racewear Archives - Kate Waterhouse

What I Wore: Kentucky Derby

12th May, 2023

Experimenting with patterns, profiles and hues is one of the things I love best about racewear. Attending any race day is of course underpinned by looking polished at all times, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore the dress code in myriad ways. For another incredible day at the Kentucky Derby, I wanted to go all out and embrace all things colour. The Kentucky Derby is all about embracing colourful attire so as soon as I saw this mosaic-like dress by Rebecca Vallance I knew it would be perfect for the occasion. The striking kaleidoscope effect makes a statement but I love the softness it evokes with the puffed sleeves and the knotted bodice. Also, the maxi style feels very contemporary, tapping into the current trend towards longer hemlines.

The jewel tones in the dress inspired the accessories I wore, starting with the orange Nerida Winter straw hat. What sets the Kentucky Derby apart from other sporting events in the US is that attendees are required to wear hats or fascinators, and ever since the 1960s, it’s been all about embracing extravagant designs when it comes to headwear. The bold, oversized brim coupled with the vibrant hue and veil definitely nailed the brief. I loved that it embraced the vibrancy of the dress, and added a playful hit of colour to the outfit while honouring the race day dress code. Additionally, I wanted to highlight the emerald tones in the dress so this acrylic clutch by Katherine Land was a great fit. With its marbled effect and curved lines, it was the ideal finishing touch to this ensemble.

Credits: Dress, Rebecca Vallance; Heels, Jimmy Choo; Hat, Nerida Winter; Bag, Katherine Land

This post was produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Derby

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What I Wore: Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala

12th May, 2023

I always love flying the flag for Australian designers whenever I’m attending events overseas. This jewel-toned Toni Maticevski gown was perfect for attending the ultra glam event, the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala. The star-studded event, with everyone from NFL star Patrick Mahomes and actor Chris Pine in attendance, had a black-tie dress code so it definitely called for a gown. Toni Maticevski is a designer I’ve worn to many an occasion and his designs never fail to hit the mark. His aesthetic is always so polished, yet his gowns always have a unique design feature or an elegant flourish that makes them stand out in all the right ways. It’s a super sleek and understated design but is elevated by the gorgeous grape hue of the dress, and the classic off the shoulder neckline. The subtle split helps finish the entire look, giving this dress a very after dark feel.

I’m a huge fan of all things sparkly for events wear! What better opportunity to wear pieces with luxe detailing. This crystal embellished clutch bag brought all the glitz and sparkle, adding some glam to this look. These shoes are also a party personified, with its glittery finish and crystal embellished straps. The pointed toe keeps it looking classic but those finishing touches give it a festive feel befitting of a gala event.

Credits: Dress, Toni Maticevski; Bag and shoes, Jimmy Choo

This post was produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Derby

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What I Wore: Chandon Ladies Day

12th March, 2022

Autumn racing is off and running, and one of the first events in my calendar was Chandon Ladies Day at Rosehill Racecourse. I was on reporting duties for 7 Racing so I needed a look that was ultra feminine. I worked with stylist Jess Pecoraro for this outfit and we eventually settled on this look, which incorporated graduating shades of lilac. I’ve always found that wearing one hue, from top to bottom can be really impactful, particularly when you can feature it in varying tones of the one colour. It was all about this slinky midi length Acler dress, which draped so beautifully. The one shoulder and the cinched waist with D ring belt helped to add extra layers of visual interest and helped elevate the dress.

Accessories are always critical to an autumn racing look, and this deep lilac Louis Vuitton bag was the perfect complementary piece to the softer shade of the dress. The debossed monogram and the oversized chain link strap allowed me to incorporate some textural elements to the dress, while the Fendi wedges with its sculptural ‘F’ heel and colour block straps, added the ideal finishing feature to the dress. As always headwear is so important for any racing look so we went for a simple Nerida Winter headband that was in keeping with the whole colour palette, but had an elegant simplicity that allowed the rest of the look to take centre stage.

