What to Wear this Spring Racing Season

Whether you are planning on being on the field at Flemington or watching the races at a luncheon or cocktail event, spring racing season is the perfect occasion to step outside your fashion comfort zone and get a little bold.

From embellished hats and fascinators to elegant and intricate dresses, racing season is a time to dress to impress, and with over $400,000 worth of prizes on offer for fashions on the field, the fashion stakes are high.

So how do you choose what to wear this spring racing season? Here are some tips and the latest trends to ensure that you, along with the big race will stop people in their tracks.

Myer Fashions on the Field People’s Choice Finalist (image sourced from Flemington Racecourse and Victoria Racing Club Facebook page)

Your dress
Your dress should be elegant and stylish while making a clear statement. Popular trends to try this season are monochrome going all one colour or a mix of black and white, lady-like with shift dresses, longer hemlines and lace, minimalistic with simple lines and cool colours, or embellished with gems and crystals.

As for what colours are trending, black and white are staying strong with icy pastels and hints of pink. Floral prints also bloomed this spring. When choosing your colours keep in mind too that pastel and light colours will reflect more heat and be cooler, which is particularly important if you will be spending the day walking around in the sun.

Your headwear
Headwear is a must for the races and a great opportunity to make a bold statement. This racing season expect to see lots of hats with boaters, pillboxes, trilbies and fedoras likely to be popular. Add netting over the eyes and vintage jewel or feather embellishments for a more dramatic statement.

A well-designed fascinator is also a great choice and can be a comb or headband style depending on you preference. If you are after a more understated look brooches and gemstones are also on-trend.

Your shoes
If you will be on the field for the race or enjoying it at a cocktail event, keep in mind that you will be on your feet all day so choose your shoes wisely. A pair of comfortable heels like wedges, kitten keels or pointed flats would be the best way to go, and with flatter shoes trending at the moment you are really spoilt for choice.

Like any pair of new shoes you buy for a big event, make sure you wear them in before the day to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Your accessories

Myer Fashion on the Field Peoples’ Choice Finalist (image sourced from Flemington and Victoria Racing Club Facebook page)

Your hat or fascinator should make the loudest statement so keep the rest of your outfit and accessories simple yet elegant. Go for pretty yet fine jewelry and a small elegant clutch. You really want to be more with less.

Above all, make sure you are confident and comfortable with your choice

Racing season is always a great opportunity to be a little daring and bold, though it is also important to feel confident in what you are wearing and not over complicate your outfit.

You want to be able to carry yourself with grace and poise, though to do this you will need to be comfortable and confident in yourself and what you are wearing. If you don’t feel confident with what you are wearing, you will never wear it well.

Looking for some racing day fashion inspiration? Have a browse through our Spring Summer 2013 Collection to get some ideas.