We might be already well into Spring Racing season, but with some of the major race events still to come I thought this would be a good opportunity to brush up on Spring Racing style etiquette. Here are some key points to remember when planning your outfit, as well as a guide for what to wear and where to buy it, which i will be adding to each week in the lead up to the race meets.
WHAT DO I WEAR TO THE RACES?
Firstly, when deciding what to wear for the races the general rule of thumb is a semi-formal dress code. Think an elegant day or evening dress, chic pant or skirt suit and millinery. Your outfit should also adhere to the dress code of the particular race meet you are attending (see below for more info).
THE HEMLINE RULE
Remember you are not going to nightclub so you want to refrain from wearing anything too short or overtly sexy. Hemlines are best kept no shorter than just above the knee and avoid anything to glitzy.It doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your look, just make sure to keep it classy.
THE DRESS CODES
The major race events all have their own dress codes.
Follow these general style rules for a winning look this Spring Racing Season
Derby Day
The black and white dress code lends itself to a classic, monochrome look. You could also go for all-over white or all-over black. Given the limited colour palette, the details matter so look for dresses with interesting design details or standout fabrications. Headwear should be unfussy and sleek.
Celebrity images courtesy of Pinterest
SHOP THE DERBY DAY EDIT EDIT
CAMILLA AND MARC Jumpsuit (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Heather Mcdowell headband (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Le Specs Sunglasses
Shona Joy slip dress (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Calli off-the-shoulder dress (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Shona Joy polka dot dress (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Billini clear heels
Alias Mae mules
Love Moschino bag
CAMILLA & MARC white dress (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Olga Berg twist headband (USE CODE SAVE20 for 20% off)
Melbourne Cup Day
Known for being the race that stops a nation, Melbourne Cup Day is undoubtedly the biggest day on the race calendar, and as such you can have permission to amp up your race day outfit and be a bit more creative.
Don’t be afraid to embrace colour – bold block colours are best, think yellow, emerald, red, pink, blue or purple.
Keep silhouettes simple and embrace interesting design details like a statement sleeve, ruffled hem or subtle cut-out details. Headwear should also be bolder and more sculptural.
Celebrity image courtesy of Pinterest
SHOP THE MELBOURNE CUP EDIT
Rebecca Vallance red jumpsuit
Rebecca Vallance yellow dress
Max Alexander pink fascinator
Rachel Gilbert pink dress
IRO pumps
Reliquia earrings
Talulah lace dress
Clare V clutch
Sass & Bide gold heels
Ford Millnery fascinator
CAMILLA & MARC top
CAMILLA & MARC skirt
Crown Oaks Day
Also known as “ladies day”, the style order for this meet is all about keeping your look beautifully feminine.
Luxe fabrics like silk, satin, lace and chiffon are best suited for this day and when it comes to colour a soft colour palette of pastels and muted tones work best. You could also wear florals to this event, just ensure they are toned down rather than too big and bold.
As the name suggests as crown is a good choice when it comes to headwear.
Emirates Stakes Day
The least formal of all the meets and also known as “family day” the dress code is a little more relaxed and no real hard and fast rules. You still want to look dressed up, but in a more relaxed way, so fun prints and unstructured silhouettes are all perfect options. You can choose to wear a dress, separates or even a jumpsuit. Headwear is also less formal – think a straw hat or simple hair slide.
BEAUTY NOTES
When it comes to choosing a beauty look to match your look, it of course needs to be governed by our outfit choice, skin colouring and personal preferences. But I do think that there are three beauty hacks that you can’t go wrong with.
Image courtesy of The Iconic
LASHES
There is no doubt after a long day at the races - and most probably after a few glasses of champagne - the likelihood of your mascara running and you resembling a panda teetering on high heels is high. I would highly recommend booking in for some lash extensions with Just Lashes. The Classic Set (full volume) are my pick for adding some drama to the eye, but still with a really natural look. You don’t need to add mascara either (you can if you want to!) so no panda eyes for you. Bonus they will last for the rest of the racing season too! One more champers please.
A BOLD LIP
Whether it’s red to work with your black and white Derby Day looks or a contrasting pink / coral to work with the colourful looks of Melbourne Cup, a bold lip always makes a striking finishing touch. You can shop my top picks HERE
SUN PROTECTION
Whether you use a foundation which contains SPF or wear it underneath your favourite foundation, sun protection is a must if you’re spending a day at the races. For the face, my favourite is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC cream (any of the varieties!) but you can see all my tried and tested sunsafe products for the face and body HERE