Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
What do I wear to the F1 race? This is the loaded question I have asked many around Bahrain and have feverishly ‘Googled’ in order to take out the guesswork and list some important things to consider when preparing for this highly-anticipated sporting (and fashion) event.
1. Dress comfortably: Keep away from three-inch heels that have you suffering in silence (unless you swear you were born wearing stilettos); just stick to kitten heels or flats. If you absolutely need the height then opt for platforms or wedges. Keep cool in cotton in the new spring/summer colours and you will beat the heat.
2. Build your wardrobe: The first day is for practise sessions so you can dress more casually – think trousers, a smart-fitting denim or jean skirt with a race tee and matching team cap. The second day is qualifying so you can dress a bit more formal with a maxi dress or a stretch skirt with a billowy blouse or sundress. Save your best outfit for race day.
3. Hand bags: It’s amazing what a women can fit into her handbag and most will try to bring everything but the kitchen sink so keep it light and pack only the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, lip-stain to keep the colour on, facial blotting wipes, wet-wipes, eye-drops, mini-hairspray, small compacts (powder and eye-shadow retouch), hair tie and mini-sewing kits for wardrobe mis-haps. Think over-the-shoulder handbags so you are not fiddling with your purse and its contents all the time.
4. Weather: Forecasters suggest we might get a mix of sunshine and bad weather this weekend but we’ll only to know for sure when it comes. I suggest you come prepared for both by bringing a hat and shades for the sun and a light rainproof jacket or poncho for the night race.
5. Racing gear: If you plan on wearing a racing suit do us all a favour and make sure that it is tailored for you and fits properly so that you are not looking like a stuffed sausage. For Ferraristas the Ferrari store receives its stock in today and it has everything from T-shirts to teddy bears.
6. Hair: Bring a headband, head scarf and hair ties in case there are gusts of wind. Don’t go all out and get an up-do that may turn into a weather-born ‘blowout’.
Day wardrobe idea: Ladies: Head over to Karen Millen for their 70 per cent off rack. I saw a hot pair of black wax stretch leggings that would look great with a race shirt and a matching hat. Promod always have wispy maxi dresses to wear with gladiator sandals and a matching sun-hat. I just saw a romantic hippie dress with a gorgeous lace design and a gold-coloured tie-belt for under BD22.
Guys you can’t go wrong with a sporty watch, classic denim, team cap and polo (use team colours if you haven’t ordered online or you may find some racy outfits at the event).
Night race look: Karen Millen have their SS14 collection on the racks and have a stunning selection. I fell in love with their ombre signature satin shift dress that you can pair with black leather peep toe shoe boots bringing you to the finish line. Check out the stylish look of Vivian Sibold, the girlfriend of race ace Nico Rosberg (fabulously feminine meets rock chick/biker babe). I’ve seen similar outfits at Karen Millen: chic leather biker jacket, silk smudge print dress and leather shoulder purse.
