The Jaguar Style Stakes competition is expected to attract the UAE’s most beautifully-dressed people who will go head-to-head for big titles and even bigger prizes. The stakes have never been higher, as the UAE’s fashionistas line up for the annual fashion contest at this prestigious horse racing event. It’s far from being about who is wearing the most expensive dress, as judges are looking for a unique and well-planned style regardless of cost. It’s anybody’s game, so don’t be shy and get involved.
A panel of judges from the fashion and media industries will have the difficult task of judging the entrants and crowning Dubai’s fashion elite. Categories for 2013 include Best Dressed Lady (winner and runner-up), Best Hat, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple and Most Creative Hat. The lucky Best Dressed Lady will drive away a brand new Jaguar XK for a year (not too shabby in our opinion) and winners of the other categories will receive prizes from Jaguar and additional sponsors such as HTC mobile phones, NStyle International, The Meydan hotel, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa and Meydan Beach. The winner of Most Elegant Lady, sponsored by Longines and selected by a team of style spotters as racing guests arrive on the day, will also be presented as part of the programme.
So, if you want to be in with a chance of driving away that Jag, have a look at our top style tips for what to wear on the day.
Women: A hat is still the focal point and finishing touch of any outfit, regardless of its colour, fit and style. Opt for something that complements your outfit as opposed to working against it or trying too hard to be the ‘feature piece’ of the outfit. If you draw too much attention to your head, people will ignore your ensemble.
If you don’t draw enough, they’ll overlook the fact you have anything sitting atop your mane at all. Balance and pop are key. Think colour, think spring and think confidence. For dress inspiration look through photos from previous years’ races to be inspired by different looks. Check out sites such as Pinterest and look at other Fashions on the Field galleries from race days all over the world. Shops such as Ted Baker, Zara and Reiss are perfect for finding an outfit here in Abu Dhabi. Carolina Herrera and Coast also have great options and H&M even has some on-trend floral and graphic pattern dresses available at the moment. For shoes, keep it simple and elegant and look at stores such as LK Bennet, Dune and Nine West for options. In terms of headwear you can pick up hats and fascinators at Monsoon, Aldo Accessories, Debenhams and M&S. You can also look online at ToraTora (www.toratora.ae) which sells UK designer and high street brands. If you want to go all out with something stunning and bespoke then we suggest speaking to Abu Dhabi-based milliner Vivienne Morgan Millinery (www.etsy.com/shop/VivienneMMillinery).
Men: Men need to make an effort and dress stylishly. Naturally, the fitted suit still and always will apply; there are no more expectations other than a nice collared shirt and tie and a well fitted suit. If past years are anything to go by, most men opt for a safe cut for the suit with a white shirt and striped tie. Don’t be afraid to splash out and inject some colour into the stipulated corporate aesthetic: printed ties, sports coats in a dashing print or texture, collared shirts with a faint print or light spring colour and an accessory such as a hat, pocket square or light neck scarf add an air of sophistication to the overall look. Look at stores such as Massimo Dutti, Zara, Reiss, Rodeo Drive and even H&M for some more budget options.
The Jaguar Style Stakes Arena will be located in the Apron area of Meydan Grandstand on March 30. The full Jaguar line-up will be on display in the Jaguar Style Stakes Arena including the hotly anticipated Jaguar F-TYPE. Participants must be aged 21 or above. Online registration will be open in early March for a limited time. Entrants can also register in person on March 30. The winner must be a UAE resident and hold a valid UAE driver’s license to qualify for the Jaguar for a year prize.
Top tips
Women
• Consider your hem length. Dresses should come to the knee or be longer.
• Make sure your hair is groomed. Up-dos should be neat and hair left down should also be carefully and elegantly styled.
• Don’t show too much skin and dress elegantly for the occasion. Remember, you aren’t going to a nightclub.
• Don’t be afraid to wear gloves. They really dress up an outfit.
• You don’t need to match everything. You can wear stripes with florals as long as you are clever about it.
• Do wear hosiery if you are serious about entering the fashions on the field stakes.
• Do wear headwear. Choose from a hat, fascinator or fresh blooms. Headwear is usually made to sit on the right side of your head, so if you part your hair on the left, when attaching a fascinator, part it to the right so the volume of your hair balances your hat.
• Don’t go crazy with the fake tan. Pale can be elegant.
Men
• Don’t wear fancy dress, it’s only acceptable if it’s on the invitation.
• Do try wearing a hat. Tweed and felt trilbies are a great look for many guys.
• Do remember accessories.
• Your belt and shoes should always match
• Make an effort. It’s a special event so dress sharply.
• The dress code for races is corporate suit, and even more formal if you are going to be in a members area or marquee.
• Avoid novelty ties and socks but don’t be afraid of colour.
• Don’t underestimate the power of details. You can’t go wrong with a well chosen scarf or pocket square.
