What to wear to Spring Racing Carnival
Advice from an (unlikely) Myer Fashions on the Field judge
As regular readers, I can understand that you may be in ever-so-slight shock at such a topic as, what to wear to Spring Racing Carnival, appearing here on Beige Renegade. Similarly, those of you, who are not yet familiar with our 83%-denim-wearing minimalist manifesto, may be dubious as to the writer’s authoritativeness on race fashion, if judging solely by this very nonconformist racewear look, which patently breaks a slew of race fashion rules. But, as unlikely as it may seem, yours truly is honoured to be a judge of Myer Fashions on the Field, Australia’s premiere race fashion competition. Truthfully, I felt as a Soviet spy who had stumbled into an Allied war meeting in session – perhaps the war metaphor is a step too far – and as such, what I offer is a dispassionate outsider’s look at what really matters in the veritable secret society that is the race fashion circles.The intel? Putting aside my A4 judges brief which outlined, in egalitarian terms, that creativity and trends trumped the narrow parameters of what entrants ought to wear to Spring Racing Carnival, what evidently appealed to my fellow judges was the image of the elegant high society lady imagined by any self-respecting 10-year-old aspiring princess. And this perhaps sums up the underlying aesthetic of race fashion exactly. Such an aesthetic, comprised of a feminine silhouette, conservative lengths and old-world sensibilities, is zealously protected by racewear tradition.
At this point, I can just about sense your pointed questions. Why can’t race fashion be as democratic as the fashion industry at large? Is it at all meaningful to dress up as the affluent upper class for a day, when such an activity is almost by definition a past time of the proletariat? One could pursue various serpentine dissertations on the point, but suffice it to say: it just wouldn’t be any fun otherwise.
Ultimately, Spring Racing Carnival and other race days are nothing if not a form of indulgent escapism. It’s the opportunity for women to – as my fellow judge Emily Hunter (national winner 2015, no less) put it – assume a glamorous alter ego. Emily, who works an administrative job in ‘real life’, was the vision of an upstairs character in delicate pastel blue pleats. Gone are the days when modelling yourself successfully on rigid societal standards yielded admiration and reward, and the rise of accessibility of extravagant clothing came too late for those that share that My Fair Lady dream. Thus race day became the magical land that time forgot. It is no wonder then, that the Western Australia state winner this season, with her bespoke blue frock, one of a kind fascination, and numbered fan tightly in hand, was brought to tears of exhilaration.
So trusting that I have – rather long-windedly – established my expertise on the matter, what to wear to Spring Racing Carnival? If you would like to play by the book, do as I say and not as I do:
- Your silhouette should be decidedly feminine. Fit and flare is always safe.
- The skirt should be between mid-calf and knee-length, and no shorter.
- Steer away from eveningwear styles such as strapless, low cut or bodycon
- The colours and prints should be spring appropriate
- Headwear, whether a fascinator or hat, is compulsory
- Flat shoes are not an option
- Show as little skin as possible aside from the arms and legs below the knee. Absolutely no midriff.
- The look should be lady-like and never, ever sexy
- Creativity is important, but more important is a well coordinated look from head to toe
Here are some pieces I love, for those who would like to live the My Fair Lady dream for a day.
For those of you less interested in placing in Myer Fashions on the Field, by all means, wear a pink suit.
Location:Perth, Australia | Photography: Bloggers Boyfriend
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I love all of the points you make there Jiawa! When it boils down to it, race wear is feminine and tasteful. You are supposed to feel elegant and refined, not as if you were heading onto your third club for the evening 😉
Loved the piece!
Ah dear, yes, it summarises many opposites of style for me. It’s always amusing to attend a ‘fashion’ event in a smaller city and note that time, for many, has stood still. I liken the event style rules around Perth to something like a sex-kitten beach version of a Stepford wife, yet for the races it somehow becomes demure. Leaving the bandage dresses at home (BUT NOT THAT FAUX TAN! God forbid!). All the same it is fun to dress up and create an excuse to get pampered for a day, which many women do not give themselves the time out to do. This of course not including those who spend time getting their lip fillers re-done regularly.
I love of course, your discourse on this and the pink suit. I was eager to read of your Fashions on the Field experiences.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com/
Agree 100% babe! Especially in Australia I think the mainstream is stuck in a closed feedback loop of the same themes and ideas being rehashed. That could explain why race fashion is such a big thing here. Even with access to so much information from outside, we are still most strongly influenced by the people and fashions physically around us. I’m undecided as to whether this is a good or a bad thing. To be perfectly honest I can’t relate to how excited people get about race day, knowing it’s going to be more of the same every year, but this again is maybe a symptom of you can’t miss what you don’t know. I know for a fact that 90% of women I know in Australia buy everything they wear from Country Road, Cue or Witchery. To me this is quite a mundane existence. How can you feel like you’re truly expressing yourself through style if you only shop at the three shops that about a million other people also shop exclusively. But it’s only when you’ve explored wider in the fashion world that you can look back and see how stifling that is. If you never explore, then I suppose ignorance is bliss.
great post. thanks for share with us..
Great points for people that may go to an event like that. But also great just for styling tips.
The pink blush suit looks great on you especially with the new blonde hair xx
MA
it is very knowledgeable and valuable article. thanks for share with us..