STYLE WATCH: WITH GRACE CAHILL
RACE ATTIRE: two words that unsettle even the most self-assured dressers. I’ve had a few catastrophes over the years, ranging from an awkward toilet encounter with a woman in the same dress as me to broken stiletto heels. Normally I find shopping for special occasions easy. Rummaging through vintage shops for one-off jewellery or a hat is my fashion happy place but there’s something about dressing for the races that poses much more complexity. You have to think of your feet, the weather, if someone else will have the same dress and, of course, how to traverse the track while wearing a ridiculously oversized hat.
My natural instinct these days is to ignore the lengthy rules of race dress codes and usually I end up relying on one of my more extravagant floaty vintage maxi dresses. In previous years I’ve over-analysed everything from hat widths to hemlines and heel heights, realising over time that nobody really cares if your shoes are flat and your dress cradles your knee.
I also know that shopping can be therapy, especially before a fancy day out, but I have started recycling outfits purely because it’s financially and ethically sound. We are not social media influencers, paid to change our outfits several times a day. You can absolutely wear something twice – or on numerous occasions – and restyle it to suit the occasion. Anything can be tweaked with statement jazzy accessories – a belt or graphic earrings are game-changers for the impact of an outfit. Tailored separates are really clever occasionwear too – you can wear them multiple times and mix and match old and new season staples. A lacy blouse works great under a trouser suit or with a slinky camisole if it’s warmer weather. Either way, you have two entirely different outfits.
My favourite haunts for event shopping are off the beaten track – I love vintage shops such as Jean Cronin, Om Diva, Dirty Fabulous and Folkster, with one-off pieces that can be up or down scaled with some inventive tailoring. The Zip Yard (thezipyard.ie) can turn outfits around overnight and make pre-loved pieces look far more expensive. For me, they’ve modernised vintage dresses and transformed trouser suits, changing the buttons on jackets to make them look more flattering.
On the high street, the places I try to avoid – granted, it’s not always possible – are Zara, Mango, ASOS and Marks & Spencer, because yes, that toilet encounter will always haunt me. I have, however, found gems in Arnotts. Irish designer Niamh O’Neill’s tailored dresses are perfect for race attire and Roisin Linnane’s draped jersey dresses are beautiful. Movement combined with structure are the key. No day out is ever enjoyed if you are not comfortable – ask any seasoned race-goer who has tried weathering grassy lawns in dainty six-inch heels.
“I’VE STARTED RECYCLING OUTFITS, BECAUSE IT’S FINANCIALLY AND ETHICALLY SOUND”