Spring Racing season is upon us and is the one time of the year that you can style beyond your day-to-day look and be a little bit extra! Whether you’re a punter, avid Fashions On The Field follower, or simply enjoy being trackside, the elegant season brings with it colour and excitement.
Dressing for the races is different to dressing for a night out, with outfits coordinated head to toe. There are number of style guidelines to follow, think no denim or casual sneakers, but in general the key is to keep it elegant and timeless; with longer hemlines for the ladies and a tailored jacket for the men. Don’t let the idea of coordinating an outfit become overwhelming, it’s much easier than you think. Here are some quick styling tips and 2022 Spring Racing trends to get you started.
Women’s Trends
When selecting an outfit to wear to the races, the easiest option is to pick your clothing first and then coordinate your accessories, bag and shoes. There are a number of spring trends in 2022 that cater to all Spring Racing needs, starting with a pop of bold colour. Cue’s selection of colourful dresses with long hemlines and high necklines are the epitome of Spring Racing style. Embrace bold prints that make a statement with Sass & Bide’s Sweet Nothing black and white print, which is available in a dress, skirt and top option, so you can cater the style to easily suit your body shape – this monochrome print is perfect for any race day, and will easily match with accessories. If you’re not wanting to wear a dress to the races, you can opt for the classic suit. This style dominated the Spring Racing style scene in 2021 and maintains its status in 2022. Cue’s signature suits are the perfect option for a more structured style that standout. For a chic white suit, head to Manning Cartell or Carla Zampatti, while Viktoria & Woods’s acid blue Archangel blazer and Cupid pants are a soft co-ord, that exudes spring vibes. Both suits would easily match with neutral shoes and accessories or a vibrant colour addition.
Something For The Men
It’s just as important for the men to get as dressed up as the women. It doesn’t matter what the weather throws at you, a classic linen suit is a win. Country Road’s lightweight and breathable linen suit in stone is the ultimate Spring Racing essential, as it easily allows you to team it with a classic white or colourful printed shirt. Step out of your comfort fashion zone with M.J.Bale’s three-piece seersucker suit. The traditional blue and white pants, waist coat and jacket combination, is a striking set, that is guaranteed to get you noticed. Add some blue loafers and a navy pocket square and you’re ready to enter the Fashions On The Field or Best Dressed contest. Colour is always encouraged at the races, but if your style is more subdued, then opt for a colourful shirt. Team a printed shirt, such as Trenery’s Tumble Foliage print shirt, with smart chino pants and blazer. It’s all about pushing the boundaries and wearing something you normally wouldn’t wear to dinner with friends, so don’t be shy.
Heads Up!
Traditionally, if you’re attending the races trackside, you should be donning a hat, but if you’re attending a more relaxed Melbourne Cup event, you can opt for a less-formal option. We all have a frilly fascinator that sits in a box all year until it’s racing season. It’s time to update your headwear and say farewell to your old trusty fascinator. Embellished and padded headbands are the Spring Racing hair accessory of 2022. David Jones has a selection of headbands available in all different colours and styles; featured embellishments, bold colour and black and white options. If you’re chasing a print, then opt for a striking headband from Camilla. A colourful headband is an easy accessory to throw on with a new dress or one you already have in your wardrobe, simply match your shoes and handbag and you’re set for the day. If you love Spring Racing for the chance to be able to wear a beautiful hat, then David Jones has a selection of classic boaters and hats specifically designed for Spring Racing. Hat tip? Make sure it fits your head perfectly, so you don’t spend the day having to adjust or holding it if it falls off. For the men, a classic fedora is a timeless addition to an outfit, but 2022 sees the return of the snap cap. The classically stylish cap is a softer statement piece that will add that final touch to an outfit. David Jones has a selection of styles of caps, as well as traditional fedoras. Gazman also has classic safari style wide brim hats in natural or classic blue.
Accessories
Ladies, your shoes, bag and headpieces don’t all have to match. Traditionally your heels should match your bag, but this is more of a guide than a hard rule, just ensure that they complement each other. When it comes to picking shoes, ensure they are comfortable. When looking at high-heels, remember that you’re standing in them for hours. Opt for a mid-heel and that isn’t paper thin, the thicker the heel the more support. Wittner has a range of heel heights and sizes, plus beautiful citrus and pink hues that will stand out in the crowd and elevate an outfit. Keep in mind that pink is the colour of 2022. More is more when it comes to Spring Racing style, so adding a colourful clutch and statement jewellery is also favoured. For the men, a pocket square, tie, bow-tie or even a colourful pair of socks wouldn’t go astray. Accessories are the easiest way to dress-up an outfit, and a colourful pocket square is a Spring Racing trend that never dates. For 2022, pocket squares are boasting geometric patterns, stripes and dots. It’s less about floral print and more about bold shades of pink, blue and green.
