As the stiff breeze begins to thaw and the air fills with pollen, many of us will also be digging out our "groundbreaking" florals and transitioning from jeans to jorts - spring is here.
With the turn of the season comes the return of the races, most notably Melbourne Cup Carnival Week, which is set to take Flemington Racecourse by storm next month. But we have plenty of racedays of our own in Aotearoa: Pukekohe Park will host the first event of the season, Cox Plate Day, on October 28 before holding Auckland's very own Melbourne Cup Day on November 7. November 25 will see the Counties Cup take place, before summer brings the festive fun of Christmas Raceday and of course, the Boxing Day Races.
With a fair few events on the racing calendar to look forward to, even if you're not hopping across the ditch for the iconic Melbourne Cup, many of us will be in need of a hefty dose of inspiration when it comes to serving a trackside sartorial moment.
If you're a raceday rookie, fashion is almost as integral to the equine showcase as the horses themselves. Think glamour: this is not the occasion for 'jeans and a nice top'. For gals, headwear is a must, whether it be a stylish wide-brimmed hat, spangled headband, floral headpiece or of course, a fully-fledged fascinator in the vein of British aristocracy.
Florals are obviously in abundance, as are springtime-appropriate pastel palettes or rich jewel tones. While some opt for more formal attire and classic silhouettes, this is a fab opportunity to have fun with fashion, with larger-than-life prints, bold hues, statement sleeves, and ruffles, ruffles (and more ruffles) all making a splash at the recent Sofitel Girls' Day Out at Flemington, of which I was in attendance.
With that being said, here's a round-up of Newshub Lifestyle's favourite fashion picks for a day at the races.
Annah Stretton Leonie Fascinator in Black, RRP$59
Kathryn Wilson x Sophie So Boater, RRP$99
Morgan & Taylor Pink Ivory Racewear, RRP$72
Seed Heritage Crystal Headband, RRP$44.90
Deadly Ponies Mr Minimese, RRP$499
Birgitte Herskind Grande Bag, RRP$469
Brie Leon Paloma Basket Bag, RRP$335
Kathryn Wilson Emma Bag, RRP$299
Rory William Docherty Baby Bow Bag, RRP$965
Hansen and Gretel Cosmo Dress, RRP$319
Acler Denare Dress, RRP$499
Leo Lin Matilda Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, RRP$979
Trelise Cooper Crazy in Love Dress, RRP$999
Twenty-Seven Names Love Is All Around Dress, RRP$980
Kate Sylvester Sakura Dress, RRP$799
Acler Davies Dress, RRP$689
Juliette Hogan Hana Dress Sundown Viscose Silk, RRP$899 - coming soon
Cooper Walk With Me Trouser, RRP$429
Caitlin Crisp By Your Side Dress, RRP$595
Leo Lin Rose Bustier Midi Dress, RRP$1099
Caitlin Crisp Audrey Dress, RRP$595
Juliette Hogan Magdalena Dress Spring Crush, RRP$929 - coming soon
Shona Joy Belvedere Lace Back Bias Maxi Dress, RRP$419
Twenty-Seven Names Who's That Girl Dress, RRP$450
Kate Sylvester Pola Dress, RRP$669
Polo Ralph Lauren Paisley Mulberry Silk Dress, RRP$1439
Trelise Cooper At A Cinch Dress, RRP$899
Charlie Holiday Alfie Maxi Dress, RRP$199.95 (AUD)
Kate Sylvester Peg Trousers, RRP$$429
