Hen do outfit.....

[sweetbambi]

I am meant to be going to the races in York on the 9th of July for a hen do and am somewhat nervous what to wear as i have never been. My first question is do you need to wear a hat? second of all would this be an OK dress to wear? I bought it last summer and never had a chance to wear it yet. I am just so nervous I do not know anyone other then the bride and am worried about making a bad first impression etc

Love the dress, perfect for the races imho - no need for a hat. Have fun!

@KellyJonesLeatherTrousers thank you. I was really nervous. never been so was not sure what the rule was regarding hats etc

I love that! Is it ladies day? There will be lots of hats if it is

That's a gorgeous dress!! I'd probably go all out and get a hat or a fascinator.

Looks lovely, enjoy

Beautiful dress! What colour is your hair? A small tasteful red hat could look great with it.

@katienana I really am not sure all I know is that it's a hen do and that we are going to the races in York to be honest?

A fascinator would be nice. It's like a small hat or a big bow / swirl on a headband. You could get something quite retro even. Even strawberry themed, maybe 1950's style.

@Blarting @Caneparrot thank you so much.

@ImInStealthMode it is dark brown with a slight red tint in certain lights. thank you for the advice

Lovely dress, go for it. A red Alice band or subtle facinator would look great. If hair up then perhaps a red flower?

The dress is perfect. A lot of women will be wearing hats or fascinators. It depends on what you are doing afterwards, carrying a hat can be a pain and they are too expensive to lose. Ask the bride if she's going for a fascinator.

@backgroundingo thank you so much. that sounds like a nice idea

A hair updo works well if the weather is dodgy. It's quite a long day, on a par with a wedding.

@Ponoka7 I think we are still going for a meal and drink in the evening too. that is a good idea I will ask her. just also so nervous as I do not know anyone other then the bride

@38woman thank you..... I did not even think about the hair 😖

@sweetbambi you must post what you decide, I need to see the full ensemble!

@Blarting of I will post update on here. I am thinking of wearing a camisole under it as I am self conscious how low cut the dress is.

That dress is gorgeous 😍

@AverageJoan thank you so much

If that makes you feel more comfortable then do, but it's not that low cut.

The most important thing about the races ...

... wear comfortable shoes.

Or, take a pair of 'emergency flats' to change into.

It's a spectator sport in itself watching people in killer heels limping round or going barefoot as the day wears on.

@Antarcticant I am unable to wear heels anyways but will make sure the shoes are comfortable. thank you for the advice I will keep this in mind.

@Blarting I will see closer to the time what I feel more comfortable with. I think you might be right it is not that low cut but I think because it is lower cut then what I usually wear it feels more self-conscious etc i will see closer to the time

Incidentally, I was recently at York races and that dress is bang on trend for what dressed up people were wearing. You can't really over-dress for the races, especially in summer - even in the cheap stand you see lots of dresses and hats/fascinators.

If you know what stand you're in, the website publishes the dress codes for each one.

York gets very busy so another tip is to take your own bottled water as you'll queue for ages to buy any and it can be hot and thirsty.

If you are not used to on-course betting, again , check out the website for a guide to the different types of bet and what the horse/form info on the racecard means. Set aside an amount of money that you are prepared to lose. Min bet is usually around £2 per race and there are normally 7 races.

@Antarcticant wow thank you for all that advice I will make sure to remember all this especially regarding the water.

I hope you have a great time. I always find there's a good atmosphere at the races (and I am the least sociable person ever!). It's also a wonderful place to people-watch.

Check the main newspapers on the day for 'expert' tips. I only ever bet the minimum and do a mixture of tips, names I like and horses that I like the look of in the parade ring. If I win anything it's a nice surprise but in about 20 years of going I've only ever come home with more money than I started with twice . For me it's about the fun of the day, not the betting.