- Racing fashion do`s and don`ts
- How to avoid the equine style police
- Pics: Step-by-step style transformation
NOT sure what to wear to Spring Racing Season? Fashion writer and all-round style guru Melissa Hoyer reveals the do`s and don`ts of Spring Racing etiquette and attire so you can enjoy your day to the fullest.
Following Ms Hoyer`s simple style guide should ensure you make it to the track, and back home, looking as good (well, nearly) as you did when you teetered out of the house that morning.
Here Ms Hoyer addresses the hats and hemlines we should - or shouldn’t - be seen wearing.
But the races isn`t all about the ladies. See what the boys should and shouldn`t be wearing in our Men`s Races Guide.
*** RACE DAY DO’S ***
- Whether a knee-length wrap style, a floaty silk dress, an empire-line or the maxi length - a trend we’ll be seeing lots of trackside - make sure your dress choice suits your body shape
- Choose your outfit/dress first, then match your hat, bag and shoes accordingly
- Dress for the season - we are talking spring, so try to bring a small wrap or even a cool looking shawl/pashmina just in case you need it as you head home
- Wear your race day shoes a few times at least (even around the house) before the big day to avoid the the tragic shoes-slung-over-your-shoulder look
- Make sure you do make some effort and put something on your head, even a cheap embellished headband or large flower will make you feel like you look the part
- If you can, take a shoulder bag (much easier to handle when you have champagne and race book in your hands)
- Make it a decent size bag ... but not gigantic. All you need are your sunglasses, lippie, money, race book, phone, keys and your usual make-up essentials
- Colour, colour, colour is the way to go - vermillion, yellow, purple and orange are hot this season, as well as florals
- Race day is the day to get out your hottest new frames too – preferably designer, darling
- And remember, one water, one wine, one water, one wine ... then hit the water big time.
*** RACE DAY DON’T`S ***
- Don’t go for a dress that is too tight – yes, yes you can still look sexy but do we all of us have to see every bump, roll of fat and hip bone!
- Avoid channelling a nightclub look – you are not about to hit the dance floor at the track, so use the day to wear something that is gracious, elegant
- If you are of a small stature avoid big, mushroom style hats, as no-one will be able to see the divine face that lies beneath the big brim!
- If you hate the tops of your arms, just cover them up! Don’t feel some fashion obligation to wear a strappy dress all because all your mates are following that fashion mantra
- Avoid taking your hat off just as you leave the track – yes, fashion can be about pain - but having a really bad case of crunched-up hat hair isn’t a good look
- Leading hair guru Joh Bailey advises a messy style hairdo at 10am will look like a disaster zone before the day is over, so go for a sleek chignon or side ponytail that will last right through the day
- Make sure your skirt or dress isn’t too disco-short – show a bit of decorum and leave something to our imaginations
- Make sure the fake tan you choose to apply is even, not too yellow and for goodness sake, don’t go the tandoori tan. Try Johnson & Johnson’s Holiday gradual moisturising tan a few days earlier or ModelCo’s Tan In A Can, applied just a few minutes before you walk out the door
- Oh, and really try to avoid tuning into an ocker, drunken ladette – it ain’t pretty and it’s just plain embarrassing
