Going to the races

[Drac]

Good day all,

Amy and I are going to the horse races Sunday. First time at the races for either of us. Now for her it's easy - a new fantastic hat!!! She has about 60 already but could always use an excuse for a new one.

For me I'm a little confused. Now I know it's always better to error on the side of more formal. When I researched it on the net most of the pics of kilted men were in Briton and were all very formal. Granted most of these were big time events not a 4th of july fireworks race.

It will be an evening event with dinner in the club house with a dress code that is just against to much skin or raggity clothes.

So should I go with just a polo, a nice button-up with a tie or break out the PC? Haven't gotten a argyl yet

Thanks,
Jim

[Sealark]

Hey Drac,

In my opinion, not that it really matters, I would judge my dress based on Amy's new hat and attire. Always compliment your lady's dress, you are her backdrop. She really has 60 hats!

[Zardoz]

I would not 'break out the PC', or a tie for that matter. Dress for the temprature, this is Texas in July after all! I'd think a polo would be fine, or a long or short sleeve button-up shirt if you want to dress it up a bit.

[Drac]

Always compliment your lady's dress, you are her backdrop.

Can't I at least be arm candy?

I will qualify the hat. She has about 40+ formal/fancy hats. From Renfair to Kentucky Derby. The rest are more casual, from flops to ball.

Jim

[Kiltboy]

Well, if unsure on level of formality, do what I do. Put on a good white dress shirt and basic black neck tie. Carry a jacket in the trunk of the car. You can add if feeling underdressed. If feeling overdressed, take off the tie, and roll up the shirt sleeves.

I agree with Zardoz. It's July. It's going to be in the 90-94(F) range again with humidity. Dress cool in natural fabrics.

[xman]

Get some photos of previous years at the same event. That'll give you a pretty good guide as to what's usually worn.

[piperdbh]

I'd say to forget the formality, leave the kilt in the closet, and wear a pair of khaki shorts with a polo shirt, and try to find a place in the shade. There's no sense in risking a heatstroke just to show off a new hat.

[Downunder Kilt]

I don't know what makes you guys so sensitive to the extremes of temperatures when wearing a kilt. I wear one when it's 35C plus and I am fine, or when it's 10C, like today. I rug up or strip down up top, but as for below the waist, the kilt keeps me neutral. As far as going to the races, in your climate, I would wear the kilt, a business shirt, in cotton, and if you are going to a lunch, ask you wife to slip a tie into her bag and you can bung it on if needed.
Bye the way, good punting

[Drac]

As far as the kilt goes I haven't gotten too hot in it. It's got a hole in the bottom so it's well ventilated . And Amy says anything is worth a new hat!!!

Here's her collection:



And she is running out of room!

A couple special ones -





Thanks for the inputs. I will go with a button-up and probably my PV kilt.

Jim

[Sealark]

Okay Drac, inquiring minds want to know! Is that a moose next to your wife's hat display?