Credits: Dress, Acler; Bag, Louis Vuitton; Heels, Fendi; Headband, Nerida Winter

Styling: Jess Pecoraro

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

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What I Wore: 2022 Magic Millions

18th January, 2022

I was back on race day reporting duties for Seven Racing and the first event to kick start the year was the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. I wanted something elegant but with a light and airy vibe, so opted for a muted yellow and white combination, which worked well with the Sunshine State location. This Rachel Gilbert dress, with its high neckline and subtly ruched bodice was just the right level of polish for a day in front of the camera, and I liked how it had a slightly textured effect to add interest. I think the maxi length also worked well for the occasion—this dress would definitely be perfect for an event such as a wedding or a fancy dinner.

I stuck with a white colour palette for my accoutrements, which worked well as a contrast hue against the yellow of my dress. My headpiece is always one of the most important considerations whenever I’m putting together a race day look, and this veiled piece by Ford Millinery definitely fit the brief. The floral embellishment helped elevate it without completely overpowering the look. I then went for a pair of white strappy heels with ring detail by Aje. They were the kind of comfy yet on trend shoe that I could see myself wearing to many an event. While a woven white Olga Berg clutch was the final touch.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Clutch, Olga Berg; Heels, Aje; Headpiece, Ford Millinery

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What I Wore: Everest Day

16th October, 2021

It feels so good to be back trackside after so many months away. I was back on reporting duties for 7 Racing at today’s Everest Day at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse and was so thrilled to be back doing what I love. Not to mention dressing up again! After months of living in loungewear and activewear it felt great to be putting on a nice outfit and all the rituals that go with a big event. Having my hair and makeup done and the lovely feeling that comes from feeling polished and put together is something that I’ve really missed. And what a look to kick things off with!

This white Scanlan Theodore midi dress has the most beautiful texture — the overlay resembles a cluster of flowers and in a crisp white I feel it just pops. It goes to show how a simple silhouette with just the right finishing touches can really elevate a look and give it some extra personality. Working with white is the perfect canvas for adding interesting accessories, and often it’s the perfect excuse to go bold. So I did. These cornflower blue heels, also by Scanlan Theodore were the perfect splash of colour this look needed and added an extra fun touch. As far as accessories go, I kept my hair sleek and simple, but added two Fendi hairclips to finish off the look. While a navy Fendi pouch was just the right elegant accessory to carry all my essentials, and teal sunglasses offered an extra hint of drama, perfectly offset by the freshness of the dress. All in all, a great ensemble to kick off the return to being at the races. Bring on more days like this!

Credits: Dress and shoes, Scanlan Theodore; Bag and clips, Fendi

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

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What I Wore: Chandon Ladies Day

14th March, 2020

What better look for Chandon Ladies Day than one that celebrates such beautiful shades of pink. I wanted to wear a strong look but still incorporate ultra feminine touches and I thought this gorgeous Acler suit perfectly fit the brief. The dual double breasted feature gave it a unique point of difference and a modern silhouette while the two toned effect is bold and vibrant.

I wanted strong accessories for this particular look. For an on trend touch I opted for my Bottega Veneta square toe mesh heels while a felt fedora by Sarah R Curtis was the ideal headpiece. To finish off the ensemble I went with a statement necklace by Aje, and a grey Dior bag to provide the perfect contrast piece to my suit.

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Credits: Suit, Acler; Shoes, Bottega Veneta; Hat, Sarah R Curtis; Necklace, Aje; Bag, Dior

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What I Wore: The Championships

11th April, 2019

I love a monochrome dress code so I was excited to attend Derby Day at The Championships over the weekend as attire was all about black and white.

I went for a classic look for the day having found the ideal houndstooth print mini dress by Balmain to wear on the day. I loved being able to work a little old school glamour into my outfit via the dress but wanted to still maintain a modern feel with my accessories.

When it comes to monochrome I think gold is the ideal accent colour. So I incorporated a few gilded accessories into my look with a black and gold Victoria Novak headband and gold statement earrings by Clover accessories. I then kept things simple and sleek with black Aquazurra pumps and a dainty top handle Oroton bag.

I think there’s always something about autumn racing events that just inspire me to channel classic looks. And really how can you ever go wrong with the classics?

Photography by Paul McMillan