Spring racing season offers an opportunity to experiment with sophisticated day wear. Celebrities have been showcasing some of the key trends which you can expect to see trackside, from pillbox hats to draping and statement jewellery.
Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger demonstrated a fondness for the classics when she stepped out in polka dots at the Kentucky Derby in May. Black and white nod to Derby Day tradition, of course, while the bows of her dress, by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, hint at My Fair Lady . The day-appropriate hemline and sleeveless design ensure plenty of opportunity for encore wears. Rebecca Vallance “Bacio” midi dress , $799.
The fascinator has been a boon for the hat-averse in recent times, but might be greeted by a sniff at Flemington next month. The classic pillbox is the season’s hot, new favourite, even making its mark away from the racetrack at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Pastels are pretty, but our money’s on the teal for a strong finish. Felicity Northeast “Pillbox” hat , $495.
Sharp tailoring was a race favourite for women long before Princess Diana’s Royal Ascot skirt suits. Designer Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford showed pale-blue suits at Paris Fashion Week that ripple gently in a breeze. Embrace block colour or start with a pair of blue pants and coordinate with spring colours. Victoria & Woods “Skylark” pants, $395.
The polo is always a good source of racewear inspo, with most guests at the Cartier Queen’s Cup in London’s Windsor Great Park in June giving hats a miss. Avengers and Rivals actor Hayley Atwell, in a backless, dark-denim Zimmermann halterneck with ruched bodice and side ties, demonstrated a quadrella of trends so stylishly that no one even noticed the absence of a boater. Zimmermann “Valiant” draped denim dress , $1575.
At Royal Ascot this year, Catherine, Princess of Wales, showed that a streamlined silhouette and dramatic hat benefit from a playful approach to jewellery. Her diamond chandelier earrings, which she first wore in 2011 on loan from the Queen, were a swinging contrast to the structure of her sunshine-yellow Roksanda dress. These diamanté tassels by Chelsea de Luca might be a tad more affordable. Chelsea de Luca “Far Flung Fantasy” earrings , $290.
Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek delivered the best supporting performance for a silk tie at Wimbledon this year. The Bohemian Rhapsody star’s striped shirt with contrast collar was already a trend-setter, but the patterned, navy tie tucked between its buttons raised the Saint Laurent ensemble to the next level. A bold move, but one that will stop your silk strip from flying into a glass of fizz or, worse, the sauce on a party pie. Christian Kimber “Navy Blue and Brown Flower Stamp” silk tie , $275.
Royal Ascot morning suits are a bit much at an Australian racetrack, but there’s nothing wrong with adding the occasional regal flourish. A waistcoat, for example, can introduce a burst of celebratory colour. The King embraced soft yellow, pale blue and lilac this year, but darker tones, such as aubergine and chocolate, bring the drama. MJ Bale “Benozzo” waistcoat, $349.
At the London press conference for sci-fi flick Disclosure Day in June, actor Colman Domingo demonstrated his mastery of sophisticated suiting. The front-row regular has a reputation for grabbing attention in trend-driven outfits, but still managed to steal the show in this simple, light-taupe jacket with grey trousers from Valentino. The subtle colour combo is perfect for men who like to suit up in separates. Calibre “Linen double-breasted” jacket , $899.
Risk-takers should pay attention to Jacob Elordi’s elevated indie-sleaze look at the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights . His gold tooth might have been a bit flashy, but the white shoes made a welcome change from the usual black and chestnut. White shoes will make a black suit pop on Derby Day, or put some spring in your step with a grey suit. Just invest in some shoe wipes in case of sudden mishap. Naked Wolfe “Roma White” loafers, $305.
At Wimbledon this year, The Gentlemen ’s Theo James demonstrated the advantages of abandoning the safety of a white shirt by pairing pale blue with a light-coloured suit from Brunello Cucinelli. The wide-spread collar keeps the look on the right side of casual – even with the contrasting raspberry pocket handkerchief – and easily accommodates a striped tie with a half-Windsor knot. Total leading-man energy. P Johnson “Light Denim” shirt , $355.
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