As we sing out our Fashion At The Races summer sessions, we welcome the extensive racewear opportunities offered by Autumn. February is the month for fashion forecasting - David Jones annually unveil their Autumn Winter 2019 collections and many of the nation’s biggest brands follow suit to flag the pieces you need to curate your trans-seasonal racing wardrobe. To discern between looking cool vs cold, FATR went to the experts for industry insight.
Australian Fashion Labels Stylist Jazz Mignone believes soft mint green and yellow are Autumn’s key colours. “Keyhole cut outs in the cleavage area of tops and dresses add a focus on feminine silhouettes and shapes, whilst directional florals are still a strong theme, perfect for racewear attire,” Jazz said.
The keyhole trend echoed throughout the David Jones Autumn Winter 2019 Runway, where Zimmermann’s white moment captivated the crowd in a dress made for our Derby Day dreams. On that same catwalk, Ginger & Smart inspired our cool floral feelings with a tea-length flowing dress ideal for a country race day.
“Heading into Winter, you will start to see a mix of animal prints, American western themes and played down/paired back styling,” Jazz said, with tiger-like motifs present in prints in the latest collections by Rachel Gilbert and Rixo London.
“No longer is ‘bigger better’, mini handbags and sunglasses are the way to go when it comes to styling,” Jazz said. This trend is reflected in some of our favourite styles from tde.; the Peridot Green Shoulder Bag and Burgundy Vegan Mini Cross Body Bag make the perfect racing carnival companions with an ample pop of colour. To keep your hands free for social snaps and sipping, the Taupe Belt Bag is the neutral you need wrapped around your waist.
Jazz’s top BNKR pick for a winning racewear look is the Finders Keepers ‘Dreams Pantsuit’. “A stunning strapless black jumpsuit that can be adapted through the warmer months into the colder,” Jazz said. “Paired back with Jaggar The Label ‘Pace Leather Slides’ and you have a gorgeous classic but directional race day look.”
Suiting was a strong trend splashed across the David Jones Autumn Winter 2019 Runway, with track-topping fashion by Bianca Spender in their Burgundy Satin Recital Jacket and Concerto Pant, and Carla Zampatti’s La Dolce Vita Jacket and Flare Pant.
As the mercury drops, Jazz knows the premiere investment piece you need to lift your wardrobe. “I think it is important to treat yourself to a new staple coat at the start of Winter that you could dress both up and down,” Jazz said.
“Slip dresses are still a strong silhouette that has transitioned through from spring summer to Autumn Winter, so keep these classic shapes in your wardrobe and try adding layering pieces like skivvies under them,” she said. “I love the look of pairing a boot with these slip or midi dresses… or if you are really daring and want to explore runway trends, try socks or tights with heels!”
Romance Was Born resounded Jazz’s sentiments, styling their burgundy ruffle dress for the David Jones Runway with stockings and matching metallic sandals to add edge to the garment’s orchid-like intricacy. On the shoe front, Jazz recommends Jaggar the Label for their abstract heel shapes in Autumnal tones of Aubergine and Cornsilk.
Jazz predicts millinery will move toward a retro feel throughout Autumn and Winter. “Hair and beauty trends focus on sleek but understated hair, with a mismatch of fun 90’s clips,” she said. Our FATR Ambassador Lauren Dilena recently rocked this trend in Mimi-Jane Millinery at the Strathalbyn Cup, proving clips make a statement of modern minimalism.
With 11 events on our calendar this Autumn, embrace your opportunity to flaunt the latest looks to take from the catwalk to the racecourse. Refresh your FATR competition knowledge here.
Image credit: Mark Nolan, 2019 Getty Images.
