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’.
