Girls it’s finally here the Spring Racing Carnival, the excuse to buy several new outfits that compliment your individuality from head to toe. There are rules though, racing is one of modern societies only events were an extremely strict dress code still applies so take note and be the prize wining fashion on the field filly this year. Take your hat off to tradition and kick up your heels in proper winning circle style.
1) Firstly and most importantly do not leave home without a hat and not just any hat, for Spring Carnival the hats must be straw. Felt is Autumn Carnival so don’t make the mistake of wearing the wrong base.
2) A fascinator is not a hat. That’s right it may be news to some people but fascinators are in fact not fascinating at all. If you do not want to wear a full on hat then get a well-designed headpiece, but a feather on your head does not constitute a hat.
3) A hat adds allure to an outfit, it evokes a character within us, so find a hat that suits you and your style and match it your handbag and accessories, which should compliment your dress but not match it. Get your dress, shoes and bag first then spoil yourself by visiting a proper milliner who can create a hat that suits your face, outfit and personality. The best thing about hats is that once you have a few good basic hats you can have them re-trimmed and blocked each year to suit a new outfit. They are one of the most versatile items a woman can own.
4) This Spring we all have permission to tip our hats to the original queen of millinery Coco Chanel. Think of her little boater and doll hats with their simple ribbon and flower trimmings. The boater is back from Madeline’s school hat with a long trailing bow to the Edwardian gentlemen’s and late the vaudeville stars more enigmatic takes on this ever so adorable embellishment. Don your thinking cap and tie your outfit together with a grosgrain ribbon and tiny antique jewel or flower arrangement that matches the tones of your accessories.
5) Wear shoes you can walk in! I am a big lover of the statement heel but the race course is not their best friend if they’re to pointy you will sink if you are on the grass and let’s face it the races can be a long a day so make sure you are confident and comfortable in your shoes.
6) Leave the skimpy dress at home please. The racecourse is still a place of elegance, even if you have had too many champagnes at least you can do so in a ladylike fashion. The races are a special occasion; so take the opportunity to dress up. Take a page out of all the elegant ladies of by gone era’s books and celebrate the art of dressing to embellish and enhance from head to toe. And if you’re lost then follow the wisdom of Miss Chanel once more and just stick with the unfailing attire of black.
7) Skirt and top ensembles are great this Spring, not only do they give you the opportunity to mix and match different textures and bold statements of colour with intricate prints and embellishments but it means you walk away with two great additions to your wardrobe that can be teamed with many a different item to create a whole other look! The one shoulder silhouette is also big this year.
Lace it up. A little bit of lace goes a long way whether it is stockings, gloves a hat trimming or an outfit base. Lace is always feminine and alluring when worn in the right way and to the right extent.
9) Take time to plan your outfit. Fashion takes time and style takes consideration and appreciation so don’t leave it to the last minute and grab something out of the back of your wardrobe. Take pride in your appearance and keep your make up simple and minimalist it will stay on better and compliment your outfit without competing with it.
10) Be fearless. Don’t be afraid to wear a splash of color or bold hat, we get very few opportunities in life to parade our very own style. Take all of the unique elements within yourself and allow them to unravel themselves into something natural. The races always have been and still are one of the foregrounds for fashion revelations so don’t be afraid to stand out because that’s what life is all about and what better way to do it than in an magnificent outfit.
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