The Hat Box: Summer Day by Patricia Ann.
Style guru Di Cant chats with Brisbane's fashion elite to bring you the ultimate Fashions on the Field style guide.
Tip from Di Cant
If you're entering Fashions on the Field remember the rules for the winter race day do not necessarily apply (hosiery, covered arms and winter style hat or head gear). But what does matter more than anything is that the outfit suits the lady wearing it and that her grooming is 110% perfect!
The essentials elements - beautiful hair, well-fitted outfit, hat or hair piece, gorgeous shoes and bag, jewellery, big smile, great deportment and photographs well. Remember, too much alcohol and falling off high heels is not a good look for young or mature ladies.
Tip from Paul Hunt, fashion designer.
Wear a 50's silhouette dress with waist definition and a huge flower at the shoulder or waist and don't bother with a hat - sunglasses can be added.
Tip from Amber Long, Jean Brown.
Headwear is essential when considering any race wear look. This season the world's foremost milliner, Philip Treacy offered avant garde pieces in a sublime range of colours from magenta through to more neutral metallic shades. This season it is all about big accessories, so try balancing architectural style heels with a softer floral silk dress for a more contemporary look.
Tip from Pia du Pradal, fashion designer.
Utilising the Safari theme of her current collection, Pia recommends her animal print dress and jacket with a huge natural straw hat and natural gladiator sandal and bag.
Tip from Dale Olsson, The Hat Box.
Two strong looks for this season are big hats and flowers. The big picture hat is extravagant and glamorous. Or wear head bands or small hat shapes with wonderful silk hand made flowers with veiling worn over the eyes - very coquetish and alluring. This style can also work well for all day at the races and on to dinner after (to avoid having to reveal hat hair). See the hats.
Whatever you chose to wear, wear it well. Back a winner this year for the Melbourne Cup - certainly a fashion winner with Di's style tips.
- See our Race Day Fashion image gallery.
- Get more style tips from Di.
- Find a Brisbane "Melbourne Cup" event.
- See our Summer Fashion and Summer Accessories image galleries.
