WINNING PICKS
As racing season continues, albeit slightly altered, bet on the renewed taste for ladylike elegance that pervaded the runways. Here, Vogue editors’ picks of the best pieces to tap for instant poise. By Alice Birrell.
THIS SEASON THERE’S
a new-look schedule, but more intimate events playing out trackside are no reason to downplay a race-day wardrobe. Look then to the autumn/winter ’20/’21 collections, where designers played to a more polished perspective with renewed fervour. Silhouettes with a regard for feminine curves were sympathetic to an idea of old-world glamour – which means all the trimmings found their place alongside the new roster of mid-length dresses, suits nipped at the waist and headwear in abundance to top it all off. Harking back to their progenitors, the overall feel borrows from socialites and starlets of the 20s and 40s, purveyors of refined taste – and the original influencers. For this race season, lean into a lighter palette to mellow any stiffness and capitalise on the growing yen for putting in that extra effort top-to-toe – the Australian Turf Club has a calendar worth reinstating the finery for. The best selections for now? Pieces with mileage, to slip seamlessly into a spring wardrobe after the last race is run.
1. ALICE BIRRELL,
fashion features director
“Straw hats are synonymous with spring racing, so choosing a fresh take on a boater combines a masculine/feminine feel to hit the right level of race-day elegant nonchalance. Taking inspiration from Myer Fashions on Your Front Lawn as part of Victoria Racing Club’s Melbourne Cup carnival, a tone that’s effortless and not too serious hits the right note for now.”
2. REBECCA BONAVIA,
junior fashion and market editor
“Love the Alice band trend? A day trackside is the perfect excuse – it has become a go-to in the style vernacular of seasoned racegoers. The directive for now is to go bold over dainty so it doesn’t get lost, elevating it above simple hair accessory status.”
3. JEN NURICK,
fashion features writer
“A minaudière sans precious metals makes the perfect safeguard for essentials, and is a slightly more youthful take on the soignée attitude that’s taking over fashion. Or opt for a cross-body bag in a shrunken size, to complement, not compete with, other elements like headpieces or a swathe of colour.”
4. PHILLIPA MORONEY,
senior fashion editor and market director “With flattering lines, a 40s-inspired tea dress is an investment beyond race day, and a nod to those who put it on the style map. Think Princess Di at Ascot, or Yves Saint Laurent’s take in the 1970s. The prints for now? Polka dots are still enjoying time in the sun, as are wallpaper prints and textural fabrics, like a metallic-flecked jacquard.”
5. KAILA MATTHEWS,
fashion and market editor
“Suiting is holding firm and completely at home for the races – update usually sober neutrals by going for colours that speak to spring. Think a watercolour palette. My choice for now is a true sky blue.”