RECOMMENDED FOR RACEGOERS • MENSWEAR
THE HAT
A Panama hat will work with most outfits and at most summer racing festivals , but do not wear it before or at the Guineas Festival . Better matched to a grey suit is a darker coloured trilby or fedora – look for a straw trilby to save overheating , and consider navy , brown or dark camel hues .
Do not be tempted to wear a hat the same colour as your suit – it should contrast but be of a similar tone . Tread carefully with coloured hat bands : weigh up how much other colour you have in your outfit first and only accept a plain hatband in a self- or contrasting colour – avoid patterned ones . Top hats are only to be worn with morning suits , and flat caps are only for tweed suits .
Marks and Spencer has a range of Panama and summer trilby hats including this Luxury Panama Hat , £ 49.50 .
THE SHOE
Black is the obvious choice but worn with a navy or grey suit it can tend to look like office wear . Brown and tan are more relaxed colours whilst still looking smart . How formal is all in the style of the shoe .
Synonymous with country life in the past , the brogue has taken a step into city life . That said , don ’ t opt for the chunky full brogue , go for the more refined Oxford half brogue . A semi or half brogue has fewer perforations creating a sleeker look . Russell & Bromley ’ s Milano is a semi brogue in chestnut calf leather . Price £ 195 .
The monkstrap shoe offers an unusual dapper alternative to the more popular Oxford and Derby styles . Try Dune ' s Putney in tan . Price £ 100 from House of Fraser .
THE OVERCOAT
The transition from spring to summer or summer to autumn is not always cut and dried . What do you wear when one day it could be warm and sunny and the next cold and rainy ?
We turn to the lightweight mac . The simple loose fit of the mac fits perfectly over suits or blazers without crushing them . Go for shorter than knee length so that the mac doesn ’ t dominate your sartorial look
This year PANTONE has voted green as THE colour for 2017 . Outerwear is the easiest way to wear green especially khaki and military green which have always been a hit with men ’ s clothing , and are your safest bet in the green spectrum .
New & Lingwood ' s Contrast Double Faced Raincoat is a great option for racedays . The classic raincoat is given a sharp twist with its contrast lining . Tailored from double-faced , water-resistant Italian cotton , it is available in four colour contrast combinations : royal blue / lime , lime / royal blue , orange / navy and navy / orange . The internal pocket is wide enough to store the latest large mobile phones and is buttoned for added security . Price £ 795 .
18 SUMMER RACING FASHION GUIDE 2017 ECLIPSEMAGAZINE . CO . UK