Derby bound? Ditch the jeans!
Pune’s derby season has just kicked off and it’s time when the racing aficionados will be at the Royal Western India Turf Club showing off their sense of style. My entire family, if I may say so, has a great sense of style; my mother is who I got my fashion aesthetics from, my sister- in- law Michelle is always picture perfect and on track with the fashion trends. My father Zavaray, uncle Cyrus and brother Yohan are very particular about dressing well to the races.
Traditional race dressing goes back to the Ascot races, where men wore tail coats and top hats and women wore traditional suits or conventional dresses with hats. With Pune’s weather conditions, ours is a slightly relaxed look. Suits are preferable though just a jacket or a shirt and tie will also do for men. The sari is my favourite Indian dress. Its grace and versatility of colours and prints makes it modern and trendy. I am partial to fascinators, which are modern versions of hats and although they serve no functional use, they are less intimidating, easy to wear in our weather conditions and suit the petite Indian frame well. They come in all shapes and sizes, as hair bands or combs, and enhance the look and mood of any outfit. Though a hat is not a must, wear it if you want to be a ‘ racing diva’ candidate. An outstanding hat or fascinator can make or break your outfit. Go for one that has butterflies or an oversized flower.
Colour blocking is quite a trend; the hat and outfit can be complimentary in colour. For example, a red dress with a purple fascinator or a blue outfit and a green fascinator can look good. If you choose not to wear a hat, focus on your accessories— extraordinary shoes, an outstanding hand bag or clutch. If you want to experiment, prints have made a huge impact recently and can range from animal to floral to psychedelic combinations. Lace also is an option but it can be tricky to wear, however a monochrome look with lace, green lace dress with a green head piece and green shoes, or lace trims woven into fascinators and on stilettos makes for an interesting look.
Wear dresses in interesting prints and colours because they are perfect for our weather. Jumpsuits are really in vogue, and a good alternative to dresses and suits. The races are a day event so avoid a severe black from head- to- toe look.
Men, please do pay attention to what you wear. Opt for linen suits or linen jackets in shades of beige and grey.
Have fun with ties and pocket scarves that have equestrian print or trendy colours that add some derby flavour. Though traditionally men wear top hats and tails to the Ascot, in India, bowler hats in straw and felt are becoming a trend.