The Dubai World Cup horse race is one of the most prestigious racing events in the world, and this year it takes place on Saturday, March 30, at the Meydan racecourse. Featuring some seriously high-stakes racing, the Dubai World Cup has an earned reputation as one of the world’s most affluent races on the calendar – a mammoth payday for the winner, and fancy Instagram posts for the casual attendee.
But much like Wimbledon or sitting court side at an NBA game, your sartorial collection is just as, if not arguably more, important than the race themselves, unless you are, in fact, a horse that is.
Speaking to Gary Sweeny, the Brand & Style Director at Ascots & Chapels, a centuries old Savile Row suitor that has set up shop in Dubai for several years now, we have some tips and trades from the experts so you can look your Saturday best as your betting horse is put to the test.
Weather
We’re in that stage now where it’s still a wee bit nippy at night, especially if wind is included, but standing outside in the sun all day is enough to make you sweat more than an Influencer when asked about what their favourite book is.
“The Meydan Race course on World Cup day is, in fact, outside, so when choosing an outfit, choose lightweight fabrics that are comfortable and breathable,” Sweeny says. “No sartorial gent worth his salt wants visible marks under the pits, so choose wisely. Colour choice also reflects the day and the season, so think spring time neutrals in terms of colour palette.”
The Suit
Ah, the uniform of all refined gentlemen.
“Traditionally, at the Royal enclosure at Ascot in the UK, morning dress is mandatory. The Dubai World cup does have a dress code to follow, which discourages denim, a hat or fascinator for the ladies is mandatory, as is a tie for gents. However, as Ralph Lauren once said, to break the rules you must know them first,” Sweeny says. “I’m okay with the fellas ditching the tie, but sneakers and/or a t-shirt under a sports jacket is a no go. The Dubai world cup calls for certain level of elegance, which I believe can only be achieved with a well cut jacket and shirt, even if the shirt is open a tad.”
“In recent years, we’ve seen the departure of the restrictive formal 3-piece suit in favour of tailored separates. A beautiful sports jacket in a linen or seersucker fabric, paired with a sharp pair of well cut chinos and a nice shirt is the perfect foundation for a good sharp look for the day.” Which leads us to the next point.
Accessories
Accessories are your friend, but you must also remember that you’re not Captain Jack Sparrow, even if you know the guy who sometimes DJs at Club Amazonico. If you’re packing more rings, bracelets, earrings and jewelry that would set off a metal detector in a separate airport terminal, you gotta go.
“A pocket square? A pair of shades. A panama or baker boy hat? Why not?!” Sweeny says. “But I draw the line at gimmicky accessories like canes, binoculars, brief cases, etc.” As one of the judging panels this year at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes, I am looking to find a gent who reflects the every man, and looks super sharp, considered in his sartorial choices. But for me, authenticity will win me over. I want to see gents look effortless and not contrived or trying too hard.”
Hand in Hand
“If attending with your better half, you should also consider their outfit and try to compliment her choices too,” says Sweeny. “This can be done easy by looking at her accessories and/or outfit, and coordinating in terms of tone, texture, and colour palette.”
Big No-No’s
- Overly tight trousers
- Ill fitting jacket
- Anyone who throws everything at their outfit yet omits the tie
Top hat, monocle, even a pocket watch, can all be used in good fun, but do not utilise all of that and then disregard the tie – it ruins the whole look.
Bottom Line
“Less is more, fellas,” Sweeny insists. “Be comfortable. Be cool. And be true to your style choices. A man who feels good in his clothes will always look better than someone who doesn’t.”
And don’t forget sunscreen! Nothing worse than leaving the races looking like Ron Perlman in Hellboy. And we’re looking at you, British fellas. SPF 50, at least.
