2 weeks Ago By Zach Margolius
A pop of colour, an ode to tradition, and a touch of pizzazz. Judges at this Saturday’s Fashions on the Field at Winterbottom Stakes Day have given entrants an early indication of what they’re looking for as racing enthusiasts come dressed to impress at Ascot Racecourse. Registrations for the hotly contested annual event are still open, with cash prizes and styling accessories up for grabs.
Saturday’s judging panel is set to feature local fashionistas Dr Deb Cohen-Jones — Perth’s most fashionable GP and Co-owner of The Secret Skincare — media personality Jason Balchand, Posi Vibes Influencer Dianne Laurance, and Seven West Media’s Ross McCrae. Dr Cohen-Jones told PerthNow she hoped entrants would bring a splash of the unexpected while maintaining a coherent ensemble overall. “I’ll be looking for innovation and surprise.
Gone are the days when your hat needed to match your dress,” she said. “Today, it’s all about your outfit’s overall look or theme. I want the headpiece not to necessarily match the outfit or to be a bit more unconventional and out there.
” The fashion-forward medical professional insisted “heels are a must”, adding that “yellow is my tip for the colour of the season, as well as shorter, more structured pieces or dresses”. Online personality Dianne Laurance laid out her three non-negotiables — colour, coordination and confidence. “What attracts me first is colour, the second is how the colour is coordinated in the whole look, and the third is the confidence on the stage in delivering the complete package,” Ms Laurance said.
“They need to have that ‘Hey look at me, I’m feeling fun, flirty and fabulous’ vibe going on’.” Local media personality Jason Balchand offered tips for men who were unsure how to stand out from the crowd. He suggested adding flair to basic accessories could be the difference.
“Men have fewer choices when it comes to fashion, so it’s about the effort they put into making themselves stand out,” Mr Balchand said. “Simple things like belts, shoes, and accessories can either make or break the outfit. If wearing a tie, I’d love to see something other than a traditional Windsor knot.
” As a general rule, Mr Balchand said Fashions on the Field was all about “going the extra mile” — the key being a style that matches the individual. Offering further advice for men who are unsure where to begin, Editorial Project Manager at The West Australian Ross McCrae implored men to be colour-conscious. “Burgundy, forest green, or even pastel shades can make a statement when done tastefully.
The key is coordinating colours throughout the outfit, from the suit to the accessories,” Mr McCrae said. Mr McCrae listed his rules of what not to do for men seeking to take out a top prize. “One of the biggest mistakes men make is wearing suits or other clothing that doesn’t fit properly.
Baggy or overly long suits can make even expensive pieces look cheap,” he admitted. Aside from avoiding a fashion faux pas, the confident dresser is hoping entrants avoid over-accessorising. His final tip to those hot to trot on race day centred around honouring the history of the sport.
“Strike a balance between honouring racing tradition and incorporating current fashion trends. This could mean pairing a classic cut suit with a trendy print shirt or adding a modern twist to traditional race day accessories,” he concluded. Registered entrants must present to the Bookmaker’s Pavilion between 10:45am and 12:15pm on Saturday to take part.
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