Fashion, Fashion & Beauty, Lifestyle & Social

Race wear tips for autumn racing carnival from celeb stylist Jess Pecoraro

1st April, 2019

With her work including dressing celebs and styling major campaigns, it’s no wonder that stylist Jess Pecoraro has been appointed the official stylist for autumn racing carnival by the ATC. Which makes it all the most exciting to be working with her again this autumn racing season to pull together a number of my race day looks. With her clientele including everyone from Jesinta Franklin to model Georgia Fowler, if there’s one thing Jess knows how to do it’s pull together a showstopping look, no matter the occasion. Here she shares the major trends to look out for during autumn racing season, her big no-nos when it comes to trackside looks and how to do racewear on a budget.

Chatting with stylist Jess Pecoraro

What are the rules when it comes to race wear?
Racing styles in Sydney continues to evolve every season allowing race goers to be more fashion forward while still holding traditions such as felt millinery for winter and straw for summer, hem lines that are no shorter than above the knee and ties and bow ties for the gents.  

What are the biggest trends for this racing season? 
Women’s suiting is still a front runner for autumn racing, yet this season we are seeing a more structured style with waist belts and cinched in blazers, or cropped style blazers to add a more feminine touch. Separates are also a great option allowing race goers to re-wear items after race day and of course it wouldn’t be a racing season without a must-have dress. This season it’s all about volume, a dress with a statement sleeve or a skirt adding that extra wow factor. 

Styled by Jess Pecoraro for Golden Slipper
Image via https://www.instagram.com/p/BvVzT7bAYvV/

What colours are we expecting to see this season on the track?
Colour-wise we are seeing lots of shades of blues, as well as burgundy and pink tones yet I think neutrals will definitely dominate this season especially by the use of textured fabrics which add an extra element to a look. Tonal dressing will also be a strong trend this season and it will allow race goers to go for a more simple style yet still make a statement with a head-to-toe tonal look. 

We are seeing a lot of women’s suiting this season – do you think we’ll see this at the track? If so, what are your favourite women’s suiting trends?
Suiting is something we will see a lot of this season trackside as most Australian designers such as Camilla and Marc and Manning Cartell are focusing on suiting for A/W19. I am loving a more structured suit this season as well as a jacket and skirt style suit. 

What designers are a go-to for racing fashion?
We are very fortunate to have some amazing Australian designers who really have some showstoppers for racing season yet my go-tos are always Dion Lee, Camilla and Marc, Toni Maticevski and Aje. All are quite different and each have really solid brand DNA which I think is extremely important yet always cover great race ready looks.

What headwear trends can we expect to see this season?
We are seeing a lot of simple headpieces this season such as hair clips, velvet and leather headbands and small bows which is great for race goers that want a more subtle look. Yet of course, we will still see a lot of traditional style pieces.

Who are your favourite milliners? 
Nerida Winter is always a go-to for me as she creates everything from traditional millinery with a twist, to fashion forward hats. For headbands Viktoria Novak is a favourite especially her latest velvet collection which is beautiful. I am also a huge fan of international designers such as Prada and Gucci who always have a fun hair accessory in each collection and this season have a few great pieces which race goers could wear later.

What’s your best advice for selecting a race day outfit on a budget? 
Separates are always great as they can later be styled back with other pieces in your wardrobe for other events. Shopping at Zara and H&M are also great options as they always have trend driven pieces which will always look great and on a budget. 

Who are you most excited about seeing this carnival season in terms of pushing the fashion boundaries and taking risks?
I always get excited seeing what people wear for fashions on the field as I think they always love to push the boundaries and also spend a lot of time preparing their looks. 

What are the biggest no-nos when it comes to racing fashion?
Mini skirts and dresses and anything that screams out nightclub vibe. 

Where/who do you draw your inspiration from when you are choosing a race day outfit?
Most of my inspiration comes from overseas shows or past campaign images, it’s crazy how just one simple image can give you an idea for a look.

What is your advice when it comes to selecting the perfect shoe for your outfit at the track?
Comfort is a must as you want something that works with your outfit you also have to think about being able to stand for over six hours. 

If you want to be a little daring this autumn carnival season, what would you suggest would be a fun yet trending look?
Accessories with a fun shoe or headpiece I think is a great way to be a little daring without breaking racing rules. 

For more of Jess’ work check out jesspecoraro.com or #styledbyjesspecoraro

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