Fashion: How to nail racing chic

By Michiko Hylands

Spy.co.nz·

28 Feb, 2016 01:00 AM3 mins to read

Natalie Chand'Orsay hat - $950.

Take to the trackside with these fashion must-haves.

It's time to get race-day ready as Auckland Cup Week is nearly upon us. Show them your style at the fashion competitions, BMW New Zealand's Derby Day's Fashions in the Field and Barfoot & Thompson's Auckland Cup Day's Viva Prix de Fashion.

Finding something to wear can sometimes be a dilemma but with a bit of know-how, it's easy to come up with a stand-out look.

An incredible piece of headwear should always be your first consideration. Wow them with Natalie's Chan's d'Orsay hat. The large bow adds a wonderfully dramatic touch.
Cut a bold figure in the Dikrysa dress by Hugo Boss, an eye-catching, monochrome tailored dress.

1 Hugo Boss Dikrysa dress $959

2 One Shoulder bodysuit $119.90
Frill Hem midi skirt
$159.90
Samantha pump
$209.90
Carrie Cutout clutch $69.90
All from Seed Heritage

3 Lift Maxi dress in tangerine
$289.99
Slick heels in nude
$399.99
All from Moochi

4 Max Midi Drape dress
in blackberry
$159.99

5 Ted Baker Harmel dress $469

6 Adrian Hailwood Sequin Mercury in sea foam
$359

Black is always stylish. Add flair with Seed Heritage's One Shoulder Bodysuit and Frill Hem Midi Skirt. Team with a must-have floppy hat to channel the 70s.

Auckland Cup Day is all about colour. Dress to impress in Moochi's Lift maxi dress. Add a belt to cinch in the waist and co-ordinate with elegant accessories.

Navy never dates. Keep it effortlessly chic with Max's Midi Drape dress. The soft, draped style creates a more feminine look and the neutral base allows you to go all out on accessories.

Ted Baker's Harmel midi dress features a flirty full skirt for true ladylike style.

Also coming up on the racing calendar is Alexandra Park Racing's Fashion at the Oaks, a glamorous evening of racing and fashion from New Zealand's top designers. Adrian Hailwood's sizzling sequin Mercury dress is a perfect dress for any soiree. Add a luxe headband or fascinator for extra glam appeal.

Must-have racing accessories:

Turn heads with SRK Millinery's Annette hat ($236) while Guglielmo Rotta's Allure sandal is a sexy, strappy sandal made for any racing meet - $390.

Embrace Derby Day chic with Cue's Graphic chain bag ($215) and add a splash of colour with Karen Murrell's Rymba Rhythm lipstick - $29.95.

Make your base immaculately flawless with YSL's Touche Eclat Blur Perfector. $92

If hats aren't your thing, opt for a sparkly headband such as Mimco's Head Over Heels Halo. $249

Belinda Green's Billy hat ($250) adds class and sophistication. And of course, it's all about the details. Delicate stud earrings from Forever New finish your look - $14.99.

So go trackside to experience the style and glamour of racing. It's the perfect excuse to dress up and show off.