FINISHING FIRST (above): She wears a silk chiffon dress and headpiece from Heng Nam Nam (prices upon request). He wears a checked shirt and grey pants from Raoul (prices upon request). Best worn with a light jacket on race day.]

[CLASSIC RACE-DAY THREADS: She wears a black wool coat with belt ($4,700) and ruffle floral-printed dress ($16,000) from Christian Dior. Her drop earrings ($202.23) by Andrea Mader are from En Vie De Pois. Hair piece (price upon request) from Heng Nam Nam. He wears a green cashmere jacket ($3,788), printed cotton shirt ($514), cotton khaki trousers ($514) and velvet fedora ($270), all from Etro.]

Saddle up, fashionistas! The time has come again for you to don trendy outfits and display your sense of fashion, gentility and grace at Singapore Racecourse’s event of the year, the glamorous Emirates Singapore Derby.

The 2,000m race, now in its 15th year, is a prestigious event that offers a whopping $1.15 million to the winning racehorse.

Tempted to go but not sure about everything from how to dress to decorum? my paper does your homework for you.

How should one dress when attending the Derby?

The vintage, classic look ala the 1964 film My Fair Lady is best, said my paper’s stylist, Mr Jerome Awasthi, who suggests outfits such as a shirt dress or a blazer with a pencil skirt.

[GENTLEMAN AND A LADY: For a fashion-forward look (above), men can try a military-style jacket ($199) and peak cap ($33) from River Island. She wears a red acetate silk dress ($3,540) from Valentino with tulle long gloves ($148.73) from En Vie De Pois. Fresh red roses were pinned to her hair, which she wears in a simple up-do.]

And let’s not forget the big eye-catcher at the races – hats, headpieces and fascinators.

Pair an elaborate headpiece with a simple outfit, added Mr Awasthi. You don’t want your hat to overwhelm you.

As for men, the gentleman’s look always works. This means shirts and jackets or suits. Spice it all up with hats, gloves or boots, and play with colours such as donning a green jacket or a blue cardigan.

The key to standing out at the Derby, said Ms Jaylian See, 44, the winner of last year’s best-dressed contest, is to dress in outfits that complement one’s body.

For instance, if you have long legs, wear short (but appropriate), sexy dresses, said Ms See.

What materials or colours are best for the Derby?

Let’s face it: Singapore is hot.

If you are checking out the Parade Ring, where race horses are shown before the race, or if you want to walk around outdoors, then take this into consideration.

[PLAYING TO WIN: He wears a mint-blue shirt ($280) from Burberry London, with a grey blazer and pants from Raoul (prices upon request), and straw hat ($43) from River Island. She wears a silk chiffon blouse ($9,000) and black embellished skirt ($11,000) from Christian Dior, tulle long gloves ($148.73) from En Vie De Pois. Hair piece from Heng Nam Nam.]

Women should wear light outfits – meaning, dresses made of cotton or flowy materials, and these should be in neutral or pastel colours, said Mr Awasthi.

Ms See keeps cool in lace or pleated dresses from Issey Miyake and in sun dresses.

Men’s outfits should be of cotton material – especially if they are wearing jackets.

They are encouraged to wear coats and ties, especially if they are sitting in the higher-tiered seats.

[CALIENTE! She wears a puff-sleeve scallop bustier ($1,817.93) by Eavis & Brown, pleated salsa skirt ($1,710.93) by Mateky Antique Pearl, with crystal necklace ($2,780.93) by Reem Acra. All from En Vie De Pois. He wears a classic black jacket ($1,550) and pants ($595) from Burberry London. Silk- cotton shirt and lace-ups from Dior Homme (prices upon request).]

Here’s something new at this year’s races: On Derby day, guests will be treated to a Spanish dance item. Which means that one can pick this up as a theme for outfits.

If you want to go for the Spanish theme, women can add accessories such as flowers as hairpieces, big necklaces, and lace items such as fans and gloves, said Mr Awasthi.

The Singapore Turf Club website lists dress codes, depending on your seats.

One thing is clear: Smart casual is the key, and nothing sloppy (meaning bermudas, shorts, singlets and flip flops) is allowed. To find out more on the dress code, visit www.turfclub.com.sg

How does one behave at the races? What form of decorum should one display there?

[THINK PINK: She wears a pink silk gown ($1,169) from Jayson Brunsdon. Dress this up with a fascinator with a veil to give the outfit more oomph.]

Sophistication is vital at such glamorous events where rubbing shoulders with big names can be expected.

Carry yourself with confidence and grace, and be cautious with the alcohol.

To truly soak up the dazzling atmosphere, head down to the Singapore Turf Club on Sunday.

Get the Emirates Singapore Derby Value Package which costs $65 per person. This gets you entry into the exclusive Hibiscus Room, plus a buffet lunch, a racebook as well as an Emirates toy bear.

The Emirates Singapore Derby is on this Sunday at the Singapore Racecourse at 1, Turf Club Avenue in Kranji. Visit www.turfclub.com.sg or call 6879-1000 for more details.

For more my paper stories click here.