DAILY TELEGRAPH
Risk-taking, 80s fashion and bold colours is the winning trifecta when it comes to spring racing fashion this season.
Last year it was all about old school elegance, however a nod to the decade of decadence is undoubtedly this spring’s hottest racewear trend.
Predictable floral dresses have been replaced with structured suiting, pastels have been swapped out for neons and once modest midi hemlines are rising.
But according to The Iconic‘s head of style, Nicole Adolphe, ultimately it’s all about taking a sartorial risk.
“Expect both men and women to take bigger risks when it comes to their fashion choices this spring carnival,” Adolphe told The Sunday Telegraph.
“Outfits will be a little bit louder, more colourful and while the rules are still there, people are wanting to push the boundaries a little more by wearing a two-piece midriff for example.
“It’s not just about a floral dress and a standard pin striped suit anymore.”Adolphe said if you want to be on trend this racing season, don’t be afraid to inject a nod to the 80s when pulling together your trackside attire.
“We have seen a lot of the 80s coming through mainly with the colour and shapes,” she said.
“The suiting trend and matching jacket and pants is huge and the often come in bright colours, so a bright pink or lilac.However embracing too much of the era, which is synonymous for bad perms, leg warmers and blue eyeshadow, is a red flag.
“Don’t go head to toe in 80s,” Adolphe said.
“You don’t want to look like you are in fancy dress.
“Just embrace a little bit of an element of it. Whether it’s an oversized headband, or a puff sleeve, suiting or some hair clips. Less is best.”
Risk taking is also on the cards for blokes, who are getting experimental when it comes to their trackside ensembles.
“There’s so many more options now for men when it comes to racing fashion,” stylist Donny Gallea said.
“Double breasted suits, check suits and fun prints are all big at the moment.
“There’s no doubt fashion savvy men will take a risk this spring carnival by wearing separates and a fun shirt and tie under their blazers.”
When it comes to all important headwear for the ladies, it’s becoming clear headbands are in, while fussy fascinators are on their way out.
“We are selling lots of jewelled encrusted headbands,” Adolphe said.
“People do still wear fascinators, but the are almost on their way out. It’s all about the headband this season.”
Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles has been busy pulling together her spring racing looks in recent weeks and said it’s important to consider your ensemble from head to toe when dressing to for a day trackside.
“This spring carnival is all about standout pieces that are playful and it’s fun to experiment with new trends like the bold new looks inspired by the 1980s,” Knowles said.
“It’s important to consider your whole look for the spring carnival, accessorising is key to getting it right with co-ordinating shoes, bag and millinery.
“That’s why Myer is the perfect destination for spring racing as they have everything under one roof — they also have the best curation of millinery with a total of 850 different styles.”
