Winning Race Day fashion

Claire “Boo” Hahn, a popular face of race day fashion and Fashions in the Field judge, shares her tips on what and what not to wear to Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie...

If you are heading to Ellerslie on Boxing Day, it’s time to start putting thought into what you will be wearing. Race days are a rare opportunity to really dress up in special daywear. Make the most of it and enjoy the process of putting your look together with the help of my race day style advice.

• Race wear should be elegant, sophisticated but more importantly it is daywear. Keep embellishment to a minimum and save the glitz and sparkle for after dark. Keep your look lady like and demure, banish micro minis and plunging necklines until New Years Eve.
• A successful race day ensemble balances race day tradition with fashion forward trends. The runway has given us the bold shoulder, so update last season's jackets and tops with sculptural shoulder pad inserts. Nude and pastel tones are fresh and pretty for summer racing, but it is the holiday season so don’t be afraid to celebrate with a little splash of colour.
• Don’t look past chain store chic. It’s all about pulling your look together with originality and style. You don’t need to spend a fortune to look and feel like a million dollars.
• Choose one stand out piece, whether it be your headwear, jacket, clutch or jewels and build your ensemble around it. Avoid being to “matchy matchy”, contrasting textures and colours are a more modern approach to sophisticated style.
• First timers may be wary of the essential headpiece. If in doubt opt for small and sculptural and avoid tacky feathered fascinators that are suddenly so passe.
• For the budget conscious it’s time to get creative! Gather your girlfriends, shop a storm at Spotlight (pick up a bottle of bubbles) and create your own piece of couture headwear. The range of products is endless and you will turn heads for all the right reasons.
• Elegant up dos will help to combat the heat, but make sure your hairstyle works in harmony with your headwear rather than compete with it. A good supply of bobby pins is a must but do keep them well hidden.
• Clutches this season are small and perfectly formed. Keep hold of any perfume samples that come your way, they fit perfectly into the smallest of party purses and ensure you smell as good as you look.
• Remember your SPF, Boxing Day sun can be fierce but don’t rely on Auckland weather. Be prepared with an optional jacket or wrap to take you from taxi to totes.
• Underwear is key- don’t let peek-a-boo bra straps and visible panty lines spoil your look.
• Gloves can polish race day attire and help release the vintage vixen within. Summer welcomes lighter matte fabrics at wrist or mid arm length.
• Navigating the track terrain can be fretful. Choose solid heels in wipe down patent or leather and pre treat satin pumps so they survive until Auckland Cup Week.

Most importantly be confident and comfortable in your outfit. Break in your shoes and remember your Party Feet. There is nothing more disappointing than seeing young fillies leaving the event with heels and fascinator in hand. A true lady leaves the track as she arrived.

By Claire Hahn, November 2009.
Pictured: Claire in Melbourne at Cup Week 2009 where she placed in the top ten fashion in the field finalists.