Just as the football players from the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will receive special uniforms for their big game at the Meadowlands, Westminster exhibitors should step up their "uniforms." Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of dog shows and even though regular uniforms are not worn by handlers and exhibitors upscale ensembles amplify the prestigious event.
Exhibitors, handler, judges and even owners watching their dogs are, or should be dressed "to the nines"!!!!! This means well fitting attire, shoes shined, tasteful to give the impression that they are dignified and respectable, YET approachable. Please do NOT give the impression of being so on top the of world or above the rest that you are unapproachable. Westminster is a opportunity for not only the dog show community to see each other once a year and celebrate the best of the best, but also a HUGE opportunity to meet with the public and educate them about purebred dogs and how responsible breeding is a positive contribution to society. Attire can give a welcoming impression and I hope these tips will influence that.
Menswear
Men at Westminster often wear tuxedos and suits. I personally think the tuxedos are a thing of the past, which is very unfortunate. I remember seeing Doug Johnson in his Clumber Spaniel Cumber bun getting ready for the group. I wish more men would have a wardrobe change for groups and Best In Show into tuxedos. However, I do love the new trend of wearing ties in a new way. Men across the dog show scene and corporate America are spicing up their traditional suits with interesting tie knots. Here is a link to a website (thank you Tommy -my husband- and Luke Baggenstos) providing great instructions for awesome tie knots - www.agreeordie.com
Another trend of mens dog show fashion for Westminster I'm a huge fan of is fun socks! Gone are the days of matching or boring dress socks under suit pants. Now men can spice up their pants while setting up their dogs or bending on knee (no marriage proposals please) to present their dogs with fun socks. I think these socks can lighten up the tension of pressure in rings among handlers because they can be so outrageous.
Men, just please keep in mind taste, matching suits always look fantastic. Remember to polish your shoes. Hey! Maybe getting your shoes professionally shined will be your version on a ladies pedicure!
Womenswear
Women this is the event for your dog AND you to shine! Of course women have lots to choose from for what to wear at Westminster from dresses, to suits, to pants, to all of the accessories to make the outfit stand out. Ladies remember the Three S's - Sparkle, Shiny Satin, Special Knits!
Sparkle - this is time for the beauty pageant glitz! I think this can be taken over board and you could end up looking like a disco ball, so be careful! If you're going to wear a sparkly jacket, wear a simple skirt.
Shiny Satin and other fabrics - these look great on camera and really make your dog stand out. These look especially great with solid colored dogs. Michelle Scott looked so fresh and great with her Newfoundland when she wore a simple champagne shiny suit.
Special Knits - everyone knows Westminster will have just about as many St. John knits seems as dogs entered. Okay, maybe that's a little over exaggerated, but St. John is the most popular designer seen at Westminster. With as many St. John's seen at Westminster I only a few really stand out in my mind as best dressed. Ladies please remember that knits show EVERYTHING! With that in mind, size up when buying these special knits. One of my favorite St. John Knits at the Garden was Alessandra Folz Stymiest. I love this because it is a great cut for her age AND it fits appropriately.
Everyone is at Westminster to win so make sure you look the part. Don't go overboard. This is not Prom (that was last week at Larry and Marcello's). Westminster is formal, black tie optional, please dress the part.
Up Next: Remember the Undergarments!!!!!
