The two fashion judges for the Winter Best Dressed Competition at Naas Racecourse’s next big race day gave their top fashion tips to racegoers hopeful of catching the judge’s eye in January. The Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and Winter Best Dressed Day on January 7th will be a stylish day out and always draws a fashionable crowd. The race day is also Naas Racecourse’s flagship race meeting and the opening card of the 2024 calendar at the Kildare track.
Stylist and model agency boss, Mandy Maher, together with her fellow fashion judge, Kildare native, model, and influencer, Sarah McDermott concurred that the finishing touches will have you first past the post in the style stakes.
Speaking in advance of the fashion competition, Sarah McDermott said, “Think about the finishing touches and be mindful that something like a beautiful brooch or statement earrings can elevate an outfit. A great coat with elegant accessories such as a beautiful scarf or an eye-catching hat can bring an outfit together. Finally, entrants should be warm and comfortable in their outfit on the day”.
The Fraser Group, which has a fabulous department store located at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare will sponsor the fashion prizes on the day. The Best Dressed person will win a €2,000 gift card for Frasers, a two-night stay in a luxurious suite at Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel, dinner in Vi’s Restaurant and ‘Tipsy Afternoon Tea’. There are also €100 Frasers gift cards and afternoon tea at Lawlor’s Hotel up for grabs for second and third place.
Fellow judge, Mandy Maher said, “I will be looking for colour, even though the meeting is in January it’s so lovely to see colour to lift the spirits!” She went on to say, “Jewellery and accessories are not just for the girls, a lot of men are wearing brooches now on their jacket or coat lapels and they look very stylish. Also, as Sarah said, please be warm and dress for the weather, bare legs and arms are not a good idea in January, you can wrap up and still look super elegant and stylish! A slick of a statement lipstick can really finish off a look and Frasers have an amazing cosmetic and makeup department with a brilliant selection of top skincare and make up brands.”
The race itself boasts a total prize fund of €100,000 which is testament to the interest in this contest and to the competitive field it attracts every year. The day also offers racegoers a fantastic mix of fashion, food and entertainment with lunch and hospitality available in its Panoramic Restaurant or in the many private suites. There will also be a complimentary glass of prosecco for everyone that enters the fashion competition on the day.
2024 is a big year for Naas Racecourse which also celebrates its centenary year and there are lots of activations going on to mark this special milestone including the publication of a special book, The Centenary of Naas Racecourse.’
Lawlor’s of Naas, located in Poplar Square opened its luxurious new extension in the early part of 2023. The hotel now has 138 bedrooms, a glamourous ballroom, landscaped gardens and ‘Vi’s Restaurant’. The newly opened grand entrance sets the tone for old world style elegance and for the warm welcome that awaits. Stepping inside guests will be immediately drawn to the treasure trove of repurposed antiques and collectables which add a unique and elegant cocktail of glamour.
There are seven races on the card on the 7th of January, with the first going to post at 12.30pm approx. Admission tickets are €15 and a range of hospitality packages are also available. For further information, to purchase tickets or for hospitality packages call Naas Racecourse on (045) 897391. www.naasracecourse.com
SARAH AND MANDY’S TOP TIPS FOR THE STYLE STAKES
- Embrace colour!
- Think about your accessories and use them to elevate your outfit such as a great hat or scarf for men or even a brooch – a lot of men are wearing brooches now on their jacket or coat lapels and they look very stylish.
- Dress for the weather!
- Wear shoes you can walk in and will be comfortable in for the day.
- Pay attention to your hair and makeup, these finishing touches really make a difference.
- You will need to wear something on your head, if it’s not a hat then go with a beautiful head piece like a crown or elaborate hair band.
- Don’t spend a fortune and try and be as sustainable as possible, borrow or wear it again!
- Support local and Irish if you can. There are some great boutiques in Naas and Irish design has never been better.
- Go with friends and enjoy a fashionable day out.
