While some might invest in a new outfit, one winner is giving back instead

The fashion stakes were high at the annual race event, as racegoers embraced the cooler weather and glammed up in winter tones and warm accessories. One Warwick woman was victorious in two categories but didn’t take her winnings home with her.

Ariane de Rooy and Peter Phelan, winners of best dressed couple at the Ergon Energy 2021 Warwick Picnic Day Races.

Crowds turned out for the Warwick Picnic Races and while some were keen to back a winning horse, others had their eyes on a different prize – the fashions glory.

Brisbane couple Ariane de Rooy and Peter Phelan were awarded best dressed couple at the 2021 Warwick Picnic Races with a theme of keeping to monochromes.

Ariane de Rooy and Peter Phelan, winners of best dressed couple at the Ergon Energy 2021 Warwick Picnic Races.

Ms de Rooy said they enjoyed putting a fashionable foot forward and had travelled to the Dalby races earlier this year where they secured another win.

The fashionista said while she kept her eye on the latest trends, sweeping up best dressed was not the main reason they travelled to Warwick.

“We just like to hang out with our friends,” she said.

As for her next outfit, Ms de Rooy was hoping for spring flair, a fair cry from the chilly race-day weather in Warwick.

“I’ll look at Instagram and see what’s trending on there for inspiration,” she said.

Chantal Jones and Eloise Handley, winner and runner-up of best dressed in fashions on the field at the 2021 Warwick Picnic Races.

Runner-up for the best dressed lady Eloise Handley said while she took a vintage approach to her look, her love of fashion was inspired by modern thinking.

“I think for women it’s about power dressing,” Ms Handley said.

“Dressing is like a coat of amour and it’s so powerful for a women to feel confident in what she’s wearing.”

Chantal and Josh Jones, runners up for best dressed couple at the Ergon Energy 2021 Warwick Picnic Races.

Chantal Jones was best-dressed of the day and runner-up in the couple category with her husband Josh, and said her inspiration came from caramel tones.

“I usually find one piece that speak to me, and this year it was my coat from New York,” Mrs Jones said.

Having taken out two of the day’s prizes, the Warwick resident was donating the day’s prizemoney to Rural Aid.

“I come here for fun, so I want to donate it back,” she said.