Ladies Day at Cheltenham Races - March. I want a red dress of some description, Help please.

[MyCatIsABiggerBastardThanYours]

Hello. I am 40 in February and am taking my friends to Ladies Day at Cheltenham Races on March 18th. We are only going to the cheap seats (as it were), however, I do want to look nice.

My favourite colour is red and I am known for wearing it on special occasions, so I definatly want to wear it to the races.

I have been looking for dresses but am having trouble finding what I want. I am size 16 and rather like knitted type dresses, to about knee length, preferably with long or 3/4 length sleeves. I intend to wear boots with it (which I also need to find - extra wide calf fitting, 2-3inch heal, comfortable).

I have up to £100 to spend on the dress and similar on the boots.

Can anyone help me? I have looked on very, wallis, asos etc.

Umm - not much about at the moment from my quick look.

There is this which would undoubtedly look fab but uses up dress and boots budget in one go.

hobbs I think hobbs dresses come up quite small so the 18 may be ok.

Could put a cardigan/jacket on top or long sleeved top underneath perhaps.

Is on budget though

traceybath - I had seen that vivien westwood one and loved it, but I cannot really run to that much (do really really like it though, so might just have to considere it!). I like the Hobbs one (the saffy dress?). Good find.

Rubyrubyruby - I shall indeed wear a coat, but am intending to spend, maybe a bit of time in the bar.

I've been a few times and you are correct, it can be bloody freezing. However, I have found that the bar area can be surprisingly snug and warm

The vivienne one is so gorgeous and could be dressed up or down. I know my-wardrobe who do them sometimes have discounts so worth registering on their site just in case.

Have you looked at duo for boots - they're the best for calf fitting ones.

This? They have it in a 16 and you can spend the extra on the boots!

I've ordered from that site before and they were pretty good.

Don't dress up tooooo much. Cheltenham Festival is great, but 'tis not Royal Ascot. Good coat, boots and day dress best.

Vesela - thats lovely.

here

This is gorgeous; and a bit Westwood IMO.

That's Vivienne, not Tim, BTW.

Cheltenham is all about warmth and comfort - many ladies will be in coats/tweed. Smart coat, warm (furry?) hat, lovely boots and gloves will be more important than dress.

Ladies, thank you so much. I love all of those dresses.

After much consideration I am going to otder the one suggested by tethersend and the one from vesela and see which one looks best then try hard to send one back. I really liked the one moneyspider and traceybath suggested too.

Thanks for the tips on the clothing and coats too. I've been to the Gold Cup a few times and would normally not go for it on the dress front, but as it's my 40th bash I thought I'd make a bit more effort. I shall be wearing warm tights and undergarments (sexy!) and long boots, with a nice coat, gloves and hat (which I may well require some more advice on once I've decided on the dress).

Thank you again.