioned.

6. Use make-up to your best advantage. Make-up gives people an opportunity to develop their style and individuality, accentuate their best features, and play down any perceived imperfections. The key to great looking make-up is knowing your skin type and realising which skincare products maximise your natural attributes. Experiment with different foundation colours to find the one which suits you best and gives you a flawless finish. You can combine two to achieve the perfect mix. Moisturising formulas give skin a dewy sheen and are less ageing than matte foundations which can make some skins look dull and lifeless. If you rarely wear make-up consider using a tinted moisturiser or coloured gel instead of foundation. It will look lighter and more natural. While face powder has many benefits such as setting make-up and preventing shine, it can look cakey if you apply it too liberally. If you have any fine lines on your face, use it particularly sparingly because it will settle into these tiny creases. Eyeshadow should enhance the colour and shape of your eyes, not your outfit. Choose warm or cool shades which complement your skin tone. Pale shades make ideal highlighters and will open up an area while darker colours contour the eyes and intensify their shape. Lipstick adds colour to your face and should enhance your natural skin tone. Use a lip brush to create a professional finish. Do not apply too much colour. Some experts advise putting on lipstick first before applying any other make-up products. It gives the face warmth and then it is easier to apply eye-shadow and blusher. A subtle peach or dusky pink cream blusher will give your face a warm, healthy glow. When applying it, bring it right onto the cheeks to create a fresh, natural look.

 

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