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Original poster

Find me a dress for the races

17 replies

lemontwist · 02/03/2013 16:57

I'm going to the races for a hen do and I need something to wear. We've got tickets for the posh bit (think fancy frocks and maybe even big hats).
I'd really like to make an effort as I don't manage many nights out - have 2 DSs under 3 and have moved fairly recently so don't know many people yet.
I'm on a budget though so have been looking at ebay etc but don't know where to start. Its not for a couple of months yet but I want to get something sooner rather than later as I'll have enough to pay out nearer the time.
Please help!

OP posts:
PigWhisperer · 02/03/2013 17:15

What course are you going to? Will it be warmer weather?

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 17:18

York towards the end of May so I choose to believe the weather will be beautiful Smile

OP posts:
LeChatRouge · 02/03/2013 17:31

I've been to the races a few times and people really really dress up.....it's like being at a wedding!

Can you give a rough idea of your height, size, hair and skin colour? Do you like being really trendy, playing it safer or even vintage stuff? Are we talking about £40 - £50? Do you have shoes already, what are they like?

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 20:29

Sorry, just had to nip out. Back now so here goes...
I'm 5'7", size 10-12 with dark hair and pale skin. No I don't tend to be really trendy but then neither do I like to be too plain either and don't mind standing out with something a little quirky.
I don't suit anything too pale. Pastel colours tend to make me look really washed out and I prefer brighter colours anyway. Budget probably about £40 max which I'm aware doesn't give me much to play with.
I don't have that many pairs of shoes but some fairly generic that would go with lots.
Any ideas?

OP posts:
LittlePandaBear · 02/03/2013 20:54

Pretty from Linea if you can get into the 10!

Damsel in a dress bargain

Alexon

There are lots of great discounts online at the end of the sales, so look at websites you didn't think you could afford! I went into town today though and there wasn't much sale stock anywhere, so you're probably best shopping online.

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 21:02

Thanks Panda. Wow, I wouldn't have thought of looking at those but the prices are great. Love the damsel in a dress one!

OP posts:
LittlePandaBear · 02/03/2013 21:06

Can't believe it was £169 originally! Do you need a jacket/cardi too?

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 21:22

I've got a couple of things that just might go. I'm very tempted but just might do a bit more browsing first.

OP posts:
GrumpyOldHorsewoman · 02/03/2013 21:23

The Damsel dress is very pretty. I am professionally involved in horseracing and dressing up for York is almost a requirement for the ladies - less so at other tracks (except Doncaster). It's not as posh as you think and hats are normally only commonplace at Royal Ascot, so you really won't need one (although there will probably be a few floating about). I confess I don't dress up too much, but I need to take into consideration that I may be saddling horses and legging up jockeys! Have a lovely time and enjoy a frivolous day of dressing up.

Numberlock · 02/03/2013 21:28

Is it the County enclosure, OP?

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 22:05

Thanks for the info Horsewoman? I am looking forward to getting all dressed up for a lovely child-free weekend.
It is the County enclosure Numberlock. Have you been?

OP posts:
Numberlock · 02/03/2013 22:12

Yes I've been several times OP. it's fab! People get dressed up but it's not OTT or wedding-like.

As for shoes, I can't link as I'm on iPad but M&S do patent heels in a few shades for just £15. Nude could be good?

Original poster
lemontwist · 02/03/2013 22:44

Thanks for that. Some of those shoes would be just the thing. I know its ages away but I'm really looking forward to it now!

OP posts:
Numberlock · 03/03/2013 09:35

Take a nice cardigan/scarf/jacket in case it is a bit cool. A couple of years we had fantastic weather in June, one year it was freezing and another year it was cancelled due to the floods!

Aim to get there about half eleven, even though the first race isn't till around 2, you will have a great time beforehand drinking champagne, Pimms and enjoying the atmosphere.

Are you staying overnight in York?

dazzlingdeborahrose · 03/03/2013 10:47

Get some heel stoppers too. Clear plastics covers that fit over your heels and stop you sinking into the grass. No good looking gorgeous if your constantly hoiking your heels out of the turf Grin

PigWhisperer · 03/03/2013 13:13

Fab advice here. Horsewoman is right, racing is a bit less dressed up than you think (except Royal Ascot) so you don't need a hat. Littlepandabears choices are spot on. Nothing too floaty in case the wind gets up! Avoid strapless unless you cover up your shoulders or wear something very long.

Scope out the left luggage areas before you go so you can check in something warm and a pair of flat shoes for the trip home!

How exciting!

Original poster
lemontwist · 03/03/2013 17:56

Thanks everyone. Yes Numberlock we're staying two nights, though I don't live that far away so could get away with not staying the night before. Its a bit of a treat though.
I'll look into those heel stoppers too. I would never have thought of something like that!

OP posts:
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