And they’re off...

8:51am Saturday 10th May 2008

IF you fancy a flutter in the fashion stakes at York races this week, the safe bet is to wear a dress.

The frock is sure to be a front-runner because 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the dress.

It was a look that began on the catwalk, followed on to the high street, and is bound to sashay straight into the champagne bars at Knavesmire, when the first race meeting of the season gets underway on Wednesday.

Feminine tailoring has been a strong trend in fashion for a few seasons now, with designers determined to make clothes that show off the female form.

From halternecks to nipped waists and full-skirts, it is a look perfected by the Hollywood starlets of yester-year, but one that is easy to pull off, albeit with some pre race-day preparation.

Like a top filly ahead of her big day, grooming is essential. Hair must be perfect, so a visit to the salon beforehand is strongly recommended. Ditto for hands and feet; if ever you were to invest in a manicure and pedicure, now is the time. Dresses can be revealing, and although you can wear a pretty shrug or pashmina to cover up your arms and shoulders, your legs will be on display.

If you don't plan to wear tights or stockings, apply some fake tan, and if you're worried about uneven application, go for a body lotion that colours as it moisturises such as Dove's Summer Glow range.

Heels are a must too, but remember that there can be a lot of walking to do at the races (consider all those trips from the bar to the Tote), so think twice before splashing out on those six-inch killer heels. A strappy sandal with a wedge would be the stylish and sensible alternative.

Hats are hard to resist for race day. There are so few occasions now where women can wear some fabulous millinery, that it seems a shame to pass up a prime opportunity.

Beryl Otley, who has been running Get Ahead Hats from her family farmhouse on the A59 just outside York for 23 years, predicts the rise of the hybrid hat this season.

More than a fascinator, but less than a full hat, Beryl says the new styles are akin to the cocktail hat of old.

"These hats are a half-way house, neither a big hat, nor a fascinator, but still absolutely stunning," explains Beryl.

"It's like going back to what they used to wear at a tea dance. Cocktail hats are ideal for a day at the races. You want to feel that your hat is secure: almost forget that you are wearing it, so that when you are walking from the paddock to the bookies, you don't feel the need to hang on to it.

"It's also ideal for when you meet your friends and they want to kiss you. And if you are small, or petite, then these hats make you look a bit taller."

Among the cocktail-style hats that Beryl has available for sale or hire are exclusive designs by Philip Somerville, milliner to the Queen.

So now you look good from head to toe, there's only one last job to do - pray for good weather.

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