Fashions in the Field at Boxing Day races

Ruth Sibbald shows her winning style at the races. Picture / Dean Purcell

An outfit entirely suitable for a day at the races saw Auckland woman Ruth Sibbald leave the track on Boxing Day with the top Fashions in the Field prize.

She entered the competition with her London-based sister Zoe Williams, who made both their hats for the event.

Her wool cream and black flecked suit was made by a designer friend. Ms Sibbald wore pink shoes.

"I'm still shaking ... I've won a trip to London to see my sister," said Ms Sibbald.

But while her outfit was catching the eye of the judges, other ensembles were catching the wind.

In Auckland's fickle weather, it was all some contestants could do to hold on to their hats.

Heads turned when finalist Michelle Larsen's elegant skirt took on a life of its own. Ms Larsen, an Auckland receptionist, made her own outfit - an interpretation of a vintage Vogue design. A milliner friend helped to make the headwear to match Ms Larsen's red, white and black combination. "That effect [skirt blowing like Marilyn Monroe's in the wind] wasn't supposed to be a feature," she laughed, recalling the skirt's misbehaviour.

"I was more interested in holding the hat, it was like a flying saucer."

It was the first time Ms Larsen had entered the event, which she enjoyed so much that she plans to return next year.

A major feature of the New Zealand Herald Summer Carnival at Ellerslie, the Deutz Fashions in the Field is the largest outdoor fashion event in the country. It drew more than 150 contestants. Ms Sibbald got to drive away in a Mercedes-Benz C180K Sports Coupe, which she gets to lease for a year.

But she was more excited about her free air ticket to London, for a makeover at Harrods.

Chief judge Francis Hooper of the fashion house World said the judges looked for outfits that best suited the wearer and what was appropriate for the day. Other winners were Lorraine Cookson of Auckland for the best hat, Liam Wotherspoon of Howick for men's racewear and Kristel McMeekin of Auckland, who picked up the under-25-year-old award.