Finding the right racing outfit isn’t easy, let me tell you I’ve had my fair share of fails! From my mums vintage ruffle top (think the Seinfield pirate shirt) to a short dress with cape back.. Its safe to say I learnt the do’s and don’ts pretty quickly after attempting my second racing event. Here are some helpful hints that I learnt along the way.

Do’s:

• Dress according to the season and event – Consider the weather, season and race day colours
• Research is important. Find out what colours and prints are in and try to work these looks to your own colour palette.
• Don’t be a slave to trends, or for that matter wear all the trends in one!
• Be original, you want to stand out in the crowd
• Keep to 3 colours, you don’t want to look like Carmen Miranda
• Match your headpiece with your outfit. If you find yourself stuck for ideas, this is where an experienced milliner can help, they are designers too. 
• Do shop around – If you are one with expensive taste, like myself make sure you shop around. Look on ebay and online boutiques, I often find a sale somewhere!
• Pack spare bobby pins, safety pins and if you are a sewer like me, a needle and thread. We all can have wardrobe malfunctions – we might as well be prepared!
• Finally be confident! Everyone loves seeing a smile on stage

Don’ts:

• Don’t go too short – Shorter never was better! Keep to a skirt length that just touches the knee or longer, think elegance, structure and sophistication.
• Don’t wear chunky, nightclub heels – You want a slim beautiful shoe that compliments your outfit.
• Make sure your shoes fit properly and are broken in before hitting the race track – hobbling around the course never looks ladylike, no matter how good the outfit!
• Don’t wear winter leather gloves on a hot day, dainty lace gloves can be worn but only if you feel it completes your outfit.
• Don’t over accessorise – too many accessories can overwhelm your look. If you feel like you have over accessorised, you probably have! As Coco Chanel once said ‘consider taking one thing off before leaving the house’
• Don’t go heavy on the makeup – Keep it simple. Choose between a standout lip teamed with natural eye or vice versa. 
• Go easy on the fake tan – tandoori skin never looks nice and your dry cleaner will thank you later!