Auckland Cup Week: Fashionistas prepare to wow judges

Lindauer Raceday Ambassador Colin Mathura-Jeffree. Photo / APN

Style and attention to detail are crucial with stakes high for best-dressed final.

Hems are being lowered, headwear embellished and pocket squares ironed as New Zealand's best-dressed racegoers prepare to strut their stuff tomorrow.

Auckland Cup Week's four fashion competitions will kick off tomorrow with the Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie Racecourse. It is New Zealand's race day fashion final, and the stakes are high with one winner-takes-all prize package worth more than $30,000.

Head judge Chloe Moo, reigning Australian Fashions in the Field champion, said she and co-judge Tracey Dalton, head of styling and makeup for TV3, would be looking for those channelling traditional racewear with a modern twist.

"The appropriateness of the outfit to the race day itself, and to the individual, is really important," she said.

The 19-year-old Sydney model and law student - who took top honours at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day - said attention to detail and a polished finish were vital.

"Style and originality, appropriateness of outfit, accessories - how matched and appropriately women have put their outfit together to transcend into one complete look - and grooming and deportment are really important."

This year she expected to see both off-the-shoulder dresses and statement sleeves, full skirts, geometric prints and monochrome colouring.

She advised fashionistas to keep their hems long, and shoulders back, avoid short dresses and make sure heels were appropriate for the grass.

"You have thought about your outfit maybe for weeks, maybe for months, and you have just got to back yourself - just like the horses. Smile, put your shoulders back and be proud of what you're wearing."

Lindauer Raceday Ambassador Colin Mathura-Jeffree encouraged men to join in the fashion events, which include Cup Couture on Wednesday, Alexandra Park's Scenic Hotel Group Fashion Competition on Friday and the Diamond Darling competition on Saturday week.

"If you enter Fashion in the Field it's in the small things like your socks or an amazing brooch you might wear ... or a ring, something that shows a bit of flourish."

Visit www.ellerslie.co.nz and www.alexandrapark.co.nz for full details and to register for the events.

Expert tips

Chloe

* Keep your hemline long - on or below the knees.
* Keep hair and makeup classic.
* Practise walking in your heels.
* Wear heel stoppers to prevent stilettos sinking into the grass.
* Make sure hang tags are tucked in and lipstick is off your teeth.
* Keep sewing kit, plasters, Panadol and a snack in clutch.

Colin

* Make sure your suit is fitted, structured and tailored.
* Polish your shoes.
* If you're going sans tie, tuck your collar in - it's not Saturday Night Fever.
* Don't forget pocket squares and hats.