The racecourses of Australia have seen it all. From taffeta to nineties neons and skimpy satin skirts in the noughties, every catwalk trend has taken its turn at the track. With many cringe-worthy style stigmas and fashion police polls behind us, we can confirm that not all trends make the cut.
While thigh-high splits, nineties slips and après-ski leisurewear have their place in the fashion world, they are best left out of your racing wardrobe. However, with a dress code comes great opportunity and an incredible array of 2018 trends came to the runway ready to race. We count down our top six trends to take trackside from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 19 Collections…
Feature Sleeve
Thurley pairs with a day at the races like G.H. Mumm and sunshine, and this season, it is all about the sleeve. Thurley’s Juliet-style contouring is both bold and traditionally feminine, making it an excellent entry into the powerful sleeve styling we have seen unveiled across global runways this year. Texture and tapering are the two elements to shop for, accentuating your limbs from shoulder to wrist. Once you are comfortable with the Juliet sleeve, experiment with peasant and leg-of-mutton styles to diversify your sleeve stock portfolio.
Flounced and Femme
Structure is not for everyone. We Are Kindred are the experts in artful romance, creating the best way for a whimsical soul to make a statement at the races. The garment can be dressed up or down with the right choice of millinery and footwear to highlight the glimmering embroidered leaf motif. The ultra-feminine racegoer will simply float the day away with no shapewear in sight.
Midi Moment
Did somebody say Derby Day? Alice McCall’s white moment embodies elegance with its delicate sheer lace bishop sleeve and semi-spread collar. The hip-hugging silhouette and spliced mermaid skirt will not keep you from kicking your heels up after you have secured your social snaps. Made for racing, the midi skirt is welcome at every carnival, evoking a sense of ladylike nostalgia.
The New Suit
Nothing says confidence quite like a woman in a pantsuit. Bianca Spender’s Unbiased Resort 19 collection addresses the concept of modern style, particularly how the female wardrobe has evolved and the moments that created waves along the way. Suiting is not a new concept in racewear, with interest peaking in the seventies, however it is one that has recently gained momentum. The nation’s most highly regarded designers keep a keen eye on proportion and patterns, developing strong suiting for every occasion. Finish with a hat worthy of your attitude and you are set to race.
Luxe Layers
A sleek shirt under a cocktail dress is just like adding crema to your espresso, it is a perfect way to tone down striking elements without compromising on their impact or adding too much bulk. The harmony of textures creates a palpably cool fit for any field fashion competition. CAMILLA AND MARC’s metallic textured midi dress is the millennial pink tone of our dreams, idyllically paired with the shirt of a similar hue. You can try the trend with a contrasting colour if you are feeling adventurous.
Two-timer
Tradition has never looked so good. In 1947 post-war Paris, Christian Dior unveiled his New Look featuring the bar jacket - a cream shantung morning coat – and a large, black pleated skirt, moulded on the curves of the female form. The set sent ripples through the fashion industry and eventually women in Australia were opting for a skirt and jacket option for a day at the races. This famous two-piece is still relevant to the fashion house today, and the ideals presented in his New Look of a somewhat sensual cinched waist and skirt emphasising the hips are embodied in the C/MEO COLLECTIVE set we covet today. Locally designed under head fashionista Siham Elmawey, C/MEO COLLECTIVE’s ensemble comes with a few modern tweaks and a festive vibe, rendering it the ultimate Spring statement.
Photo credits Zak Kaczmarek and Stefan Gosatti.
