HELP! What do I wear to a corporate day 'At The Races'??

[harrietlichman]

DH has been invited to a day out at the races, with champagne breakfast and a meal included in the event. It will be the first time I meet his boss/colleagues etc and I have no idea what to wear!!? I have never been to races and only seen TV covered ones such as Royal Ascot, but I don't want to turn up decked out like the Queen if it is more casual. If anyone has been or has any suggestions for me, I will be very, very grateful - it is two weeks away and I am stressed about it already! Thanks in advance.

[lovestogarden]

I love the races! I usually would wear a nice frock, no hat unless specified. Not too dressy but nice and smart with decent shoes and jewellery. Quite a few would turn up in office suits (women that is).

Have you got a nice knee length summery dress that you can pop a cardi over? If you're a size 10/12 I have just the thing (rummages in back of wardrobe for pre-kids clothes).

[harrietlichman]

Hi! Thanks for your quick reply - I have been dreading it and knew MN would come up trumps! I am a size 10. So definitely no hat? I am glad to hear that, as really can't afford to go hat shopping right now...will have a look and see what I can get away with - I will post some pics of dresses I have when I get home and if anyone wants to give me views on them that would be great...

[HandMini]

Definitely a dress - something plain in design like a shift would be perfect. Structured cardi / casual jacket which you can whip off if you feel overdone. I like to be over rather than underdressed so I'd also wear a piece of big jewellery. Here is my wish list if I were you (and had some spare cash).

This is v plain and simple - looks elegant and classy. Could be v jazzed up with, say, bright neon shoes/bag - shift dress

Big jewellery - like this

Enjoy the day, I've been to these things before and they are good fun.

[HandMini]

I wouldn't bother with a hat, tho do check the race course website for dress code (a few of the enclosures insist on hat and also have certain requirements for covered shoulders / length of dress).

[itried]

Wear wedge heeled shoes, then you won't sink into the grass

[harrietlichman]

Love the suggestions so far - Ok, so I don't need to panic so much - I think I can rustle something up along the lines you have suggested...I hope I do enjoy it, and also have a win or two! Many thanks!

[nicename]

When are you going?

[nicename]

I have this in a 12. Trust me - I wont get a chance to wear it again and it really only was worn the once. You are free to borrow it.

Its just too darned pretty to sit in the wardrobe!

[nicename]

(I do realise that its not everyone's taste!)

[HandMini]

That dress is gorgeous NN and so perfect for this time of year when it could be grey / cool, so you can feel a bit silly wearing something very pale / floaty.

[nicename]

I bought it for a school prize giving so it was worn for about 4 hours. I'm not very dressy-dressy and dont work anymore in places where you have to wear a suit or dress up (jeans and converse are the usual wear!).

[harrietlichman]

How fantastic is MN?? Thanks so much nn, it is beautiful, and you are a life saver!

[nicename]

Ok. Its in a jiffy, it has stamps! If you PM an address I can get it out to you. I'll just pop it the boot so I can send it on over the next few days (there are post boxes in 'the wilds!'.

I think the fit will be fine if you're a 10. Its a 12 and I am generally a 10 but get larger to ensure boobage coverage!

I love the races! Remember your cash for the Tote.

[harrietlichman]

nicename, you are amazing - have pm'd you. Thanks an absolute million!

[HandMini]

Yay. Harriet, enjoy. Put a fiver on for me!