There are few Washington, D.C. events that make it on to my social calendar.  Partly because nothing sounds better to me than relaxed brunches and museum trips, and partly because if I’m not in bed by 11pm by co-workers draw straws to decide which poor soul has to sit next to the tired, angry bitch at the staff meeting.  But the one D.C. event that ends up on my spring schedule, and everyone else’s, is Gold Cup.

The dress code for Gold Cup is simply this: preppy, frilly and girly.  For those of us who specialize in uber-femme attire, this is easy.  For those of you who do not, think of it as a costume and just run with it.  

Thus, I present my dream Gold Cup outfit:

 

Sequin Cotton Dress Birger et Mikkelsen (Net-a-Porter, $400)

What is not to love about this dress?  Soft ivory cotton, gold sequin bodice, full skirt, pleated waist band; frankly, it’s just yummy.  And even though it’s sequined, the fact that it’s 80-percent cotton makes it appropriate for a daytime event like Gold Cup.

Plus it’s gold, so it’s rather apropos. Nuff said.

Now, many Gold Cup attendees might see the need to add a hat to go with the dress.  But as much as I love Proper Topper, I look AWFUL in hats.  Round face, chubby cheeks, small features, add a hat to that and it is seriously not pretty. So I’m skipping the chapeau.

Ripple Sandals (Steve Madden, $70)

At Gold Cup you’ll be mixing alcohol, grass, and a crowd full of inebriated people.  You’ll also be on your feet most of the time.  It’s critical that you wear flat or wedges.  Only rookies wear heels.

Here I just went for a basic gold shoe, something that I can trash and not feel guilty, just in case.  If it rains, feel free to rock your wellies with your sundress, it’s a cute look if you can pull it off.  Hunter makes a gold boot, but the raspberry would be cute too.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Wristlet (ShopBop, $185)

For the majority of the event, you will be holding a cup.  A cup of water, a cup of alcohol, a cup of glory, it doesn’t matter.  Either way, a cup of something.  

If you don’t want to end up doing the awkward underarm purse squeeze, I suggest you invest in a wristlet.  Put your ID, a lipstick, a cell phone, some emergency cash and a debit card in there and call it good.

Lotus Earrings (Banana Republic, $22)

Wishing Ring (Banana Republic, $25)

Since this is a daytime event and I’m already wearing sequins, it’s best to keep the jewelry minimal.  Just some simple gold studs and a gold ring.  No need to layer it on.  

Gold Cup attendees should dress to be seen and photographed.  So break pretend your Eliza Doolittle and really do it right with the perfect dress, shoes and adornments.  And tell Henry Higgins that I said ‘ello.