Classic charm prime to win fashion race at Gladstone Cup
Judge's tips on winning race day fashions
Get jump on spring trends for next Fashions on the Field in October
OLD world glamour is the height of fashion on race day.
We are a relaxed society but when it comes to dressing up, the stakes are high.
Racing fashion though is not for the faint hearted.
It takes time, foresight, creativity and money.
A stunning end result is exquisite in its detail, with matching elements the crux of racing fashion.
A beautiful outfit with well-made millinery with complimenting shoes and bag are perfect.
But it is a delicate balance between what is considered tasteful and what is OTT.
Lily Hair salon manager Jackie Long does her research on what is hot in racing trends and recommends the fashion hopeful look at the big picture.
"I think people have to look at the whole outfit together," she said.
"People tend to buy pieces separately and not look at it until the day."
If you are worried about what to wear and don't have the cash to splurge, follow the advice of Racing Australia to KISS - keep it simple stupid.
"A beautiful outfit with well-made millinery with complimenting shoes and bag are perfect," fashion editor Anna Mott said.
"With racing fashion think of Michelle Obama or Gwyneth Paltrow - always classic simplistic lines."
We'll see you at Gladstone Cup which promises to impress.
- Only four times a year in Gladstone
- Ranges from 7-18 entrants
- Organisers (the ones with clipboards) walk around at about 2pm to choose entrants
- Fashions on the Field is held after the main race at 3pm
- Winning prizes - fuel, local retail and beauty vouchers
Judge's tips on winning race day fashions
TECHNICALLY we are still in winter but you would not know it in Central Queensland.
With Fashions on the Field at the Gladstone Cup today, contenders may be wracking their brain as to what will tip them in the judges' favour.
Lily Hair salon manger Jackie Long usually has the honour, as a sponsor of the Gladstone Turf Club, of the preliminary choosing.
Should Gladstone Cup be winter or spring focused?
Keeping in mind our climate, you're not going to wear a full jacket with gloves and stockings.
Go with teaming cute gloves with a heavy fabric dress or a woollen headpiece.
Don't go with an outfit that's so hot you're going to faint.
What colours are in?
We've got a lot of your bold patterns in at the moment, they're really good.
Also with a lot of other turf club fashions we're seeing jewel colours, like your ruby red, emerald greens and sapphire blue.
A lot of shift dresses in bold patterns as well.
Yes or not for gloves?
Gloves have always been classed as a more lady like item, which is along the lines of race wear.
Race wear is classy and gloves will fit in with the winter fashion ideal.
At the moment we're seeing a bit of lace and short length gloves.
What about stockings?
Stockings are an individual thing. Some people go for nude or some like to team their outfit with a black or navy stocking. It's completely up to them.
We like people to show their personality in their outfit, show their own interpretations of race wear. Individuality is one thing we really love to see.
What type of heels?
We're more into the covered shoes at the moment, rather than strappy.
As soon as we go into spring racing, strappy shoes will come out. A chunky heel is more what's in for this season.
What style headpiece?
Again it depends on the outfit.
Hatinators are more structured headpieces that work well.
Heavier fabrics like wool and structured headpieces are better for winter fashions.
What are the common race wear mistakes you see?
In general, it's wearing something that is too much like what the person would wear to the club. Race wear is very different to normal fashion.
So too short and too many accessories is a no no.
Be a little bit more conservative.
Hair styling is an essential element of your outfit and hairdresser Jackie Long tells us what's in.
"Lots of tight curls in short styles with finger layers," she said.
Jackie recommends a sophisticated hair do with most headpieces, unless it is quite small.
"Your whole outfit needs to look good together, including hair, make-up and your tan," she said.
"Nice and polished, and all fitting together."
Get jump on spring trends for next Fashions on the Field in October
THE next Fashions on the Field at the Gladstone Turf Club will be at the Cox Plate race meet on Saturday, October 26.
This is the time to indulge in colour and flowers, straw elements, feminine fascinators and flowy fabrics.
For inspiration, watch what fashions on the field entrants are wearing at turf clubs across the country.
Myers race day collections show off what is on-trend. In particular watch what ambassador Jen Hawkins is wearing.
Gladstone dressmakers and milliners are also on top of the latest and up coming trends, so get friendly to get the jump on your next look.
