Spring Racing Archives - Page 3 of 7

6 big spring racing trends that you need to know

17th October, 2019

Are you gearing up for Melbourne Cup? Prepping your look for Derby Day? If you’re headed to any of the key racing events during spring racing then you’re no doubt considering your look. From headwear to shoes, accessories and the outfit itself, it can be hard to figure out what to wear that’s on trend, yet sticks to the specific dress code.

I’ve got a number of events to attend, not to mention my reporting commitments for 7 Racing, which means I have plenty of outfits to lock in and I have to be on top of what’s trending. This season there’s plenty of key trends to try and I’m embracing a number of them throughout the next few weeks. Here are a few of the big ones to look out for…

A sharp skirt suit is a great option for spring racing

Sharp suiting

Traditional suiting is always a failsafe but the best part of what’s on offer this season is that it’s being done in a fresh, modern way. There’s a suit iteration that will work according to every taste, budget and dress code.

I’m a big fan of bold colours when it comes to a power suit, particularly pink which is fun and playful but so contemporary at the same time. Also look out for interesting finishing touches such as contrasting lapels and statement shoulders which ensure that your suit makes an impact. If you want to add a touch of glam, embrace a little satin which can take your suit next-level.

Also think beyond the traditional pants and jacket combination. You can go for a skirt or shorts to change up the look and give it a fresh spin.

Mini accessories

The mini bag is such a huge trend and its diminutive presence will be seen everywhere during spring racing season. You can do a little bag that will hold your main essentials or alternatively you can go super tiny like this and really downsize what you carry with you.

80s revival

The 80s are back! This time around we’re embracing the key silhouettes from the decade including puffed shoulders, high necklines, cinched in waists and the bell sleeve. As far as accessories go embrace a little glam by adding a diamond belt to your look, whilst padded headbands are the perfect way to embrace the trend and tick the headwear box at the same time.

Modern millinery

Hats will always be in but we are seeing headwear runway trends also filter into racing dressing now. Hair accessories are huge at the moment and is one way to tick the headwear box in a different way. Think beautiful hair clips, bows, anything with pearl embellishments and a polished headband. If you’re considering wearing clips, you can double the impact by wearing two at the same time. It gives the look something extra and modernises it.

Working a pink and yellow colour palette into my look

Bold Colours

Don’t be afraid to turn up the saturation during spring racing and embrace big, bold colours. You can opt for vibrant shades of orange, yellow or gold which can all brighten up any look. Alternatively adopt rich hues of purple and pink to lift an ensemble and instantly make it pop.

Longer hemlines

I’ve always erred on the side of conservative when it comes to outfits for the races and this year it’s made even easier by the popularity of longer hemlines. If you’re thinking of dresses or skirts for spring racing, go for a maxi or midi style to look on trend whilst ensuring that you respect the dress code at the same time. Win-win.

Fashion

Your guide to spring racing dress codes

14th October, 2019

There are a few key days in the spring racing carnival calendar that will require you to dress in a certain way. It’s important to respect these dress codes and choose an outfit fitting of the day. One of the key things to remember is that whatever look you go for is that it maintain an element of polish. So leave overly casual things like denim and sneakers at home and instead enjoy this opportunity to get dressed up. Make sure that you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing as a day at the races can be long so you don’t want to constantly be fidgeting or adjusting something or worse having to hobble along in uncomfortable heels for the rest of the day. It’s a big no-no to take your shoes off at the races so be sure to have broken them in beforehand and have put in additional padding to make walking or standing for long periods do-able. Overall take advantage of the fact you get to wear a great outfit and just enjoy the day!

Derby Day

Derby Day has a black and white dress code. You can either go for an all black or all white ensemble with accessories in either colour. Monochrome is a great colour palette to work with as it looks so chic and it’s relatively easy to pull pieces together given the colour scheme.

Melbourne Cup

As far as spring racing carnival go, Melbourne Cup is the day to go bold. It’s all about colour so you can either go for a vibrant shade or print. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries a little and be sure to have fun with your look —this is the day for it.

Oaks Day

Oaks Day is ladies day so the dress code is quite pretty and feminine. This is the time to embrace florals and soft pastels. Keep this theme going throughout your accessories and go for accoutrements that incorporate a slightly girly touch such as bold flowers or bows.

Stakes Day

There’s no formal dress code for Stakes Day but it is family day so it’s the most casual and relaxed of all the key dates in the spring racing calendar. Whilst there’s no strict colour scheme or stipulations on what should be worn on the day it’s still important that whatever outfit you choose is polished and elegant.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Brighten Up

12th October, 2019

It was another day of reporting duties for 7 Racing today and it called for another vibrant look. I tend to incorporate a little colour into my outfit whenever I’m on camera so this Rachel Gilbert dress fit the brief perfectly. I love the unexpected contrast of pink and orange in the houndstooth pattern on this mini dress. And let’s not forget the sequins! I’m all about a long sleeved dress right now as I think it looks elegant and modern and the style helps to make sequins a little more day time appropriate.

It can be tricky to find the right colours to work back with such a distinct colour palette so I played it safe with neutral pieces. A white headpiece by Nerida Winter and small structured Bulgari bag were able to work back with the dress without being overwhelming. I find anything in white can be complementary whilst still being able to hold its own. I wanted to wear heels with a unique design and these Scanlan Theodore pointed slides were the ideal option—the perforated effect gave them a point of difference and an edgy feel.

Credits: Dress, Rachel Gilbert; Head Piece, Nerida Winter; Shoes, Scanlan Theodore; Bag, Bulgari

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Cherry Bomb

5th October, 2019

For reporting duties with 7 Racing I wanted something that was vibrant and feminine and couldn’t look past this beautiful cerise Camilla and Marc mini dress. The rich colour gives the frock some drama, whilst the fitted silhouette complemented by the oversized balloon sleeves, was a great contrast in proportions. Also I’m always a fan of anything with a dramatic detail and I love the open back feature of this dress and the lace panelling on the side.

