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

[Standard]

Button up sounds like the way to go to me. Unless your wife is really dressing up in which case match her. Do you know anyone who has been to this event before and could clue you in on the level of dress normally present there?