Review as featured in Only Melbourne
With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, it is necessary to step onto the field in style and that doesn’t mean spending more than you can bet on the horses!
Keep the following simple steps in mind when putting together your racing outfit:
Dress for your shape and not necessarily what’s on the catwalk …
For those with a slim physique, it is thought that you can wear almost anything. True, but be careful that your body doesn’t look boyish or shapeless. Instead, focus on an area like your legs and wear a dress that is feminine and chic. This doesn’t necessarily mean frills and lace. Instead, opt for a hemline just above your knee and a fabric that is light and breathable like cotton or even a blend of poly-cotton so to avoid creases. If your waist needs some defining, add a slim belt that adds as a contrast to the rest of your outfit.
Hourglass figures should either opt for dresses that are not figure-hugging or made from clingy fabrics. Opt for an A-line dress that contours your bust with a v-neck or yolk neckline for those with a long face, or a two-piece suit of cropped ¾ sleeve jacket and A-line skirt that sits just above the knees or mid-calf. If your dress can be complimented with a belt make sure that if sits under your bust, but avoid wearing a belt at your waist if your hips are wider than your shoulders.
Accessorize – but only in moderation …
Bling is definitely in but not from head to toe. If your outfit is made from embellished material, then think simple and understated. Opt for a classic, slim watch with delicate earrings and bare neck.
If your outfit is made with plain material or looks a little bare then accessorize with understated in mind, but allow for a necklace and bracelet. Try to avoid looking like a Christmas tree with decorations and do not wear watch, bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings as this will take away from your outfit.
If the shoe fits …
It is true that a heel will make the world of difference in making your outfit ‘work’, but make sure that your shoes fit – literally. It has happened to all of us at one stage where we spot a truly divine pair of heels and after trying to squeeze out feet in we can already imagine the blisters and sores that will eventuate. Stop! Avoid this trap of temptation and in the shoe store, try to walk in the shoes on hard floors instead of carpet. If your little toes are turning red take those Cinderella shoes off and try again.
Avoid stilettos unless you are used to pin-thin heels. A heel that is more than ten centimetres high will take its toll so opt for the lower kind, or even wedge heels that will stabilize your step as you walk along the green. Steer clear of chunky, heavy looking heels as bad shoes can ruin your outfit. What’s worse than a beautiful dress that is complimented superbly with accessories but spoilt with ugly shoes! If you tower over everyone’s head, choose some metallic flats or shoes with a small heel.
Hats or fascinators? …
This is really a personal choice but remember that big and bold à la Carmen Miranda is not necessarily the look you want to go for. Instead, choose a hat or fascinator that matches the colour of your outfit or one that adds a little sparkle with the addition of diamanté’s. And don’t forget that if your outfit is colourful to start off with then wear a hat or fascinator that finds the balance between understated and stylish.
For the creative out there or the milliner in you, start off with a clear hair clip, sinamay and feathers that are all available from craft stores.
Shoes and handbag to match …
Not necessarily true. If you are fortunate enough to find shoes and handbags made from the same fabric then snap up your window of fashion opportunity, but for the rest out us out there, there is an abundance of handbags that will match any shoe.
It is true that black goes with everything but watch out for your shoes overpowering your outfit in a bad way. Generally, black and metallic shoes will go with most outfits and can be matched with the same colour bag or to the same or similar colour of your outfit.
Clutch or strap? Bear in mind whether you will be seated with a glass of champers or standing in a marquee with food and drink at the ready. If you fall in the latter category it’s best to have a clutch with a strap so that you can hold your wine and pick at finger food with free hands. Although, if you choose to carry a clutch, make sure that it can be tucked under your arms as you enjoy your cocktails!
Avoid taking a handbag that you wear everyday with half of your kitchen sink in it. Select the necessities: money, only necessary make up, compact Jiffies for sore feet at the end of the day, and perhaps a compact umbrella for Melbourne’s unexpected weather.
For the gentleman …
Guys, you really can’t go wrong with a suit, a crisp shirt, a colourful or artistic-looking tie, clean shoes and plain socks – that’s right, match your socks to the colour of your suit and make sure that they are long enough when you sit down so not to reveal your legs! Avoid short hemlines that sit an inch above your shoes and reveal your socks.
… So remember, simplicity with a hint of style and sophistication will prep you well for Fashion on the Field this spring.
Posted by starryeyedchameleon 