Just how far in advance should you get your outfit for the races?

Unless you have a clear idea of what your outfit for the races is going to look like, I’d say start looking at least a month in advance.   We usually hear from women needing dresses for the races at least 3 or so weeks before their event.  Talk to friends about what they’re wearing- you don’t want to turn up wearing the same dress!

Dresses for the races vs. trouser suits/skirts?

Call me old fashioned, but the races as a sport are deeply entwined in tradition and the etiquette that accompanies it, down to behaviour, rules and of course dress code.   So, I’d always say dresses for the races over trouser suits or skirts for women. Of course trouser suits can look chic, but why not embrace tradition-dresses for the races are almost a given! Leave the suit-wearing to the chaps on this occasion.

What with the strict dress code that’s usually required at the races, how can you ensure an outfit for the races ticks all the right boxes without the risk of looking too prim or perhaps even over-the-top?

For starters, when picking an outfit, ignore trends and go with what suits you.  Think about what you can wear and not what you can’t.  If you are going to go for a particular trend in terms of your outfit, it needs to be worn in a classic way.

What are the style predictions in terms of dresses for the races this year?

If the British weather continues to surprise and the sunshine and St Tropez temperatures prevail, I think you’ll see a lot more dresses for the races in brighter colours- brights being a big catwalk trend anyway this season.   Expect to see colour blocking, floral prints, and fruit prints – another hit for Spring/Summer ’11.  In other words we can expect dresses for the races this year with a little more chutzpah!

What kind of dresses for the races end up making the biggest fashion faux pas?

Both hats and dresses for the races built on the premise that ‘more is more’.  What ensues is fashion disaster and fashion victimhood on an epic scale.  Hats that are too big end up looking out of proportion and detracting from the dress.  Make sure it’s dress over hat when you consider your outfit for the races.  Many do it the opposite way round, but it’s much easier to find a hat to complement your dress, than a dress to complement your hat.   And of course, it goes without saying; too much flesh on show is one of the biggest crimes of which many dresses for the races are guilty.  The dresses featured here are available in our designer dress hire dresses for the races section.

It’s my 30th birthday next month, and I want to celebrate it in style. What can I wear to make me look and feel both beautiful and sophisticated?

Your 30th Birthday Celebration is definitely one you want to remember: you don’t want to be another ‘depressed-because-I’m-turning-thirty person’, but rather that girl who looked so fabulous that she made 30 the new 20! So here is my top choice, in keeping with the ‘beautiful/sophisticated’  request:

The Ruth Tarvydas – Poshy dress is an incredibly sophisticated and simultaneously sexy dress. There is no need to wear accessories with it, because the lace on the leg gives it more than enough detail. Just wear with your favourite pair of black heels, and you will have a look that is to die for!

Have a very Happy Birthday from GMD!

Useful links: Party dresses, My Birthday, Bags

“I have a dinner date coming up next weekend with a guy I’ve only met once before. I want to wear something sexy, but also not too flashy. What would you suggest?”

My rule for first dates is that although you obviously want to dress to impress, it is also really important to feel comfortable. I am assuming that the restaurant he is taking you to is relatively fancy – if he’s planned his first date with you at his favourite kebab shop then you definitely do not need to dress up for this guy – there will be no date number two! Therefore, a nice mid-length dress would be ideal.

Here are my top choices:

JASMINE DI MILO – Ribbon Cold Shoulder Dress

This is a beautiful, one-shoulder dress. It is both sexy and sophisticated, and black is always a safe option. Wear with a clutch which matches your heels. Wear your hair up, so that there is as much neckline as possible visible.

HERVE LEGER – Green & Grey Dress

This dress is definitely the sexier option – with the figure-hugging cut and low-cut back, your date won’t be able to take his eyes off you! Wear with your favourite pair of black heels, with your hair down to dress the look down slightly.

FENDI – Fendi Wrap Dress

I think that this dress is the most relaxed option, so if that is a major priority for you, then this is your dress of choice! Wear with a pair of black ankle boots.

One last tip: Don’t Panic! Have a glass of vino before you go to quell those last minute butterflies (try stick to one though…). Enjoy yourself – you look stunning!

Useful links: Date night, party dresses, girls’ night out, bags.

“I have a spring wedding coming up in April. It’s in the country, and it starts in the early afternoon, but it will probably turn into an evening affair. What dress could I wear that is appropriate for both day and evening?”

It is important to remember that at weddings, you want to look sophisticated and comfortable. Of course, it is also important to know the level of formality of the wedding, but I always feel that in these situations, it is better to err on the side of over dressed rather than underdressed – nobody wants to be the girl who was cut out of all the pictures for wearing jeans and sneakers! However, at the same time, you don’t want to be remembered as the girl who tried to steal the spotlight. It’s actually quite a difficult balance to find.

I think that over-the-knee dresses are more appropriate than the average mini you might wear at a club. It being a spring wedding, I think that floral or pastel colours are a good choice. A bit of shine might add a nice touch, especially if this for a day-turned-night affair. Here are my top choices:

Zimmerman – Halter Maxi Dress

This is a really stunning dress, which elongates the figure. It is also very handy for those of us who are not particularly gifted when it comes to walking in heels – a pair of flat pumps or sandals will be fine for this option. Minimal accessories are also important – a pair of drop earrings and a bracelet will be more than enough.

Phillip Lim – Halter Fringe Silk Dress

This dress has a beautifully vintage feel about it. The front makes it demure, while the back shows just the right amount of skin. Wear with light, gold jewellery – a bracelet and a pair of small solid gold hoops will do. Wear with a pair of feminine shoes – baby doll high heels would be perfect.

Philosophi di ALberta Ferretti – Purple Strapless

My final choice is the purple strapless. This is a really lovely option, and works equally well for the day and the night. Accessorise with a light silver necklace (nothing to heavy – the bow already gives it a lot of detail). Wear with a pair of round-toe heels.

Send any fashion questions to: thea@girlmeetsdress.com

Useful Links: Wedding guest, bags, day dress