ASK THE EXPERTS
WHAT DO I WEAR TO THE WORLD CUP?
Advice from the best in the UAE.
Q I want to go to the Dubai World Cup at Meydan, and I know people usually dress up very well for the occasion, sometimes in top hat and tails. I notice that every place in the world has a different dressing style at the races. What is the right way to dress in Dubai?
AThe Dubai World Cup is one of the premier horse racing events globally. You are right to note that the dressing style of attendees is uniquely tied to different countries’ horseracing events.
The Dubai World Cup has evolved incredibly since 1996, when it was first held. Conforming to the norms of race-going etiquette while showcasing one’s individuality has been the mantra for men attending races.
Gentlemen can keep to the traditional way of dressing with a morning coat and top hat. While it is quite easy to wear a grey morning dress with the same waistcoat, an interesting touch would be to wear different shades of grey for the waistcoat and trousers with a black morning coat and top hat. The waistcoat could either be single- or double-breasted with four or six buttons with single-pleated trousers.
Gentlemen can also dress in a contemporary manner with a two-piece or a three-piece suit. Wearing a two-piece could mean combining a doublebreasted blazer in bold colours such as burgundy, royal blue or even sandy beige with contrasting cotton chinos to give an effortless elegant look. A single-breasted two-piece suit is best avoided, so as not to look like one has turned up for work. A better option would be to wear a single-breasted blazer with separate trousers or cotton chinos.
Three-piece suits would definitely be identified as the more sartorial approach for the big day. To keep it interesting, opt for a different-coloured waistcoat, but it should be one that works in unison with the entire suit. You could also go for a double-breasted waistcoat, which gives the entire outfit the perfect balance of a contemporary outlook with a touch of heritage.
The choice of colours and patterns is very important. For two-piece and three-piece suits, wearing a differentcoloured or patterned blazer or a waistcoat will add personality to the outfit. Plaids or tartan checkered fabrics could be used effectively for blazers or waistcoats to add that dash of individuality while still fitting in with the leisure outlook of the sporting day.
Lately, accessorising has been given much importance. A pocket watch chained to the button of the waistcoat could be enhanced with a gentleman’s walking stick, for instance.
Interesting ties and pocket squares in paisley prints, dotted, striped or with bold patterns bring out the personality of the wearer. Alternatively bow-ties could be worn for the day.
A gentleman’s sartorial knowledge is showcased by the beauty of his tie knot or the knot of a self-tied bowtie. While it takes some time to perfect it, the beauty of its slight asymmetrical knot, which can later be left open and hanging on the sides, is in itself a sartorial achievement.
Pairing of shoes with the entire outfit adds a befitting final touch.
With black or darker grey trousers, black shoes can be worn. For blues or browns, lighter or darker brown shoes, depending on colours of the
Lately, ACCESSORISING has been given much IMPORTANCE. A pocket watch chained to the BUTTON of the waistcoat could be ENHANCED with a GENTLEMAN’S walking stick
suit fabric. Brogues or oxfords give the attire a traditional touch.
Finally, match the colour of the shoelaces with the suit fabric; the colour of the socks to match or complement your pocket square.
Remember though, the most important thing to wear after taking the effort to dress appropriately is the attitude of being a true gentleman.