Trackside Fashion

The Melbourne spring racing carnival has come and gone, and I took a total of one day off from exam study in order to make the most of it. The fashion stakes are always high (not just describing the headwear) and the depth of creativity expressed in some of the outfits is astounding. Racing fashion has transformed in recent years, as just about anything goes these days. Maxi dresses, mid-thigh dresses and even ballgowns were displayed on the side of the tracks, alongside plenty of colourful blazer/pants combos. Many women were rocking wide-leg pants and sheer tops, bringing some edgy glamour to the races. Jumpsuits also seemed to burgeon in popularity, and an outfit wasn’t complete without a crown.

The variety of styles worn is a testament to how far women’s fashion has come, and demonstrates how women are more empowered to wear styles that suit their bodies and personalities. I couldn’t bring myself to participate in a conversation occurring beside me between two women who were discussing outfits that were passing in front of them because of some of the unnecessary criticism they were giving. Anyone should be able to wear whatever they want without judgement, and that’s why I decided to go to the races as a bride. I’m totally joking, but when a relative saw me in my outfit earlier in the day, she did exclaim in Macedonian that I look like a bride and wondered why she wasn’t invited to my wedding.

Thanks to the tan I accumulated while reciting my law notes in the sun, I decided to wear a white dress from a boutique in the Gold Coast and this bridal veil from Mimco. I wore my incredibly comfortable Topshop mules that I don’t resent wearing (unlike all my other heels that spend their time politely sitting in boxes), and a matching bag from Napoleon Perdis to coincide with the black, white and pink outfit theme. I felt comfortable, pretty, and not nearly as much as a bride as I thought.