The Best Dressed Lady at the races does not have to be the most expensively dressed lady. But an effort must still be made.
Everybody loves the Best Dressed Lady at the races who wore head to toe Penneys. No matter how good they look, when somebody wins in an expensive outfit, it's just not as impressive. When you can afford designer clothes, you automatically have an advantage. We've all seen those memes of the Kardashian and Jenner before and after pics (not that they were badly-off before), claiming that we're not ugly, we're just poor. But, that doesn't mean you can't live your best life and look your best self just because you're on a budget. You might have to work a bit harder and get a bit creative, but if you're more Dunnes than Dior, there is no reason why you can't be in the running for the Best Dressed Lady title at the races.
The key to a unique look
The Best Dressed Lady is comfortable in what she's wearing, and more importantly, she likes what she's wearing. When planning your outfit, it's not really the time to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to colour and print. Do wear print and pattern, but not something you're not used to or like on someone else but not sure for you. Think about a colour you wear that you tend to get compliments on and use that as a guideline.
Now, accept is that it's not going to be as cheap as you think. The Best Dressed Lady always makes an effort whether she shops in Brown Thomas or the high street stores. But don't worry, there's good news. The secret to high street shopping success is to forget about sizes and lengths and styles. If you see a dress or skirt in Penneys that you like the look of, but it's "too long" or "too big" or even "too loose", know that these issues are not obstacles. They are actually the keys to a unique look.
Caitriona Coyle at Kilbeggan Races
The tailor, your friend
This is where the effort part comes in. Find yourself a good tailor, and you can create the dress of your dreams with a few nips and tucks. You can even add lining if the skirt part is a little light. Lining is an element of more expensive dresses and skirts that gives them that luxurious edge; add it to your high street number, and you're doing the same thing for a lot less.
Don't stop there! Your tailor friend can add buttons where a zip was; buttons are also the sign of a more expensive piece.
There are Zip Yards galore throughout the country, that are reliable and trustworthy. But ask around for recommendations; there are many amazing independent tailors that offer great prices.
Hats off to you
You can't expect to be the Best Dressed Lady at the races without a hat. Hats make every outfit better, to be fair. You spend time thinking about your footwear, top it off with a headpiece. It completes the look. If you're really lucky, you will find something suitable somewhere like Glitzi Bitz or Claire's, but my recommendation would be to rent from a great milliner. Ireland is teeming with extremely talented head-piece designers in all corners of the country who are more than happy to lend a headpiece for an occasion like a wedding or the races.
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Michelle Kearns, based in Tuam, Co. Galway, creates seriously unique, showstopping pieces that could be the central focus of your outfit. Pieces by the award-winning Margaret O'Connor (Ennis, Co. Clare) have been seen on the heads of Lady Gaga herself. And if you're looking for something traditionally race-y but with a modern twist, Martha Lynn is your woman.
The finishing touch
Shoes and your bag are important. If you can find a races buddy willing to hold spare shoes and the rest of your stuff in a bigger bag, you have almost got the title in the bag. High heels will give you an advantage (but they don't need to look too high!), and a small clutch is a good bet bag-wise. Pointed courts, like the ones Meghan Markle favours, always look elegant, but a barely-there sandal will work too. The simpler, the better. And they MUST fit. They won't be as comfortable as the pair of flip-flops you'll change into once you've received the top prize, but as long as you wear them in, your feet won't completely hate you.
As for bags, something hard and solid and boxy looks pricier than something soft and floppy. TK Maxx is always a great occasion bags destination.
Lanvin
The mane and mask
Getting a blow-dry and your makeup done has never been more accessible, and there's no doubt about it, you look more polished with a professionally done hair-do and makeup. In Dublin, there are plenty of blow-dry bars, like Roller and Dry & Fly. Hopefully, other locations throughout the country will follow suit. If you can't afford a complete makeup look, ask for the eyes only; I promise, it will make all the difference. You don't have to hire a pro to come to your house, either; Brown Thomas and some pharmacies offer makeup touch-ups at a lot of makeup stations.
Want to do it yourself? Here are our tips for your own races makeup look.
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Do you go racing? Have you dreamed of entering the Best Dressed Lady competition but were afraid to because of your small budget? Who do you look to for races outfit inspiration?
