Fashion tips for 2023 Everest at Royal Randwick

Racegoers have been encouraged to be “fun and playful” with their outfit for The Everest this weekend. Here’s some expert tips.

Less is more trackside for TV host Lucia Hawley.

A pop of colour is important too, at all times but particularly during spring racing and the Sydney Everest Carnival.

“The races are a time to have fun and be playful,” Hawley, niece of Academy Award winning actor Nicole Kidman told The Daily Telegraph.

“There isn’t one thing that I necessarily look for but rather how someone incorporates their personality into their outfit, whether with a bold accessory or a pop of colour.”

Hawley will be trackside for The TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Saturday.

Lucia Hawley and Kate Waterhouse share a laugh. Picture: David Swift

While many head to the races for the sport of it, others engage in a sport of the sartorial kind, where punters are judged on their fashion choices.

In spring, it is all about the colour. Tradition is key too, although racewear rules have relaxed somewhat over the past few years.

An outfit must adhere to regulations of the Members Reserve when attending the races and also applies to guests on the day.

That rules out joggers, sports shoes, thongs, ‘dilapidated footwear’, gumboots and slippers. Jeans and denim are out too, as is torn or ripped clothing, showing your midriff, leggings, parkas and trackies.

Top Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance wants to see a “modern approach” to racing fashion, while also sticking to tradition.

Lucia Hawley, Elliot Garnaut and Kate Waterhouse ahead of The Everest this weekend. Picture: David Swift

“Spring racing is one of the most highly anticipated events in Australia,” Vallance noted. “While the event is steeped in tradition, the updated dress codes recently introduced are a nod to embracing modern fashion trends. However, it is not about being casual as part of going to the races as it is an occasion and ceremony, as well as the opportunity to dress up and have fun with fashion.”

Hawley, 25, said the right millinery was important to bring an outfit together.

“It is the races so its nice to add flair to an outfit with a beautiful piece of millinery. There are some amazing Australian milliners out there so there is a lot of choice,” she said, adding of colour: “It doesn’t need to be the centrepiece of the outfit, but a bit of colour definitely goes a long way. I love it when people colour block in imaginative ways.”

She added: “My motto is less is more – don’t try to do too much with your outfit. You can achieve a beautiful look without going overboard on accessories and colour.”

Milliner Stacey Hemera Roberts urged punters not to be afraid of standing out.

Connor Norris and Alix Vanny looking flash for this year’s Everest. Picture: Julian Andrews

“A day at the races is your chance to really push the fashion boundaries creatively,” Hemera Roberts said. “Nothing says ‘races’ more than millinery. It’s what distinguishes racing fashion from dressing for any other event. Hats also add a dimension of glamour and fun to a look. And … be creative.”

Stylist Elliot Garnaut believes no one piece in an outfit is more important than another.

“Every element of the outfit is equally as important,” he said. “It is the specific elements that create the look and subsequent mood of your entire vibe for the day. A special mention to considered millinery, it is the finishing touch that always catches the eye of the judges.”

He added: “Colour is the backbone of dressing for the track in spring. It evokes joy and reflects the incredible city of Sydney that the race is being held in.”

Racing veteran Kate Waterhouse has been a judge for fashions on the field many times over.

“I look for a combination of all,” she said. “It’s the complete look from head to toe. The accessories of the hat, shoes and jewellery need to compliment the outfit.”

The right headpiece, she said, is vital.

“Millinery is really important,” she said. “This season we are seeing so many great options in headwear to bold statement pieces to small pieces such as bows, headbands and beautiful netting.”

Men too can get in on the action, Garnaut said.

“Quiet luxury stands out for men,” he said. “Simplify, done extremely well. I am not a fan of a clashing tie, to shirt, to suit combo finished with a tie pin, pocket square and a hat. Too much. Leave something at home.”

Waterhouse agreed.

“The boys have it easy but it’s the attention to detail when it comes to the men,” she said.

“Firstly, I look for colour co-ordination and beautiful tailoring and then the smaller things like the pocket handkerchief, shined shoes, and little accessories such as tie clips to complete their look.”