Dressing For The Derby – Everything You Needed To Know About Racecourse Fashion

Written by Khubi Amin Ahmed30th Mar 2015
DRESSING FOR THE DERBY – EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT RACECOURSE FASHION
 

6

On our constant pursuit of high end fashion, this time we have stumbled on yet another high style event – the races. Catching our fancy this time are the elitist derby regalia and the fedoras. A staple on the spring time social calendar, one of the most prominent features of these race events (apart from the magnificent horses of course) are the stylish fascinators, hats and exquisite headgears at large. Intrigued? Read on as we rope in Delna Poonawalla – fashion designer and daughter of the iconic Poonawalla family of the Poonawalla Breeder's Multi-Million legacy, to take us through the many nuances of racecourse fashion.

Fascinators, feathers, hats, brims, beret, blooms et al lead the way when it comes to racecourse fashion. But there is a rule book attached when it comes to sporting these gorgeous head accessories. Delna puts together a royal guide.

6

Hats make a great style statement at any outdoor day event and not just races. Racing, polo, beach or resort holiday, theme parties and even destination weddings. They are not absolutely necessary at the races but complete the look.

6

Remember, if you want your hat to be the main focus of your outfit, keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple. If your hat is large and stands out, chunky jewellery around the neck or huge earrings is a no. If you want the accessories or dress to be the main focus find a small fascinator to compliment the entire ensemble.

6

A knee length printed dress is ideal and can be teamed with a smaller fascinator to complement the dress rather than over shadow it. Prints like psychedelic, classic black and white print work provided they are paired with a hat or fascinator that doesn't overpower the rest of your outfit.

6

My collection of fascinators and hats carry traces of lace, and fun prints such as leopard and polka dots. My hat collection has also evolved over time and I now prefer cleaner lines with less fuss. Big hats steal the show and are to be worn only if you can carry them off, these too have evolved over time from proper lady hats to the likes of what Jacqueline and Urvashi are wearing in the images.

6

Delna’s 5 basic rules in choosing a hat or fascinator…

First, it must suit the shape of your face.
Second, it must go with your personality.
Third, it must suit or complement your outfit.
Fourth, the rim of the hat should be no wider than your shoulders.
Fifth, wear the hat or fascinator at an angle and not directly in the middle or on top of the head. It should be at a slight tilt, and for apiece that has a net accent to it, you can pull the net over one eye.

Khubi Amin Ahmed

Written by

Deputy Editor, Writer/Journalist, Avid reader, Moonlighting literature loony, culinary and art fanatic. Unconventional eternal!
11090 views

Shop This Story