Race Ready

Formal wear can immediately herald dreaded flashbacks of ill-fitting tuxedos and bridal wear for some men, but there’s no denying that I simply thrive on any opportunity to dress as though I’m attending a (an exceptionally ornate) wedding. Such was one of those occasions last week when my fabulous friend Rebecca from HauteSoFabulous invited me to be her plus one at the final day of the Punchestown Races with Gold Fever hair extensions.

This was my first time to ever attend any type of races, and to say I was excited would be an understatement! When it came to choosing my look, I didn’t want to traverse the tried and tested ideal of a two piece suit with complimentary accessories, and instead opted to have my own little fashion flutter (especially since I knew such a flutter would not be happening for me on the racetrack, lbh).

These mint chinos (last season Benetton) were the basis of my look, and gave me the impetus to create a sorbet-inspired ensemble of pop pastels. Meanwhile, this silk-blend Benetton sweater (currently on sale for under €50!) was the perfect lesson in layering to keep that late-Spring chill at bay.

A purple blazer toned down my pastel palette, while my trusty white brogues and a pop-pink sock kept my colours in check from head to toe!

Of course, as I always say, accessories are the perfect finishing touch to any look, and if the gals can have the hats, then we men can have the dapper d’tails! This horse tie clip has belonged to my Mum for forty years, and although my sweater prevented me actually wearing it on my tie, I simply had to incorporate it into my ensemble somehow! I think it makes a rather cheeky companion to my rose lapel pin, and sits fabulously above my complimentary mint pocket square.

Finally, this Penneys petal collar shirt and mint tie were a sartorial steal at €6 and €3 each respectively, and elongated my aesthetic far more effectively than a bow tie would have (not that I would ever speak ill of my beloved bow ties- heaven forbid!).

The day itself was an absolute joy, with the weather and company (and bubbly!) being equally divine! Here’s a chicy snap of Rebecca and I- she’s working some fairytale biker chic to perfection!

So guys and gals, what do you make of my race ready look?

Stay sassy,

James

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