Racing Style Tips for Ladies Day

Are you Ready for the Races?

This Spring Racing Season is upon us and the fashion stakes are very high.  You want to stand out, look amazing and enjoy every minute.  I'm sharing my Racing Style Guide with you, some tips to help you look the best on the field.  The perfect 'look' takes planning but rest assured I am here to help bring it all together with the perfect HAT!!!

The Racing Season is always spectacular and in recent years we have seen more and more emphasis move from the fillies to the fashionistas!!  Check out the ladies days 2017.

Dressing for the races takes planning and the last thing you need is hassle with your HAT!.

1. Themes/Weather:

Familiarise yourself with the race meeting you are going to attend.  Style your look to take in any specific theme requirements for the day.  Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Great Pic from The Galway Advertiser from the Galway Races
featuring Suzie Mahony Designs on both ladies in Red! Mary Lee and Sophie Small.

2.  Dress for Your Body Shape:

This is the most flattering way to complete your look.  Use tones that complement you, especially near your face and in your hat.  Think classy and elegant.  With low necklines consider the hemline to the knee or just below.

Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency Judging at The Galway Races wearing Umit Kutluk with Suzie Mahony Designs

Mary Lee wearing Nude Pink Lace Dress with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat.

3  Accessories:

This season accessories are really coming to the fore.  The right combination of accessories will make or break an outfit and you need your Racing Fashion to be perfect.  Matching shoes and bags are often the perfect choice for an elegant look or choosing a vibrant bold shoe and bag style/colour will transform a look with the right dress and hat.  Your most valuable accessory is your 'smile'.

Sarah Jane Moran Wearing Olivia Danielle Suit with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat

Angela Dowd Finalist wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

4.  The HAT:

Your hat is your crowning glory at the races and above any other accessory it sets you apart.  At Suzie Mahony Designs I style the complete look with my clients.  Wear the correct hat or headpiece to add that 'wow' factor to your outfit.  Don't let your hat overpower your outfit.  If you opt for an amazingly creative hat then keep the rest of your look balanced so it works well together.  Make sure your hat is comfortable to wear, I use special cushion pads on my headbands for clients or special strength elastics.  Allow time for your Milliner to design and make your hat.

Emer Nash all in Creams wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

5.  Grooming is GOD!!  

Judges are in search of the complete look and that includes the perfect Nails, Hair and Makeup.  Don't let your hard work go to waste choosing and styling your outfit without the finishing touches.  Do your makeup to last all day.  Remember 'not to prime is a crime' !!

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you have a very enjoyable racing season!

Suzie x

Dress for your Body Shape

Do you know what style clothes suit you when you hit the shops?

The clothes in your wardrobe will look good on you if you know your body shape and shop to suit you.  There is something out there for everyone with such variety available in stores, every shape is catered for no matter what proportion your body shape is for daywear, smart casual or occasion wear.
You can make your clothes look good on you by working with the right styles to suit your body.

• Bring out your best features in an outfit and use less emphasis on the not so perfect features! Knowing what clothes work for your shape will help you accentuate the correct areas choose the colours and designs that suit you and your personality.

Looking good does not depend on size, any dress size lady can look fabulous and elegant if dressed in the correct style and shaped clothes to suit her body.

• Don't be a slave to fashion trends, its more important to shop for something that you feel comfortable wearing and therefore you will feel far more confident in yourself.

Each one of us is unique and our bodies are too.  That said, there are five commonly used shapes, you may fall into one or be a blend of two.

The best way to find your shape is to stand in front of a mirror and be honest!!  

APPLE:  Apple shaped ladies have broader shoulders and bust area with narrower hips. Fullness around the tummy and have good legs.

WHAT TO DO:  You need clean lines and slightly fitted clothes with detail above the bust or below the hips, you want to elongate the top half of your body with v necklines.
AVOID: Short sleeves that end at your bust line, fuss or detail around the bust or hips.  Jeans Tip: Wide leg or bootcut with no fuss or detail on them.