Sunday 23 October 2011

RaceWear Dos and Donts

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big believer of wearing what I want, which usually means jeans. However, if you're interested in attending the races, it's also worth knowing the etiquette of dressing for the races.

1. Straw is for Spring, Felt is for Winter.
The majority of people get this right, as it just makes sense to pair a spring dress with a straw hat, and a winter dress / outfit with a felt hat. But its worth mentioning, as I've seen the occasional felt hat during the Spring Racing Carnival. Having said that, if it works with your outfit, this rule is made to be bent.

2. Dress length.
The recommendation is just above the knee (or longer).  I know a lot of girls like to wear short dresses to the races - I'm sure the men appreciate it too. But the idea is to look elegant, and it's often difficult to pull that off in a short dress (I'm sure we've all seen uploads on YouTube of women sprawled on the grass after one too many drinks, flashing all and sundry).
Ideal length, and doesn't she look great?

Its also worth checking the length at the back.
 3. Avoid shoestring and strapless.
The recommendation is to avoid shoestring or strapless dresses, and to aim for something a little more covered. If you do decide to one of the two, it's often a very good idea to make sure you have some support underneath.Try adding a lace or similar short jacket as a compromise, it often adds a nice touch of coverage to a race outfit that is a bit more revealing.
Avoid the strapless dress for the races, especially one that has no structure.
4. Avoid certain fabrics.
Its always a good idea to avoid sequins, as is avoiding sheer fabrics with no lining layer.

A lining layer would have improved the top. And hidden those shorts.
5. Wear some sort of headwear.
Whether a hat or a fascinator, while not compulsory, it is highly recommended. If you're uncertain of what to wear with your outfit, I'm happy to answer questions and give you some ideas.

Hope this helps you choose an outfit for the races this spring!

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