If you’ve secured yourself a ticket to the races, chances are you’re already racking your brain and planning for the perfect races outfit. When it comes to racing attire, elegance, style, and sophistication lead the way. The stakes to be the best dressed are higher than ever, and you can be sure that the competition will be fierce. In today’s article, we have a look at 6 tips for achieving that wow factor with your races outfit, so read on to find out more!
1. The Perfect Mix of Style and Substance
No outfit is complete without the perfect handbag, and finding a bag that will complement your outfit and serve practical use is key. If you don’t want to spend too much money on accessories (after all, we know how much time, effort and money it takes to create the perfect outfit), then looking into getting yourself a second-hand Louis Vuitton handbag or even just simply renting a stylish designer bag for the day is always recommended. Be sure to pick a big enough bag to hold items such as your phone, keys, and wallet, but be sure not to choose an oversized bag that will shadow your gorgeous outfit.
2. Fascinate With Your Fascinator
Anyone who loves the races knows that a racing outfit is not complete without the addition of a gorgeous fascinator. Fascinators come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are often inexpensive and easily obtainable additions to your look. When choosing the perfect fascinator for your perfect outfit, we recommend that you make sure your fascinator matches the colour scheme of your outfit. In terms of size and design, the world is your oyster. Some stand out options for anyone who truly wants to shine include the butterfly wreath fascinator, the classic Rayon Kentucky Derby Hat or even a simple yet elegant flower crown that truly embraces spring in all its glory.
3. Familiarise Yourself With Dress Codes
When it comes to the races, each event that you attend has its own dress code. This is why it is so important that you do your research to pick the perfect outfit for every day. Generally, Derby Day is all about the classic black and white attire (think tuxedos and elegant black dresses), whilst Melbourne Cup is all about colourful prints and pops of colour. Oaks Day embraces floral, feminine and whimsical, so think gorgeous floral printed frocks for the ladies and bold shirts for the lads!
Unless you plan on going to the races regularly it can get pretty costly buying new dresses so one way to keep the cost down is to find race day dresses for hire. That way you can wear designer at just a fraction of the price.
4. Don’t Forget Hair and Makeup
The perfect outfit is always complemented with stylish hair and makeup. Depending on the look you are going for, you must ensure your makeup and hairstyle choices are based on your outfit and your fascinator. If you’re not entirely sure of what makeup look you should be going for, have a look at this very helpful article which brings you through 5 different looks that you can embrace on race day.
5. Take Care Of Those Nimble Feet
It is so important to remember that you’ll be spending most of your time on your feet on race day, which is why choosing footwear that is comfortable is key. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up on stylish shoes, though. Choosing options such as a pair of elegant wedges that provide ample foot support or a pair of simple ankle strap sandals will ensure that you don’t end up with painful blisters at the end of the day (stilettos or six-inch heels are definite no-nos). Choosing a block heel or wedge is also the best option to ensure that your shoes don’t sink into the lawn!
6. Confidence Is Key
Last but not least, confidence is key. You can make any outfit a true showstopper if you wear it with pride. Although it may be tempting to compare your outfit or look to the thousands of people around you, we always recommend that you avoid making comparisons and instead rock whatever outfit you’re in. It’s not so much what you wear, but how you wear it, so feel free to channel your creativity and unique fashion sense through your outfit of choice. There’s no way someone with confidence can ever fail!
Building the perfect outfit for race day is somewhat like conducting a symphony – every small bit plays its part, and once all components come together, you’re rewarded with a showstopper that is sure to turn heads wherever you go. We hope that this article has inspired you to channel your inner creativity and style this race season, and all the best!