Fascinators, Hats & Spring Racing – Oh My!

Unless you’re fortunate enough to be invited to a Mad Hatter tea party, fascinators and decorative hats aren’t every day attire – except for now.

Spring Racing is well upon us in Melbourne and it’s time to consider your racing look with headwear in tow.

Along with the beautiful stallions that ignite the track, fashion wise, the racing season is an opportunity to showcase your personal style and shine!

The main week held at Flemington in early November commences with Derby Day which has a traditional dress code of black and white.

Working a black and white ensemble is fairly easy to do and you can bring a little more interest to your look with patterns, prints and texture. Materials including black lace and leather will be prominent this season along with monochromatic separates and polka dots.

In terms of the other days, the dress codes are as follows:

Melbourne Cup: bold and beautiful. Colour yourself pretty from head to toe;

Oaks Day: Ladies day equates to looks that exude femininity. Think florals, pastels and this season’s gelato tones.

Emirates Stakes Day: A more relaxed day where wide brimmed hats and floaty dresses take play.

Headwear generally leans on fashion trends so you’ll similarly see hats and fascinators that will complement this season’s latest looks.

When considering what and how to wear your headpiece, here are my trackside tips:

HOT HAT TRENDS

1. Wide brimmed hats in both straw or bold colours will complement the full skirts and longer hemlines inspired by the Italian Riviera.
   

   Alannah Hill hat $69

2. The 1920’s trends continue to strengthen in headwear so look out for gold and silver headpieces, sequined headbands and simple crowns.
   

   Equip hat $59.99 and clutch $24.99

3. Flowers are always in style and you’ll find some voluminous floral fascinators, headbands and even leather flowers for those looking closely.
   

   Forever New $39.99

4. Flimsy fascinators are out and sculptural headpieces continues to gain prominence particularly in the Fashions on the Field This trend is inspired by the geometric and digital prints you’ll find on an array of dresses and separates this season.
   
5. 

   Equip $49.99

Now, past style rules have directed us to match our hats and fascinators with our shoes and clutches but today, I’m giving you the option to clash or match!

STYLE WITH CINDY’S RACING HEAD-WEAR RULES

1. Remember that the size of the hat or fascinator should be based on instinct on what feels too big or too small. As always, balance your look.
2. Consider the look and feel you are after for the day whether it be structured and sharp, floral and pretty or bold and block colours base your choice of head wear around this.
3. If you’ve chosen a floral dress, consider a headpiece with a soft or bold colour that appears within the floral pattern to connect the two or something neutral.
4. Sculptural headwear is best worn in strong, block colours and will work perfectly with this season’s tailored print dress or a sharp, structured block colored dress.
5. For wide brimmed hats, it’s generally hair down or in a low bun or pony. Fascinators or headpieces will allow you to play with your hair a little, generally worn just to the side.
6. Traditionally, fascinators are placed above the left eye, however, ensure that it’s comfortable and not obstructing your view.
7. That small clutch you’re carrying? Ensure it has a bobby pin or three in it for securing your hat should the weather turn – unfortunately, a very  common occurrence in Melbourne.

Finally, remember to be comfortable in what you wear and allow for being in this outfit all day long – shoes included.

Remember, that a hat and a fascinator will be the statement of your look so if you can, be bold and have fun with this.

So who is off to the races and have you got your look sorted? I would love to hear from you!