Maxi-dresses, fringed skirts, headgear: The incoming season’s style trends

BUTTER UP

Shailene Woodley; “Ramona” dress; “Gloria” Bag; “Lemon sherbet” fedora.

Oaks Day is synonymous with pinks and florals, but for something truly ground-breaking, opt for butter-yellow, as seen on the Zimmermann runway and on actor Shailene Woodley, who attended the Clooneys’ Albie awards in New York in September. Stumped for accessories? Match butter with chocolate or cream. “Ramona” dress, $499; Campomaggi “Gloria” Bag, $949; “Lemon sherbet” fedora, $480.

KNOTS’ LANDING

“Josephine” wired head wrap; Kendall Jenner.

Make no mistake about it, head-gear – of every description – is in. While Kendall Jenner’s Insta post channelled Old Hollywood glamour in Spain in June, the fashion runways were chock-a-block with scarves, caps, head wraps and – yes – turbans, otherwise known as the fashionable race-goer’s nirvana. Bad-hair day? Pah. “Josephine” wired head wrap (above right), $99.

JOIN THE DOTS

Anna Wintour; “Crush tie neck ruffle” blouse.

Spots are always an odds-on favourite at the track and a perennial favourite of American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour (below): here she is in a Balenciaga crêpe de chine pleated midi at New York Fashion Week last month. Not sure if you’re all in? Save yours for a workhorse separate, like this ruffle-neck beauty from Zimmermann. Pair with a pencil – or, if you’re game, sequinned – skirt. “Crush tie neck ruffle” blouse, $1100.

ALL WHITE NOW

Ashley Park; “Leona” flats.

Instantly elevate your race-day look by matching your headwear to your shoes, as Emily in Paris star Ashley Park did for a TV appearance in New York last month. While matching some colours can be tricky, an all-white palette keeps your look simple and fresh. Just watch for muddy puddles.
“Leona” flats, $199.

COVER GIRL

Norma Kamali “turtle fishtail” mini dress; Elle Ferguson.

It may signify a break from traditional racewear, but fickle spring weather admits the possibility of a long-sleeve dress, like the Zimmermann maxi Elle Ferguson wore at Paris Fashion Week last month. Embrace the exaggerated proportions with an oversized hat or keep it sleek with a headscarf for boho glam. Tights optional. Norma Kamali “turtle fishtail” mini dress, $334.

FRINGE BENEFITS

Mini skirt; Missoni catwalk.

Not all runway trends are racewear-friendly, but add texture – and a little drama – to a Derby Day look with a fringed skirt, as seen on the catwalks of Jil Sander and Missoni. You can opt for thick, “carwash” panels or stay flapper-adjacent with fine threads. Team with a white, man-style shirt and tie. Mini skirt with sequinned fringing, $369, BOSS.COM

DARK HORSE

Trench coat; Rami Malek.

Actor Rami Malek demonstrates the power of heavily trending top-to-toe black at the Yves Saint Laurent runway show (right) in Paris last month. Not only are you sticking to Derby Day’s duochrome dress code, there’s less risk of spills and grass stains. A trench coat worn over a suit in a lighter fabric serves spring style long after the last race has been called. Trench coat, $839.

HELLO, PETAL

Jonathan Bailey; “Billie” flower brooch.

There’s a flower code for every race day during Spring Carnival, but you can branch out on your own with a floral-inspired brooch. Adorned lapels have become quite the look, thanks to actors such as Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, Robert Downey Jr and Matthew McConaughey who’ve been bringing luxe sparkle to louche tailoring on the red carpet of late. And the good news? Your pick will be ready to bloom again in the autumn. “Billie” flower brooch, $150.

MINT CONDITION

Amiri catwalk; Linen suit jacket.

Get into the party spirit by following the lead of Amiri’s latest collection and select a suit in a colour rarely found in the workplace. Mint is a strong contender as the colour of the season and immediately signals to passers-by that your out-of-office is on. Wear a mint jacket with matching pants, summer-wedding style, or with bone pants for a pop of colour above the waist. Linen suit jacket, $299.

CALF MEASURES

Thom Browne “4 bar” socks; Eric Nam.

With the VRC recently changing its members’ dress code to accommodate tailored shorts suits, it’s time to elevate your sock game to knee-level or, at least, mid-calf. US singer Eric Nam (above) was all peppy-preppy at Thom Browne’s latest runway show in schoolboy striped socks by the designer. Remember, shorts need to be tailored and to the knee: anything else just won’t cut it. Thom Browne “4 bar” socks, $270.

SLIM SHADY

“Arena” hat.

You don’t have to be at the country races to saddle up for the western trend that’s been sweeping fashion since Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter. A wide-brimmed hat adds drama to any suit and, arguably, is far more fascinating than an embellished headband. Sun or rain protection is an added bonus. Look to luxury labels such as Celine or try something closer to home from Akubra. “Arena” hat, $330.

GET SHIRTY

Jimmy Fallon; “Bengal-stripe” shirt.

The races can be the perfect occasion to mix a little business with pleasure. Elevate your stake and take a style cue from American TV host Jimmy Fallon, who emboldens navy-and-white stripes with the formality of a white collar. This shirt seals the deal with white or navy suits, but be warned: combining it with a pattern would be a gamble. “Bengal-stripe” shirt, $899.

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