Different racing events call for different racing attire but unless you’re attending the Spring racing calendar’s opening event – Derby Day which calls for a strictly black and white ensemble – it’s a safe bet sticking to bold prints, vibrant colours, and feminine florals accessorised almost to the point of excess. This is your ticket to go all out, leaving no detail unturned. And for the modern minimalists among us, stand by a neutral scheme looking to texture, tailoring, and lashings of jewellery to evoke a sense of occasion.
Steeped in more than 100 years of history, race day style has also assimilated rules on what not to wear. The ‘steer-clear of’ list consists of anything shorter than just above the knee, thin straps, denim, leggings, casual footwear, and dresses that bare your midriff (although some tasteful cut-outs have been known to slip through). So, exercise discretion and embrace the formalities for a fun day on your feet.
Follow our fail-proof race day fashion formula for your next day out:
1. The Dress
The main event begins with a dress… or a superbly tailored pantsuit. This item needs to radiate spring/summer through an exploration of colour, print, texture or tailoring. But remember to choose wisely and opt for light and breathable fabrics that’ll be suitable for day-long wear. Leave anything too fussy for the accessories; form must follow function here so that you can turn your focus to what the day is all about – having unsurpassable levels of fun.
Slide one: Spencer dress in vision floral, Juliette Hogan, $829. Slide two: Birdie dress, Kate Sylvester, $569. Slide three: Farah midi wrap dress, Nanushka, $953. Slide four: Philomena Midi Dress, Alémais, $435. Slide five: One-shoulder draped crepe jumpsuit, Halston $1,111.
2. The Shoes
It’s all about balance – figuratively and literally. You’re going to be standing on your feet for the better part of the day and likely crossing terrain unfit for stilettos. Whether it’s trekking through the entrance or trotting along the grass, a mid-height block-heel or wedge will support you in all scenarios. If you’ve chosen a more subtle, neutral dress, dial up the attention here and go for something bright and colourful, and vice versa. If colour isn’t typically your area of expertise, try something more muted and tonal like a pastel shade to accent your dress.
Slide one: Marley slingback heel, Mi Piaci, $260. Slide two: Olie 85mm leather sandals, Aquazzura, $1426. Slide three: Aida heel, Mi Piaci, $390. Slide four: Makai wedge, Mi Piaci, $280. Slide five: Alice heel, Kathryn Wilson, $280.
3. The Bag
Carrying your race day essentials is an important task that shouldn’t be left to the last-minute. When selecting a bag, you want to seek out something that’s compact enough for carrying in one hand, yet large enough to fit in your necessary items: think makeup, sunscreen, betting slips, phone, house key… you get the idea. Much like your chosen footwear, you can go full-throttle fancy with an embellished clutch or slip elegantly under the radar with a pared-back purse depending on which aspect of your ensemble you want to draw attention to. Mini bags are having a moment right now so it’s never been easier to find your perfect purse.
Slide one: Baby Ombra bag, Georgia Jay, $430. Slide two: Suki Multi-Strap Clutch, Yu Mei, $719. Ripple Midi, Deadly Ponies, $549. Slide four: Tommy floral-beaded shoulder bag, Staud, $518.
4. The Headwear
Gain your head start in race day style starting at the top with a stunning headpiece. You can choose something traditional, abstract, or avante-garde, either way, fascinators are a defining factor in your race day formula. Race day headwear extends to wide-brimmed hats, slimline boater hats, floral crowns, oversized bows and embellished headbands depending on the overall theme you’re trying to emulate.
Slide one: Hot Pink Macy Boater, Morgan & Taylor from The Port Boutique, $110. Slide two: Sassi Headpiece, Morgan & Taylor, $79.95. Rosie Band Fascinator, Annah Stretton, $69.
5. Jewellery
Alas, the final touches to piece it all together: jewellery. Race-day favourites include a stunning pair of earrings and an elegant timepiece or bracelet. If there are multiple focal points to your outfit, improve your odds with fine or minimally designed jewellery. As for those feeling a little one-dimensional, this is your opportunity to turn heads with stunning stones in royal tones. We’re talking romantic and eclectic. This extends to eyewear, too. And if you’re feeling lost on bringing it all together, just think: ‘what would Gucci do?’
Slide one: Gem in a hoop, Anni Lu from Workshop, $210. Slide two: 2-in-1 Fan huggie hoops, Monarc Jewllery, $215. Slide three: Amie drop, pink topaz, gold, Jasmin Sparrow, $700. Slide four: Lavinia earrings, honeydew, gold, Jasmin Sparrow, $860. Slide five: Cuff bracelet, silver, Mars, $575.
