Fashionistas – get ready to shine
A day at the races is as much about fashion and finery as it is about fillies. Glamour, sophistication, poise and elegance are key words to consider when it comes to dressing for the races.
Here’s your guide to picking a winner in the fashion stakes.
What's in Season
Dressing for the races can be a daunting task, even for the most seasoned of professionals. Raceday dressing is ensemble dressing, which means each element of your outfit (the dress, the shoes, the bag and the hat) must complement each other. It can be hard to nail a cohesive look without the help of a stylist or professional dresser. Luckily we have Wellington-based Stylist Sopheak Seng on hand to give tips and tricks to help you look your raceday-best this season.
The rules.
“A rule of thumb for dressing for the races that I tell my clients is to imagine you are dressing for high tea with your grandmother. Think: Conservative, a little bit formal and very lady-like. Racing is a day event and as such those sequins, mini-skirts and crop-tops need to be left inside your wardrobe. This applies to both spring and winter racing – they must not enter the race track.”
Spring / Summer headwear.
“Hats and headpieces of all shapes and sizes will be prevalent this race season. However big is in. When choosing a headpiece, look for details that make your topper standout, veiling is popular this season with most pieces having a veil detailing, remember the veil should be tight fitting and sit just above or on the nose to expose your beautifully painted lips.”
“Look for contrasting textures or materials that will give your look an edge, giant soft blooms paired with structured feathers, parisisal straw, leather, guipure lace, and perspex all give a unique take when in a classic shape.”
A dress to impress.
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While white is not for everyone, this fashion look is perfect for spring/summer racing. To give something fresh and interesting, think textures to make your outfit pop. Lace, printed silks, washed cottons, linens and broderie anglaise will add something unique to your white on white ensemble. Look to Dior couture for how to do white on white.”
“The tropical trend is big for fashion as well as racing. Think ‘bird of paradise’ and shine like the exotic creature you are in - palm prints, birds, fruits, floral and anything that is bright. Coral, bright pinks, emerald greens, sunshine yellow and oranges are the go to colours. This is all about bright colours and punchy accessories; head to toe colour at its best. Mix and match your colours to create visual interest.”
“Pastel is a perennial race favourite and is still very much in fashion - it will be big in the style stakes. Think sorbet and sherbet tones of blush, ecru, lavender, lemon, mints and powder blues. Soft structured dresses define this look, as does lace and feminine touches of bows and peplums. This is for those that want to look feminine and fashionable at the same time, think a beautiful silk blouse or shirt paired with a demi full skirt with pockets.”
Don't forget the prep!
“Stockings, if you choose to wear any, should not have any runs; always pack a spare just in case. Nail polish should not be chipped. Nothing beats a classic French manicure if you are unsure about what nail polish colour to wear with your ensemble. Shoes should be clean and if new, broken in at least a couple of weeks before around the house. A great tip for breaking in shoes is wear thick rugby socks before sliding feet into your heels, then vacuum your house in your new heels, after a couple of days they will feel comfortable like you have had them for years.”
Completing your look.
“Remember: When dressing for the races it is those finishing touches that truly make your outfit stand out from the rest of the crowd. Think carefully about your pairings; make sure your look is cohesive but still fashion forward and uniquely you. There is nothing worse than wearing something you aren’t comfortable in. Dress and skirt lengths should fall either just above or below the knee, remember this is about elegant lady like dressing, not going to a club.”
“When it comes to hair and makeup, ‘simple and less’ should be your motto. Choose a classic chignon or low ponytail when wearing a larger headpiece as it allows for the hat to be showcased and won’t compete with the rest of your outfit.”
About Sopheak Seng
Sopheak Seng is a Wellington-based fashion editor, writer, stylist, consultant and keen race-goer.
Follow Sopheak on and .
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