Bring out the widebrimmed hats and sundresses – it’s that time of year where fashionistas get to strut their stuff at the Singapore Racecourse’s event of the year, the Emirates Singapore Derby.

Now in its 14th year, this prestigious event could make or break the careers of racehorses, with only the best allowed in this competition. The prize money? A whopping $1 million.

Expect high tension and excitement as top horses like Australian- bred Rocket Man and Top Spin compete in the 2,000 metres race. But there’s another competition going on – one that involves the fashion stakes.

On Derby day, guests come dressed in their best racing outfits.

There, they can compete for the hotly anticipated Best Dressed To The Races title.

This year’s winner will attend the Emirates Melbourne Cup in November, and can compete in the Cup’s famous Fashion On The Fields contest.

In order to clinch the Best Dressed title, stylist Vik Lim, 42, said: “Pick a hat before you pick your clothes. For a derby, the hat is everything.”

Clothes should be “gossamer- light, and have texture and form”, he added.

Guys, always aim to look like a gentleman. This means jackets, shirts and ties topped with a trilby or fedora. But play with colours like light pastels such as lavender and peppermint, or bright acid colours like emerald green and sunflower yellow.

For horse owner Chen Jia Lu, who regularly attends charity events hosted by the Singapore Turf Club, comfort is key.

“The clothes must be elegant, and I’ve got to feel comfortable and but still look stylish,” said the 38-year-old.

Whatever you wear, remember that being at a derby is always a genteel affair. So, go watch, place a bet or two, and cheer your favourite horse on to win. But remember, always do it in style.

my paper shows you outfits no one will be forgetting in a hurry.

The Emirates Singapore Derby is on this Sunday at the Singapore Racecourse at 1, Turf Club Avenue.

Entry is $3 (open-air area), $7 (air-conditioned area) or $68 for the Emirates Singapore Derby Value Package, which gets you entry into an exclusive room with a buffet lunch, as well as a souvenir.

Visit www.turfclub.com.sg or call 6879-1000 for more details.

Sultry Polish: She wears a cotton polyester knitted mesh dress ($2,129) from Anteprima at 01-06, Paragon, hairband with feathers and mesh net ($89) from C & C at Pois at 02-47/48, Paragon.

He wears a pin-striped wool gabardine single-breasted jacket ($290), cotton slimfit shirt ($69), pin striped matching pants ($139), silk bowtie ($79), all from G2000, and straw fedora ($31.30) from M)phosis.

Stable Play: She wears a nylon tulle flapper-style fringe dress with matching slip ($199) from Anteprima at 01-06, Paragon, and a paribuntal straw hat ($490) from Shia Tabassi. He wears a cotton twill notched-lapel jacket ($239), cotton slimfit shirt ($99), cotton twill flat-front pants ($89) and silk necktie ($79), all from G2 Black Label by G2000, and a straw fedora ($31.30) from M)phosis.

Horse Play: She wears a polyester ottoman hand-draped gown with long back train ($3,800), made to order from Heng Nam Nam at B1-16, Park Mall, and a vintage Swiss straw hat with vintage French veiling trimmed with ostrich plumes ($530) from Shia Tabassi (call Emirates on 6311-0883 to order).

Hepburn Recall: She wears a cotton viscose raglan-cut jacket ($199), polyester tri-acetate jersey three quarter-sleeve dress ($139), all from G2 Black Label by G2000, and a vintage French cloth-trimmed straw hat with burnt ostrich feathers ($520) from Shia Tabassi.

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