The Dos and Don’ts – How to Win Best Dressed at the Galway Races

With less than a week to go to kick-off at Ireland's favourite racing festival, we've been keeping our beady eyes on some stylish buys to rock at Ladies' Day.  This year, the fashionable fun at the Galway Races has a new sponsor - Kilkenny - who will be awarding prizes for Best Dressed, Best Irish Design and Best Hat. With the hauls set to include a shopping voucher at Kilkenny, a luxury 5* break from Bluebook Ireland, a new wardrobe by Aideen Bodkin, Maureen Lynch jewellery, haircare by Peter Mark, bespoke Waterford Crystal and luxury Lancôme cosmetics from University Pharmacy Galway... the style stakes are seriously high! So, we got in touch with the head style honchos at Kilkenny and some of their appointed judges for the big day, to ask for the inside track on what the style scouts will be looking for. RTE presenter Maura Derrane will be Kilkenny’s Guest Judge for the Kilkenny Best Dressed Lady Competition on July 30^th and will be joined by some of the crème de la crème of the Irish fashion industry to seek out the Best Dressed Lady, including Irish Catwalk Model Agency owner Mandy Maher. Maura and Mandy have offered some of their expert tips for the day and give Her.ie readers a little taste of what they’ll be watching out for on the day... and if you win we'll happily take a cut of the prize. Deal?! DO:

1. Prepare your skin a few days before the Races with a good scrub to remove any dead skin cells and make sure to pop on plenty of moisturiser for glowing skin.
2. Follow the golden rule of dressing for the races – busy dress, simple hat; simple dress, dramatic hat.
3. Choose a hair style that compliments your outfit and hat – make sure it’s sleek and well-groomed.
4. Remember it’s a long day so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Have a pair of flat shoes in your handbag as a back-up but whatever you do, make sure you have worn your heels in in advance of the day.
5. Try on your entire outfit a few days before the Races – including your underwear! By doing this, you will be able to make any necessary adjustments and avoid any last minute panic on the morning of the big event.

DON’T:

1. Turn up orange! Make sure you have trialled any tan a few days beforehand or go to a good salon to have a professional apply it.
2. Ignore your nails and toenails! The Kilkenny Best Dressed Lady needs to be polished from top to toe - attention to detail is vital.
3. Forget that it’s a day meeting so don’t go OTT with your make-up. Try not to be too heavy-handed with your eye make-up or foundation.
4. Suffer for your fashion – be comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Wear your outfit with pride and style – the Kilkenny Best Dressed Lady will "ooze confidence and class".
5. Forget to enjoy yourself. Ladies Day at the Galway Races is a great day out with friends so make sure you soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the festivities.