- Whether you're entering Fashion in the Field or you're out there to claim a prize of another sort make sure you start your day with the 'full monty' grooming check which includes showering and shaving … and making sure those stray nasal and facial hairs are well in check. Do an ear check - ears are not self cleaning, and neither are teeth, so make sure they have a good old scrub as well.
- With the body now clean - make sure the clothes are the same. Ensure they've been washed and dried properly and there are not any unpleasant, lingering smells, and that they are pressed and neat. Make sure there are no remnants from the last outing on the suit and try it on before they day - women aren't the only ones who suffer from changing body shapes, and apart from being uncomfortable a too tight suit is less than flattering on even the best looking man.
- If you're colour blind … which many men are … ask advice from a friend or a retail assistant who looks like they know what they're doing. Feel free to experiment but try to keep it to the shirt and tie. Off beat colours, stripes with spots and prints with prints can all work, but they need to be chosen carefully to make an impact rather than clash.
- Make sure your shoes are clean and are in good repair. There are still vast number of women who judge men on the state of their shoes, so best make the best impression you can by having them look as good as they can be. Grey shoes are seldom attractive and have nerdy connotations … instead stick with polished black, brown, or tan shoes and match with the belt. If you are one of those guys who loves to make a statement with an 'individual' pair of shoes make sure they are flattering and go with the outfit.
- Socks are seen - so make sure the socks that go under the shoes match and are in good repair with no pilling, holes, or floppy tops, and try to wear socks in the same general theme as your attire. Sports socks don't look great with a business suit and thick work socks don't look good stuffed into dress shoes - silly socks just make you look silly.
- These days it's not essential to wear a suit and there are great item pieces that can be picked up at the high street stores that can look just as smart as the more expensive offerings elsewhere. Choose the cut that suits your body type and garments that feel comfortable are usually the right cut. Don't be talked into something that just doesn't feel right as you'll regret it far longer than the life of the garment.
- If you're entering Fashion in the Field be careful of gimmicks. By all means wear the hat or carry the walking cane if you want to stand out from the crowd, but the winners are usually just wearing simply cut well fitted clothes on their clean and well groomed bodies.
- Accessories can add polish to your look. The right sunglasses add sophistication to a look as long as they are in keeping although it is unfortunately necessary to mention they should never to be worn inside. If the forecast is not so flash grab an umbrella - you'll be the star of the show when you save some pretty girl's hairdo, or hat from ruin.
- Having a few drinks to loosen up may sound like a good idea before you hit the catwalk, but make sure one or two doesn't turn into one or two too many. If you're going to muster the courage to get up in front of everyone it's best you don't make a wally of yourself by over imbibing before you've won the prize. Your mates will cheer you on at the time, but the stories carry on long after the last race has ended.
- Drunkenness and bad behaviour are great friends. They are seldom popular but are regulars at race meetings around the country. The most wise and successful punters and female hunters are the ones that remain sober and polite until the end, scooping the prize pool while others have well lost sight of the spoils. Be one of the winners … winners are grinners..
