Fashion trends of this year’s spring racing season
SPRING racing has arrived and when it comes to trackside style it’s all about old-school elegance and modern details, with ruffles and lace set to be winners this season.
Spring Racing
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THIS season iconic racing silhouettes are getting a 2018 update, with ruffles, lace and bow detailing taking tried-and-tested styles to new sartorial heights.
Creative Director for Amazon Fashion Ella Lymbereas says it’s not about reinventing the wheel this season, but building on solid fashion foundations and giving trackside frocks a personal, contemporary touch.
“For women, the biggest trend we’re seeing this season is towards classic styles and cuts but with embellishments, so ruffles, ribbon-like ties,” she explains.
“It’s a really easy way to wear the embellishment trend for those girls who aren’t so adventurous.”
With the 2018 Everest Carnival in full swing, brands such as Finders Keepers and Cooper St are affordable options for ladies planning to attend more than one race day.
A straw boater and wide brimmed-hat can also be customised with ribbons and paired with different ensembles for those on a tight budget.
Ms Lymbereas said it was important to take into account the weather when co-ordinating a spring racing look, as spring weather in both Sydney and Melbourne’s was notoriously fickle.
“Dresses with sleeves in a sheer fabric still have that spring vibe but are easy to wear,” she said.
“You can also layer a fun shirt underneath a simple summer dress to elevate the look and keep shoulders covered.”
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FRILLS AND SPILLS
Ruffles are undoubtedly this spring’s runaway trend. Give neutral ensembles a colour pop via a statement clutch and drop earrings. For men, baker boy caps are having a moment and are a fun way to accessorise a race day look.
NEW SEASON FLORALS
A bold floral dress calls for an understated headpiece. Look for metallic headbands with pearl or floral accents, which will balance the look. Florals are also a strong trend for men’s shirting and accessories. Don’t be afraid to clash prints, but keep colour palettes complementary.
PLAYFUL POLKA
A polka-dot dress is the perfect option for racegoers wanting to inject a ’90s vibe into their trackside ensemble. Add a bold boater and practical shoulder bag for a winning fashion trifecta. For men, experiment with suit jackets and contrasting chino-style pants.
MONOCHROME MOOD
If all else fails, keep it black and white. A Derby Day favourite, this classic combo will look stylish on any race day. A dramatic headpiece and bold earrings can transform a colourless outfit, as can artful layering.
MAKE-UP PLAYS A BIG ROLE
A beautiful hat and vibrant frock might be essential, but there’s more to pulling together a winning trackside look than simply clothing and accessories.
Make-up artist Michael Brown, who is known for creating Jesinta Franklin’s signature beauty looks, says make-up and grooming can make or break a race-day outfit.
The most important thing to remember when considering hair and make-up for the races, Brown says, is that it is a daytime event that can involve hours in the harsh sun.
“I always try and pare make-up back a bit and have really clean skin. Obviously, being a daytime event, skin is really important because we don’t have those beautifully toned golden evening lights, so we have to make sure skin is looking great,” he says. “It’s about really elegant skin and hair, rather than dramatic smoky eyes and bold lips.”
Unfortunately, last-minute skin prep isn’t enough for those hoping to look hydrated and glowing on race day, according to Brown. He recommends drinking lots of water and moisturising the face and body regularly in the lead- up to the event to give dry, winter skin a great hydration base.
“There have been many years when I’ve been employed to do tanning on people because they feel like they’re wearing brighter colours than they would normally, so they want more of a golden toned skin but, as with foundation, if you don’t have a good moisture base already, a tan or foundation has no chance of looking natural in daylight,” he says.
“Keep on top of your skincare, try a sheet mask a few days before, or a day before the races. I will also put under- eye patches on my clients while I’m doing their eye shadow just before the event.”
When it comes to handbag touch-up essentials, less is also more. “You only need two to three products in your handbag,” Brown advises, citing concealer, a pressed powder and a lip product as priorities.
“Eyeliners and mascara and all those sorts of things are just wasting space in your bag.”
Originally published as Fashion trends of this year’s spring racing season