Threads for the turf

Looking at photos from previous Dubai World Cup events, you would be forgiven for presuming cocktail dresses are obligatory. But if you are bored by the Breakfast at Tiffany's theme, there are plenty of fashionable alternatives that ooze glamour and sophistication.

In the Dubai climate, dresses rather than suits will always have preference and there are many styles to choose from. It is important to choose a cut that flatters your figure.

"If you have a pear-shape, choose a dress that skims the hips and draws attention to the top half of your body," says Kelly Lundberg, personal stylist at Divine in Dubai and a judge of the World Cup's Best Dressed competition. "An hour-glass silhouette looks best in a dress that is fitted at the waist, while a boyish figure needs a dress that adds volume to the body — perhaps a dress that has a pattern or some detailing.

Depending on how adventurous they want to be, tall, slim girls can wear an asymmetrical jumpsuit."

Fashion to the max

For those who aspire to fashionista status, the maxi dress is one of this season's hottest trends. There are maxi dresses available in a range of colours — plain or patterned — and for every budget. Louise Macdonald, an Australian milliner who has designed hats for several race events including the Melbourne Cup and the Dubai World Cup, believes a hat with an undulating brim is the best option for a long, floaty dress but the colour needs to be chosen carefully.

"If your dress is multi-coloured, do not wear a multi-coloured hat as the outfit will be too busy," she says. "Pick out a particular colour in the dress or shoes and match the hat to that colour."

Bright shades

Lundberg believes the Races provide a perfect opportunity to experiment with daring prints and strong colours — both huge trends for Spring/Summer 2009. "Choosing a dress that has a print will make your outfit instantly fashionable," she says. "Bright colours are a massive trend this season.

If you do not feel brave enough to wear a brightly coloured dress, however, you can incorporate the trend by the accessories you choose, such as a maxi clutch — one of this season's most-coveted items."
Macdonald agrees and believes this trend for block colour can be used to update stylish classics. "Contrasting colours are very popular this season," she says.

"A black or white dress can be combined with a magenta hat and yellow bag for a modern but stylish effect," she says.
With the growing popularity of trousers of all shapes this season, trousers teamed with blazers are a stylish option. "The best Races outfits incorporate current trends," says Lundberg.

"Although black is not a good choice for the event, trouser suits in bold, bright colours are very stylish."
If you plan to wear a trouser suit, a small hat is the best choice, says Macdonald. "A fedora or trilby hat looks masculine but elegant," she says. "If you want to wear a skirt suit, brimless hats or straw berets are the best choice."

According to Macdonald, wearing fascinators with tailored suits is a trend of the past. "The elegant sculpted headpiece has replaced the fascinator," she says. "Twists and turns of straw and braid perched delicately on one side of the head are de rigeur for 2009. Cocktail hats — a cross between a fascinator and a small brimless hat — worn forward and perched above the right eyebrow, are becoming popular."
Go for a contrast
Macdonald believes hair colour should also influence your choice of hat.

"It is better to have some contrast," she says. "For example, if you have black hair, a black hat can get lost. With dark hair, a medium or light-coloured hat is preferable."

Wearing a hat demands a simple hair style, such as a low bun, or styling your hair so it sits away from your face, says Macdonald. "One simple option is to wear your hair back and low to the left of your head and wear the hat tipped forward and to the right," she says. "Experiment with the hat to see if it looks better worn straight or tipped at a jaunty angle."

With style high on the agenda, Lundberg believes flat shoes are not an option. "High heels give the body a great posture and glamourise any outfit," she says. "Wedges are perfect with a maxi dress and they are also a practical choice." With so many options, the timeless elegance of the cocktail dress faces stiff competition.