In Part Two of our Darwin Cup preview, we get down to the nitty gritty about the Dos and Don’ts if you’re planning on entering this year’s Fashions on the Field (FOTF).
With a mini competition for the kids at Family Day tomorrow (check out our inspo featuring our beautiful nieces above) Fashions on the Field gets down to serious business on Ladies’ Day with the ultimate winner to be crowned on Darwin Cup Day.
With a Darwin filly winning the coveted FOTF title on Melbourne Cup Day not once, but twice, the local competition is of high standard and you can expect the fashion race to be just as fierce as the Darwin Cup itself!
So, if you’re planning on entering this year, here are some hot tips from style guru and head FOTF judge, Georgie Murphy, which may just help get you first past the post.
DS: Hi Georgie, welcome back and looking forward to judging a few of the FOTF race days with you again this year! Let’s start with the top. Hat or fascinator?
GM: I like a hat, but I think the shift from fascinator to headbands and crowns is great one!
DS: Me too, amen to that!
DS: Moving on to the rest of the outfit now, which can be overwhelming at times… What bag? What shoes? What colour nails? Eeeeep! To break it down for us, what are five quick tips for anyone planning on entering FOTF?
GM: Ok here goes:
- Let your personality shine through in your outfit (and smile!).
- Consider current fashion trends but remember you’re at the races.
- Embrace the carnival of colour theming (see previous post for more on that here).
- Think of your outfit from top-to-toe, headwear, accessories, shoes, nails, make-up and hair style included – it’s the overall picture that counts!
- Have a try on your full outfit in advance of race day and visit a seamstress (unless of course, you’re handy with a sewing machine yourself!) for any last minute tailoring – it might be a hem, cuffs or collar that needs quick attention that could make all the difference.
DS: And I’m going to add to that and say take your time on the catwalk! Remember, it’s not a sprint and the more time we have to take in your whole outfit, the better it is for us to judge.
DS: What about any big No Nos?
GM: You need headwear. That’s a non-negotiable.
Short skirts, low cut tops and lycra are also something that won’t score well. Leave them in your wardrobe for the dance floor later on in the day.
For everything else, it’s about how it’s worn and how the complete outfit looks. For example, a smattering of sequins or embellishment could make a FOTF outfit a winner. A gown that is top to toe in glitter won’t do as well.
DS: So that’s the ladies covered, now what about the men?
GM: For the guys, think about fit – doesn’t matter whether you’re donning the suit or a pair of shorts and a casual collared shirt, it’s a good idea to make sure it flatters you. Remember you’ll be in our outfit all day, so make sure it’s suitable and comfortable.
Consider summery fabrics like cotton and linen for your top half, and have fun with prints, colours and textures for your shorts or trousers.
Don’t forget accessories, like a cool belt, perhaps some new shoes or a pocket square for a pop of colour. Don’t be a slave to exactly match your tie, pocket square and your belt, it just get’s a bit much.
Men entering Fashions on the Field would typically wear a hat, but it’s not a definite must do. Hats are a great to complete an outfit for the track, whether you’re hitting the FOTF catwalk or not.
The good things about men’s hats for the track is they are typically a little more practical than the millinery women wear, and provide some shelter from the Darwin sun. Look for light weight material wide brimmed numbers like a panama.
DS: Great advice as always Miss Murphy! Looking forward to seeing some handsome men line up for FOTF on Cup Day!
Find out more about the 2017 Darwin Turf Club children’s, men’s and women’s Fashion on the Field competitions here.
Blue dress –Just Looking Boutique
Girls headbands – Monsoon Millinery
Blue earrings, pink flower headband – Pink Hill
