pictured: The Human Chameleon ‘Sweet Lady’ head piece.
I’ve been to the Birdcage once. I’m not a fanatical race goer, but I do know style. I know what people are likely to wear – it’s a little like singing the chorus of a song you claim not to know. There are these medieval crowns that are going to be everywhere this year. They are very modern, yet some look like paper Christmas hats dipped in pewter. And the more there are, the less edgy it becomes. So be tastefully daring, or be classic – nothing bad happens when you look back at timeless photos of yourself. Believe me, if you wear a copper parrot in your hair and a Swarovski encrusted eyepatch in 2015, you’ll only have yourselves to blame when your grandchildren ask about that Pirate lady from races past.
Spring Racing fashion should not resemble an actual Fairy Princess costume.
There are some things to consider when looking at the themes below; I’ve styled the stories with very plain dresses in mind, so don’t head to the races looking like a one woman band with all your intsruments on board. >Clang, bang, crash! Clang, bang, crash!>. We are not suggesting that you wear everything pictured. In fact, it’s discouraged. Some style people will advise you to start with a dress and build your outfit from there – but, why don’t you build an outfit around a fascinator or clutch? It can be more of a challenge, but in the name of style, we would salute you.
Modern + Fun
The modern girl enjoys pulling her outfit together as much as she enjoys the actual races, “Oh? There are horses?” People will gravitate towards this breezy, confident character with her big smile and plastique, acrylic, design-conscious accessories.The trick here is to choose carefully.
You don’t want to look like a human slushie machine.
Seventies Dame
If you’re going to observe a trend, you may as well immerse yourself in it. Wear luxe, mixed textures and get your hair done like Kate Jackson. The tunic, white pants, sunglass shape and hat are key to this look, and so too is the crochet & pearl jewellery.
Pretty Lady
If the bold colours of spring are a little loud for your gentile approach to style, you may opt for whites and nudes, pastel prints and finer jewellery pieces. Of course, there is still an opportunity to show devastating style with carefully chosen gem stones and trinkets (this is not a free-for-all at Zamels, you know).
Fresh Power Dressing
An edgy look with a soft print brush strokes shirt dress, with precious metals and aqua. Ultra modern. The jewellery is oversized, but soft enough to keep the tone calm.
Ice Queen
It’s good to consider colour combinations that delight and surprise. Baby blue, silver and pearl will cast you as a cool customer, bringing relief from pinky florals, if they are not your scene.
Black & White
Crisp white and blacker blacks. What’s not to love? Watch the tendency to over-Cruella Deville-ify your look, and try to control that urge to head into terrifying Mad Max, gladiator-esque territory. We don’t need another hero, and gazelles are best left in the wild, not on public transport (or privately chartered choppers).
Q: What would Karl do?
Rock & Roll Racers
Let’s face it. There are those among us who, try as we might, just can’t do understated elegance.
Frills can make some women feel like a birthday gift, and even the simplest florals can make edgy people ‘Suddenly Frou Frou’.
My friend Jane does this look so well – a hint of leopard, black netting, a navy dress and a shock of red lipstick. Perfection. There are many ways you can express your inner rock child or love of robust red, but we suggest you try a Saint Laurent approach, using good quality spangles that you’ve effortlessly found and mixed yourself (or discovered in this post). Give gentle clues about who you are – be the acoustic version of your fully amped self – you can always head to Heartbreaker Bar afterwards.
Shop Shop:
- ASOS
- Benah for Karen Walker
- Chloé EDT
- Each to Own
- Karen Walker Eyewear
- Limedrop
- Lucy Folk
- Marc Jacobs Mod Noir
- Miu Miu EDP
- Preen
- Rimmel London Kate Moss Nude lipsticks
- Saba
- State of Folly
- Stuart Weitzman
- The Human Chameleon
This editorial was created by Melissa Ogier at The Garb Wire. Images supplied with thanks by The Human Chameleon, State of Folly, Each to Own, Coty Inc, Golightly PR, EVHPR & MFPR
The Garb Wire 