With volume at play, I knew my accessories needed to be quite streamlined. I opted for minimalist black heels which subtly complemented my dress without overwhelming it. I then added a Nerida Winter headpiece—something sleek and understated whilst my Fendi top handle bag was the perfect little accessory to add a dainty touch to my entire look.

Credits: Dress, Camilla and Marc; Headpiece, Nerida Winter; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Bag, Fendi.

Fashion, Shop, What I Wore

What I Wore: Seed Heritage Spring Racing Luncheon

4th October, 2019

Spring racing is upon us and that means it’s time to start thinking of what to wear trackside. Putting together a race day outfit can become expensive if you have to factor in every aspect of your look from a dress to shoes, jewellery and accessories. I’m all about finding ways to make it a more cost effective exercise, which is why I was thrilled to host Seed Heritage’s Spring Racing Luncheon. The whole event was about showcasing beautiful race day looks that were elegant and on trend and would definitely elevate your next ensemble at the races.

I wore a co-ord set from the collection, featuring a plissé finish which was both polished and sophisticated. The crisp white colour is also ideal for spring, giving the entire look a fresh feel that’s perfect for this time of year. I always like to err on the side of conservative with any race day looks and the midi length of the skirt and the long balloon sleeves are a way to to do this whilst still looking on trend.

I went for a few accessories which all added an element of interest to my look. A pair of mules with a transparent strap offered an edgy feature to my outfit. I then worked a pearl headband and pearl hoops into my ensemble to complement the classic feel of the set, whilst a white shoulder bag offered the perfect finishing touch.

Photography by Liz Sunshine / Street Smith Agency

Shop the Look:

Top, skirt, bag and shoes, Seed Heritage (new season, not out yet)

Headband: Pearl Headband, Seed Heritage

Earrings: Simple Pearl Hoops, Seed Heritage

Fashion, What I Wore

A touch of Paris at the races

14th November, 2018

Like most women I’ve always had a huge appreciation for beautiful jewellery. I’ve always admired the craftsmanship that goes into each piece and also the story that each design tells. So I was thrilled to be able to work with French jewellery house Chaumet for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Founded in 1780, it quickly became the official jeweller for Empress Josephine. Its collections today are still handcrafted in Paris’ place Vendôme, with each piece having a sophisticated and timeless Parisian sensibility.

I wore Chaumet pieces for each of my looks for the key spring racing days and was spoilt for choice with Chaumet’s three unique universes to choose from. Each universe — Josephine, Liens and Jardins is a unique collection with a distinct aesthetic and personality. The Josephine universe echoes the history of the brand, with elegant pieces that are designed to make a statement. Jardins has a whimsical feel, incorporating a slightly more playful nature whilst Liens is about sentimental pieces that are designed to make special moments in life.

I am the first to admit I had a ball picking out pieces but without a doubt the one I was most excited about was wearing the Josephine Aigrette Imperiale tiara at Derby Day. Chaumet is known as the house of the tiara, having created over 2000 tiaras since its inception, so I was in expert hands. The first time I tried it on I definitely had my very own princess moment. Images don’t do the tiara justice — it really was exquisite. Made of 18-carat white gold and dotted with 212 brilliant cut diamonds, it added a touch of sparkle to my monochrome look and was a definite conversation piece throughout the day.

For Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day and Stakes Day I was able to wear a few pieces from the various collections, and each definitely gave my outfits a special touch. What I liked most was that each design was unique and had a standout element whether it be an interesting shape or a gorgeous stone and all elevated my looks — as only a striking piece of jewellery can.

If you want to get up close and personal with these beautiful pieces you can head to Chaumet’s boutiques in Westfield Sydney and Chadstone Shopping Centre

Having a princess moment at Derby Day in the Josephine tiara

The incredible Josephine tiara in detail

Wearing the Hortensia Eden earrings and ring at Melbourne Cup

Adding a bit of sparkle to my look with the Jeux de Liens bracelets

Understated elegance at Oaks Day wearing the Josephine Aigrette earrings and rings

The insanely beautiful Josephine Aigrette ring and wedding band (if you’re getting married seriously consider it)

Elevating my look with a few Chaumet pieces at Stakes Day

This post was produced in collaboration with Chaumet

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: 2018 Stakes Day

10th November, 2018

Of all the days in the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Stakes Day is the most relaxed so I wanted to change things up a bit and veer away from dress territory. I couldn’t resist these pastel yellow pants and dramatic top by Jacquemus. The colour is fun and vibrant — perfect for a spring racing event. The top with its asymmetric silhouette and statement tie also adds a touch of drama to the look.

I was immediately sold when I saw these Ferragamo heels, most especially the gold column heel which adds a glamorous detail to such an understated design. In keeping with the trend for all things raffia, I opted for this Miu Miu clutch which has a light, summery feel and provided the perfect complementary accessory to the suit.

With such a strong outfit, I wanted to add some slightly softer pieces when it came to my jewellery. The pendant and bracelet from Chaumet features an adorable bow design, whilst the ring (which I also wore to Melbourne Cup) features a sweet floral design, all pieces that I think add a distinctly feminine, yet still understated feel to my look. To top off my look I went for a simple black straw hat by Nerida Winter—a sleek design that was the perfect finishing touch.

Credits: Pants & Top, Jacquemus; Bag, Miu Miu; Shoes (in black), Ferragamo; Headpiece, Nerida Winter; Jewellery, Chaumet

Photography: Dan Castano