It’s that time of the year again..Spring Racing, a time when any retailer can bump up their collections by 30% and still see them walk out the door, a time when putting multi coloured feathers and novelty oversized hats on suddenly becomes acceptable and a spray tan fog mist fills the air.
The Spring Racing carnival gives us females the opportunity to stand around in 14 inch heels from dusk to dawn..providing that is that one is included in some form of ‘pre- races champagne breakfast’, which although may seem like a brilliant idea in the morning, may not work to your benefit by 3pm.
A day at the track can be enjoyable, however, it can also be an horrific ordeal ending in blisters, smudged mascara and crusts of what was your lunch smeared on your cheek.
Having attended the races for many years I have quickly learned the ‘dos and don’ts’ when it comes to a day at the races, so here is my essential guide to surviving the Spring Carnival.
DO…
Wear colour, unless of course you are attending Derby Day, in that case, respect tradition. Any other race day on the other hand, embrace the prints, florals and block colours. A typical Melbournians wardrobe consists of black, white, grey and more black, so take the opportunity to step out in something that is a colour..not a shade.
Opt for wedges over a sky high heel, they’re on trend, will stop you from getting constantly stuck in grass and will be able to get you through the day without feeling to urge to amputate your feet..and don’t stress, they will make your legs looks just as good as any stiletto can!
Dress for the weather forecast, if it’s going to be cold take a jacket, if you don’t want to take a jacket, take a throw. If it’s going to be warm wear sunscreen because nobody wants to hear you whinge all day about the weather conditions..beauty doesn’t always have to be pain!
One champagne, one water, one champagne, one water…in the wise words of my Grandmother, ‘there’s nothing more unattractive than a lady who cannot hold her drink and advertises it to a crowd’.
Wear a fascinator..a hat..gloves..take an oversized clutch..pull out those pearls and bright red lipstick you’ve always wanted to wear..have fun with it!
Remember playing dress ups as a 5 year old? The Spring Carnival is the one time of the year when we are allowed to do this again in public!
DON’T…
Wear lycra, sequins or a body con micro mini, these statement pieces if you can give them such a description belong in a Gold Coast nightclub…not the race track.
Take your hat or shoes off until you get home or are in a taxi, If you put sky high heels on the start of the day suck it up and see it through..and hat hair is a real, frightening thing that should stay behind closed doors.
Overdo your tan, we can tell it’s not real, so can the judges for fashion on the field.
Carry around a bottle of champagne, it’s not a good look, share it around, you will thank yourself that you did!
Any day at the races is a long day, so be kind to yourself and make it enjoyable!
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