What to use to the Dubai World Cup: Fashion experts share advice on how to dress, helmet, and fit.

By editor
March 25, 2024

Visitors who are eager to watch the 2024 race are probably already planning how to style their race day clothes in a statement.

The biggest Dubai racing day of the year will take place on March 30 at Meydan Racecourse, with millions of dollars being awarded as prizes to some of the country’s best riders and animal breeders. The annual celebration also offers partygoers the chance to show off their best clothes and win the title of best dressed in the yearly Style Stakes competitors.

Globally, racing occasions have strict clothing guidelines, and a certain amount of style and glamour is usually expected.

At in England, guests are asked to adhere to a strict dress code, including certain rules around clothes and brooches, rules outlining collars, dress belts and sleeve length.

However, the Kentucky Derby in the United States, although less stringent than its European rival, directs visitors to “dress to please” on its established site.

The Dubai World Cup follows suit with rules and expectations for what attendees should use to the occasion. A hat or fascinator, in the opinion of women, is required, and guests may steer clear of revealing attire, as well as sloping necklines, and exceedingly short dresses.

The Style Stakes opposition awards the best-dressed attendees in various categories, with several prizes, ranging from Emaar gift cards to Emirates Skywards miles to custom hats up for grabs, for those who take their Dubai World Cup style choices significantly. Each year, the competition awards the best-dressed attendees in different categories.

The classes for the 2024 Model Bets are yet to be announced, but in the past they have included Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat and Best Traditional Outfit.

Model Stakes, which takes place in the Apron Views section of the, invites competitors to perform on stage to display their attire. The judges are looking for originality, attention to detail, and suitability for race morning.

There is strict standards for entering, which requires women to don a headpiece or hat, men to wear a coat, link or bow tie, and no clothes or trainers are allowed.

The Style Stakes judges are looking for originality and a sense of personal style this year, and judge Ruth Bradley states, “The main piece of advice is to just be yourself. Be extremely distinctive because, in the end, we are looking for people with a really distinctive sense of style and personality.

She goes on to say that” Men in trainers is a big faux pas” and lists some of the sartorial errors that potential racegoers might make. I don’t believe there is a certain level of dress code for a race day, which includes sports shoes.

“I personally don’t mind a man without a tie if the overall look is spoke bespoke, well- cut, very chic and classic, but my co- judge Gary Sweeney brand and style director at tailors Ascots & Chapels would probably disagree with me on that one. Another major no is men wearing pants that are too tight or too short.

“For ladies, I don’t like to see too much flesh so ditch strapless dresses. I think it’s a big no-n, especially on race day if you’re competing in a best dressed competition, that some competitors last year didn’t even wear a hat. It’s the first thing we look for and all hatless women weren’t considered”.

Hats are an important aspect of any race day outfit, with some of the most extravagant, creative hat designs often attracting attention. While those seeking a more casual hat or fascinator might opt for a more traditional hat or fascinator.

“I’m looking beyond the technical details of the hat, the way it was built, and, of course, the creative details because hats are my specialty.” Judge Evelyn McDermott says the overall design of the hat and how it fits into the finished look are what distinguishes this hat from the crowd.

McDermott hopes to see attendees “push the boundaries of fashion and style” this year.

She adds, “I anticipate seeing more unique and eye-catching outfits, perhaps incorporating sustainable and ethical fashion trends and adapting of cultural traditions into their look, given the creativity and innovation in fashion.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing a mix of contemporary and traditional design. I think we’ll see a lot of vibrant colours like bold blues, deep reds and rich greens, along with white, which is so versatile. So you really can go big with the hat choice, as well as metallics like gold, silver and jewelled tones.”

McDermott also anticipates that there will be a greater emphasis on sustainability and that those who wear outfits made of sustainable materials and fabrics will be noticed.

The Style Stakes also recognizes the best-dressed men. Sweeney advises dressing for comfort rather than staying true to trends.

It’s important to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and that you are true to yourself in terms of your style choices, even though you put in the extra effort for one of the most expensive horse races in the world.

“I believe I’m interested in seeing people having fun with their attire. Not taking themselves too seriously, and having ease and comfort in their style.”

“Sweeney also advises against strictly following trends, but to wear clothing that fits your personality and style. Steer away from dark colours, uber- skinny checked trousers, go for something a little lighter and brighter that reflects the climate and the time of year,” he concludes.

Style Stakes registration desks will be located in Apron Views, concourse level Gate 2 and Gate 4 at Meydan Racecourse, open from 1pm- 3.30pm on March 30

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