The gentleman's guide to shopping for the races

Gentlemen should, in theory, have as much choice as ladies when it comes to shopping for smartest Dubai World Cup ensembles. But, do they? When I spend a sand-stormy afternoon wandering the avenues of shopping malls here, I’m not so sure.

If I were male, my first choice would probably be Tom Ford, Gucci or Armani for top class and classic tailoring. After that I’m not sure I would stay in ready-to-wear. I, personally, have not come across a pre-loved store for men and rental would seem to be all about morning suits and conventional “black tie” evening dress.

Made to measure is probably the route to choose and Dubai has a huge selection to choose from. For real sartorial elegance, it would be hard to better the appropriately named Italian suit makers, Sartoria Rossi in DIFC Gate Avenue or Nakheel Mall on the Palm. With locations in cities worldwide, they are up-to-date on the current trends. Or for those on a more modest budget, a trip to Bur Dubai will take one into the heartland of gentlemen’s tailoring with a host of reasonably priced but very efficient companies, including Prince Custom Tailors who have covered the backs of some of Dubai’s finest.

Shopping tips

Don’t miss out on the chance to wear something fashionable, something ‘you’ for the Dubai World Cup.

Worried about where to shop? No problem, here’s where you can buy the perfect dress, stylish-yet-comfortable shoes and a hat that turns heads, all just in time for the big day on March 25.

Outlets

• City Walk

• The Dubai Mall

• Marina Mall

• Mall of the Emirates

• Mercato Mall

• Outlet Mall

• Ibn Battuta Mall

• Oasis Centre

• Wafi City

Preloved stores

Retold shopretold.com 6th Street, Al Quoz-1

A two-floor emporium of luxury outfits, some never worn and brand new alongside oodles of exceptional accessories (jewellery, hats and shoes) hang beside precious vintage numbers.

The Luxury Closet

(theluxurycloset.com)

If it’s a designer label you are on the looking for but with a less than designer budget in your purse, you will find it here. Gucci, Versace, Chanel and Valentino clothing and shoes, jewellery and hats, all at excellent prices.

D24 — designer-24.com

Lake View Tower, JLT

The store has an awesome array of bang-on-point headpieces at very affordable prices (around Dh250 per day) to hire plus exquisite, top-of-the-market handbags at a figure just slightly higher. Jewellery that most of us only gaze longingly at in Vogue magazine can be rented here, too. With an amazing array of dresses available for between Dh500-1,000; at less than Dh1,500, a lady can set herself up in readiness for the “Best Dressed” competition at the Dubai World Cup on March 26.

If you run low on shopping time, a quick trip to Bloomingdales in The Dubai Mall and you can be set for the starting gates in no time.

• Dubai