Tips - Spring Racing Carnvial Special

Spring Racing Carnival Dressing with a list of Milliners for your THAT hat.

Classic racewear is back - The lines are clean and ladylike.

Racewear is all about elegance. That doesn't mean gloves and stockings, but outfits for late nights at night clubs do not suit a day at the races.

Alex Perry describes his race wear as "prim and chic" - it's a lot more proper than previous years, but still sexy and prim at the same time. He explains there are 2 main silhouettes - The first is the dress with the fitted bodice and the slightly fuller circular skirt, the other is quite fitted and then it just flips out at the knee.

Girls, let's face it. You need to be practical and so definitely include an umbrella with your hat, along with layers to protect you from the elements. Trenches, jackets and cardigans are all acceptable layers to make you look fashionable as well as comfortable.

White is light and perfect for spring. Dresses ARE big!

White sundresses, the smock, empire line, shifts and strapless in pretty vintage laces, broidery angalais & crisp cottons. Give your outfit a lift with touches of coloured ribbon, bows or lace.

Skirts are high waisted, either bubble or pencil styles teamed with feminine blouses in spots, stripes or even nautical or safari style to suit your personality.

This is your chance to wear some colour so leave black at home. If you feel you just have to, team it with white. Other colours this season are indigo, teal, petrol, cream, natural, latte, sand, vanilla with some blue, red and yellow.

Great accessories are essential.

Your hat finishes off your look, so pay attention to finding a hat that suits you and your outfit. For instance, if you have a small head then a too wide brim will not suit you. Find a comfortable high heel - flats at the races will never do, then team it with a great bag and jewelry. Make sure your bag is big enough to carry all of the essentials for your day out.

According to Philip Rhodes, wide brims will be especially popular this year after several years of being overshadowed by the fascinator. Find a beautiful sculptoral brim, like a wave or a downward sweep. Trims are minimal following the ladylike look, so sashes, feathers and grosgrain ribbon tied into bows are the trims of choice.

Other milliners say that whilst the fascinator will continue to be popular among the young race goers, hats are definitely back.

Men are expected to don hats this year too, the Trilby being the hat of choice in neutrals, navy, black and checks.

Miliners

Louise MacDonald
Room 3, 8th floor,
37 Swanston St, Melbourne
(03) 9650 1352
http://www.louisemacdonald.com.au

Melissa Jackson
195 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
(03) 9415 8842

Richard Nylon
71 Kerr St, Fitzroy
(03) 9419 3889

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