Be sure to step out in style during the Formula 1 race weekend

We bring you a guide to look stylish but comfortable while watching the races in the day and how to glam it up for the parties in the evening.

The key to getting the right outfit is to wear versatile garments and pack light, all the while carrying a few statement add-ons that will help to transform your look from day to night. EPA

Gearing up for the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend entails a carefully thought-out outfit – or two, for that matter. If you’re heading all the way to Yas Island for the race, you will be keen to stay on and enjoy a concert and after-party as well.

But, dressing for two different occasions can be problematic – you will want to look stylish but comfortable for the day, and glam it up for the evening. And if you’re trekking to the capital from Dubai or any of the other emirates, you may not want to carry a wheeler bag with outfit changes.

The key is to wear versatile garments and pack light, all the while carrying a few statement add-ons that will help to transform your look from day to night.

Whether you will be enjoying the weekend from the comfort of a hotel or yacht, or from the stands at the circuit, here are a few tips for winning the F1 fashion race.

For the girls

Day-to-night style for women: From top left: Hat, Dh250, www.ShopTFV.com; Sunglasses, Dh250, www.ShopTFV.com; Sneakers, Dh1,379, Common Projects at LE66; Dress, Dh880, Zayan the Label at S*uce; Choker, Dh19, H&M; Bag, Dh5,930, Fendi at www.Stylebop.com; Heels, Dh799, Carvela at Kurt Geiger. Compiled by Hafsa Lodi

When putting together a day-to-night outfit, it is important to think carefully about your base garment. If you opt for a jumpsuit or dress, it will be relatively easy to carry extra accessories for the night-time change, rather than toting around extra separates such as skirts, shirts and so on.

While jumpsuits are great, a dress might actually be more comfortable for this event, especially if you will be watching from one of the outdoor venues.

That said, wearing an uber-tight, clingy dress is not a smart move. Keep in mind that you will be faced with big crowds and lots of sunshine – so a light, airy ensemble might work best. But, don’t turn up in your floral summer maxi dress, because that certainly won’t earn looks of approval at any after-parties.

Avoid a last-minute trip to the mall and spend some time looking for a dress that combines texture and print in an interesting way – a dress that could fare equally well at a casual brunch or dinner soirée.

For footwear, I will state the obvious – keep shoes flat for the day, especially if you will be watching at the Yas Marina Circuit, because the walk from the car park will hardly be a short stroll. Trainers are ideal. In the evening, you can trade these in for a pair of stilettos, kitten heels or embellished ­ballerinas.

Also, switch up your handbag – for the day, carry a tote or shoulder bag to house your water bottle, camera and light cardigan, and afterwards, downsize to a clutch or sleek cross-body for your lipstick, phone and cash.

For the guys

Day-to-night style for men: From top left: Sungalsses, Dh2,350, Dunhill; T-Shirt, Dh470, Paul & Joe at Boutique 1; Shoes, Dh199, H&M; Trousers, Dh1,660, Brooks Brothers; Shirt, Dh310, Brooks Brothers; Watch, Dh6,045, Tag Heur; Shoes, Dh479, Pedro. Compiled by Hafsa Lodi

Men are typically less enthusiastic than women about carrying around a change of clothes to maintain their look from day to night. While versatility is key, the venues you’ll be celebrating at also play a key role in any fashion decision-making.

If you will be watching the race at the track for instance, and then heading to a party afterwards, it might be difficult to stick with a single outfit from day to night. But, if your F1 time will be spent on a yacht, you could remain in the same ensemble throughout, with the mere addition of a spare shirt, should the one you started in get sweaty during the day. Shorts are highly recommended if you will be on the water, otherwise you will have to think carefully about what to wear – you do not want to end up in a situation here you are denied entry to an after-party due to your far-too-casual attire.

In that case, slacks or chinos are highly advised, rather than jeans or shorts. A snazzy button-down shirt in a memorable print would be ideal. Avoid white as it can be terribly unforgiving in an outdoor environment, where you have no control over the weather and the crowd – sweat patches and beverage spillages are difficult to conceal.

If the weather permits layers, opt for a graphic T-shirt for day, and wear a shirt unbuttoned over it for a more casual and relaxed vibe for the races. After sunset, take the tee off, button up your shirt, tuck it into your trousers, and you will be all set for the next round of festivities.

Finally, don’t forget to choose footwear carefully – certainly wear trainers as pinched toes in uncomfortable dress shoes can ruin your day. Pick out designs that are sleek and shiny so they last you through the night.

Hafsa Lodi is a fashion stylist for The National