Yup that’s right ladies, the only Australian sport where frocking up IS the sport. Fillies jockey for “best dressed” and competition at Fashions on the Field is fierce. But you can bet your bottom dollar there will be a few trashy Paris Hilton-esque style disasters and stilettos carried not worn on feet where they belong (you know who you are!).
So just how do you avoid a Paris scratching in the fashion stakes, and achieve winning racewear style? Don’t gamble on your racewear look. Ditch that old mangled fascinator and study the Perry Form Guide for my tips on trackside glamour this Spring Carnival.
Spring Racing Carnival Styles to Bet On…
The Peplum trend is right at home trackside, as are ladylike pencil skirts and clever tailoring. Go for simple clean futuristic shapes, made from sheer, textured, lace or laser cut fabrics in demure knee length. Alternatively, look for short pretty dresses with fullish flirty skirts.
(Below: By Johnny, Ginger and Smart, Alex Perry, Ellery)
Colour & Prints. The two hot favourites this Spring…
There are more bursts of colour this season than the jockeys silks on acid. Neon pink, sherbet orange, lime green and fluoro yellow are HUGE. You’d be blind to miss it. If glow stick isn’t your hue, then look to pretty pastels in mint green, icy blue, blushing pink and gelato lemon. Tis also the season of the print… print on print, the clashing of print, animal print, geometric print, digital print, tropical botanical prints. It’s a sure thing that Floral Print will feature at the winners’ enclosure.
(Below: Zimmermann, Lisa Ho, Nicola Finetti)
Dress + Shoe + Hat = The Racewear Trifecta
Finding the right dress is only one third of the equation. Accessories nail the winning combination first to the post. Inject a neon pop of color with a shoe or handbag with a neutral outfit. Matt gold or nude shoes calm down a bold color palette or vibrant prints. Animal print shoes or handbag can kooky up a print clash.
Un-fascinating fascinators that would be better used as feather dusters should be binned. Instead, look to the Princess of Cambridge for headwear inspiration.
The Kate Effect…
It’s true that Racing is the sport of Kings, and ergo “for Princesses only”. So giddy up and get inspired by racing’s new pin up girl, Kate Middleton! HRH has inspired a new generation of race goers with her fresh ladylike style, loaded with monochromatic color and prints. Mix high end style with high street budget and channel your inner modern day Princess.
The Royals LOVE a hat and Kate gets it right every time. Look for Kate’s signature millinery style – small upturned shapes with a flourish on one side, worn forward on the head and tilted over one eye. Wear hair half up half down for easy carefree chic.
Now that you’re Spring Racing Carnival ready, you can thank me by Leaving. Your. Shoes. On.
Rrrrrracing!
By Alex Perry
www.alexperry.com.au
@AlexPerry007
Alex Perry Facebook
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