It absolutely amazes me how quickly a year goes by; it felt like yesterday that I was planning my outfits for the Spring Race season 2015. Here we are again a year later, waistline incrementally larger and the candles are just starting to cost more than my cake. Let’s face it, we attend for the excuse to go shopping and purchase brand new outfits to flaunt our fresh tan that we’d been tirelessly working on throughout winter – well at least, I do.
I only started attending race days last year and never realized how pricey millinery can be. Though I can appreciate the time and craftsmanship that goes into certain pieces – I struggle to justify fiscally on a purchase for a piece that can really only be worn once during the season. I can feel your credit card trembling from all the way here (here being the comforts of my bed) and can assure you that there is an economical way of accessorizing for the races when it comes to your headpieces! I’ve partnered with Lovisa to showcase some of their spring carnival range and have styled four looks specific to each of the Spring Carnival days in case you find yourself in a sartorial rut the week before.
Derby Day
Many of you may think that Derby Day would be my worst nightmare given my affliction to monochrome and addiction for colourful chaos. On the contrary, I found this look to be the easiest for me to style. With the resurgence of traditional tailoring in the form of pantsuits and wide legged trousers (thank you Saint Laurent for this hint of sophistication), it was a no-brainer for me to whip out my favorite Sonia Rykiel pantsuit. I chose to pair the crown with the pantsuit because this is what I envision a modern day #BossLady to adorn and crowns are notoriously difficult to pull off with dresses without coming across as overtly ostentatious.
Cup Day
A day where donning colour is embraced – so let’s talk about colour-blocking. If you want a safe option then pair either white or black with a bold orange or electric blue for the perfect combination. If you’re feeling really adventurous then pair two brights together! Remember to be tasteful and note the obvious difference between race day attire and nightclub get-up. If you want to show some skin up top then opt for a longer hemline down the bottom to balance it out. I’ve chosen this headpiece for its mixture of both geometric and feminine design. Also because it’s just so damn sparkly and everybody knows me for the magpie that I am.
Oaks Day
Also known as ladies day – is a day to embrace femininity and poise through outfits that compliment your body shape. The decision was difficult but I went with a fitted colour-blocked one-shoulder dress and intricate rose gold metallic headpiece. I’ve gone with the less is more approach and kept the dress as the main focus and adding a dash of frosting with the accessories. I find myself always admiring those who can wear outfits with minimal fuss and decided to try it here for myself. At the end of the day you want to be comfortable and being fashionable doesn’t mean turning yourself into a Christmas tree so before you walk out the door, remove one accessory.
Stakes Day
Firstly, well done for making it to the last day and secondly the only thing you need to know is – to have fun. Experiment and showcase your interpretation of modern day race wear and accessorizing. My last and final look consists of this tiered ruffle skirt with metallic pleats paired with a hypnotic spotted blouse and wired lace headpiece. As you can see I really did have fun shooting this look – dizzying fun.
So here are my Top 5 Spring Racing Carnival Styling Tips:
1. Keep it classy and sophisticated. Leave the short, tight dresses and skirts for a night on the town with the girls and bring out you’re A-line midi skirts and dresses.
2. Always wear a headpiece or hat no matter how simple it is.
3. Look after your feet because you’ll be on them all day so pick your comfy heels and don’t choose to break in your new Louboutins. Pick your battles.
4. If your focus is your headwear then keep your outfit simple and vice versa – don’t make them compete.
5. Keep your make up minimal and natural and opt for a bold lip over heavy eye make up.
Look 1: Sonia Rykiel Pantsuit, Lovisa Headpiece, Earrings and Watch, Givenchy Clutch & Heels
Look 2: Rachel Gilbert Top & Skirt, Lovisa Headpiece and Earrings, Givenchy Heels, Saint Laurent Clutch, From St Xavier Cuff
Look 3: Yeojin Bae Dress, Lovisa Headpiece & Earrings, Dolce & Gabbana Heels
Look 4: Sass & Bide Top, By Johnny Skirt, Lovisa Headpiece and Earrings, Poppy Lissiman Clutch, Dior Sunglasses
This post has been in collaboration with Lovisa.
