Ladies, listen up if you are not sure what to wear to Kilbeggan Races! Beauty writer and all-round style guru Triona McCarthy knows fashion, frocks, and fillies better than most as she is a regular at race meetings around Ireland either as a judge or a spectator.
Here Triona reveals her racing attire tips so you can enjoy your day to the fullest and maybe even win the coveted Best Dressed Lady prize yourself!
• Know what suits you - dress to suit your style and shape rather than according to trends that may not suit you. Start from the inside out. From full body shapers to support pants to dress shapers, foundation garments help a woman look her best in even the most figure-hugging dresses.
• Wear something that you feel comfortable in, and feel fabulous in! In these crunchy times it’s all about digging out something you wore a while back that really worked on you and maybe teaming with some new accessories. Concentrate on quality – well cut, tailored clothes tend to flatter figures. This season bust out the brights: strong lemon, fuchsia, and vivid purple add punch.
• Look down - shoes are everything! If they are poorly made, or not looked after, they will spoil the look of whatever you wear. Remember a thicker heel or wedge - which is bang on trend - offers greater stability than stilettos on grass. Practise walking in the shoes that you are wearing and perhaps bring a fold up pair of flats that can be tucked into your bag to avoid the tragic shoes-slung-over-your-shoulder look.
• Head first – besides hats, there are a litany of hair accessories and fascinators to suit every outfit and many outlets have these available for hire. Make sure you do make some effort and put something on your head, even a homemade embellished headband or large flower will make you feel like you look the part.
• Understand that ‘best dressed’ includes the whole package - clothes, accessories, shoes, hair, and makeup. If you can, take a shoulder bag like a Chanel-inspired chain handle bag - much easier to handle when you have champagne and race book in your hands!
• Don't forget your skin and hair - good skin condition is essential and look after your tresses to ensure they are in tip-top condition. Go for a sleek chignon or side ponytail that will last right through the day.
• Your make-up should last the evening. Bring essentials like powder and gloss to top up the look while at the race course. Make sure the fake tan you choose to apply is even, not too yellow, and for goodness sake, don’t go for the tandoori tan.
• Bring essentials with you. Remember Ireland's unpredictable weather can present a sartorial challenge on any day so have sunglasses in case of sun, small umbrella in case of rain, SPF, and a knitted wrap, pashmina, or really gorgeous lightweight coat on standby. You don't want to end the day in your boyfriend's suit jacket.
• Attitude is an invaluable accessory that can complete any look.
• Finally remember, one water, one wine, one water, one wine...then hit the water big time!
The Kilbeggan Races take place on Friday July 19. The Best Dressed Lady competition on the day is sponsored by Khan Mullingar with a prize worth over €2,000. Xposé regular and Sunday Independent beauty editor Triona McCarthy along with top Irish designer Rachel Mackay will be on hand to judge the most eye-catching outfits.
