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Fashion
The Classy Girl’s guide to Race Day Etiquette By Emma Capponi
I
will never forget my first trip to the races. I had pictured it for weeks: handsome men in suits and ties, elegantly dressed ladies sipping champagne, beautiful hats and an air of class and distinction that I’d only dreamed to be part of. I planned my outfit to the last detail, finding a 1950s dress to match the demure fashions I envisioned, a hat to conform to race wear etiquette, and gloves and a scarf to complete the look. I was excited. As I stepped off the train at Flemington, my dreams were shattered. My first sight was of a young girl, passed out and being carried fireman-style over her boyfriend’s shoulder. She was wearing a horrible short dress and her boyfriend clutched an open wine bottle. It was at that moment that the wind blew up her too short skirt to reveal a very obvious lack of panties. This was not my only moment of disappointment that day. There would be more. Girls carried shoes and guys wore outrageous costumes,
fake tans made punters look like their DNA consisted of Cheetos, with skin so chemically glowing they could guide planes in at night. I will admit, the standards my imagination set were impossibly high. The sight before me was the tackiest thing I had ever seen and I grew up in Ringwood.
outfit that can include a coat. You will be happier and more comfortable, and because you are still smiling and enjoying yourself, you will look better.
In order to avoid such scenarios as above, I have compiled a list of race wear guidelines that suit any age and budget:
Wear a hat. I’m sorry, but it does not count as race wear if you aren’t wearing a hat. Fascinators are fine, but hats are better. This is your chance to go all girly and have fun with accessories you wouldn’t normally wear. Hats, gloves and pretty hosiery are what make your more ladylike.
Ladies: Leave your shoes on. I cannot emphasize this one enough. There is no excuse for the walk of shame. Carry flats in your bag if you aren’t sure you can stand in heels all day, pack Band-Aids in case of blisters, or better still, choose appropriate shoes for the day.
Don’t wear Stilettos. The combination of super thin high heels and soft grass is not a good one. Your sexy feline walk will be transformed into the demented hobble of a crone as your shoes sink and get stuck in the mud. Stick to thicker heel types and make sure the height is manageable.
Make sure your outfit is warm enough. Shivering in spaghetti straps is certainly not attractive. It is spring in Melbourne, so chances are the weather will be fickle. It isn’t hard to put together an
Please keep hemlines at the knee. I’m sure you have great legs and that mini dress probably looks hot going out on a Saturday night, but the races are just not the place for it. This is one of the few
times women are encouraged to dress demurely. This doesn’t mean you have to look dowdy. Tailored jackets, knee length pencil skirts, and fitted waists are all very attractive while maintaining a level of decorum. Gentlemen: As the great Barney Stinson says, “Suit up”. It’s easy. Girls like guys in suits. Guys like guys in suits. Anything less than a suit and tie is underdressed and you will feel out of place. No Costumes. If you aren’t used to wearing a suit, a costume is not an alternative. It doesn’t make you look like a charming prankster. If you find suits boring and wish to experiment sartorially, try experimenting with cravats, vests, or a hat. Behave like gentlemen. This is a day where etiquette reigns supreme, so open doors for others, give a lady your arm as you stroll along the track, and whatever you do, do not ever fireman lift your girlfriend if she isn’t wearing underwear.