Summer Racing Fashion Guide 2017 SummerRacingFashionGuide2017PDFDOWNLOAD | Page 36

British Champions Day
ASCOT 21st October
B
ritish Champions Day is
not the final day of the Flat
racing season but is the last
really major festival and
therefore a popular
end-of-season highlight. It hosts the
finals of all five divisions of the British
Champions Series and is the richest
day in British horseracing where prize
money is concerned.
Perhaps the most tricky of occasions
to dress for, this i s a new-ish addition to
the racing calendar having begun in 2011,
and although a Flat racing meeting, it is
also nearly the end of October!
To date, no clear style has emerged as
the weather and time of year precludes
obvious summer wear, while full-on
winter boots and tweeds seems too heavy
for a Flat racing championships.
We recommend you look to regular
attendee The Queen for inspiration
here – she’s most frequently dressed in
autumnal fabrics such as tweed, felt and
feathers for her hat, but in muted or light
colours combined with strong highlight
hues such as burgundy or golden yellow
– think bright autumn leaves. Style tends
towards a long coat over a matching dress
or skirt.
Admittedly, Her Majesty is unlikely
to attend the après racing party so if you
are inclined towards that option consider
finer fabrics under the coat, such as a
chiffon or silk blouse, or a short-sleeved
or sleeveless dress.
If tweed is not your style, this is where
the longer coat can come into play – look
for colours other than the standard beige:
a powder blue or cherry red could look
beautifully elegant if teamed with the
right dress for example.
Hats and headpieces tend to be out of
vogue at this meeting but you will not
look out of place if you do choose to wear
one – aim for something neat such as a
pill box, cloche or beret in felt, wool, or
tightly woven straw but it’s too early for
fur and opt for muted colours. This is the
ideal occasion to try out a wide knotted
silk or brocade headband which will keep
your ears warm, your hair out of your
eyes if it’s windy, but is still reminiscent
of summer and can add a splash of colour
and quirkiness to a more sober outfit.
36
THE LONG COAT
This Cashmere Grace Coat is an
ideal transitional coat for the
end of summer when the
weather is becoming colder,
£325 from Shibumi Style on Etsy.
Elisa is a hand formed cocktail
hat in rich wool felt with an
abstract felt design in
matching felt at the back.
The hat is finished with
a small veil. Price £185 from
Maggie Mowbray Hats on Etsy.
Pacific Blue Stretch Suede
Long Boots are flatteringly fitted
to the leg in soft stretch suede –
they are neither clingy nor baggy.
Reduced from £185 to £159, from
Mandarina Shoes.
THE JACKET COMBO
For a less formal look the
Whistles Rosie Lace midi dress
with unlined bottom panels offers
a contemporary twist on the boho
chic look. Price £249.
Toughen up the boho romance
with a fitted leather jacket. Jigsaw
Nappa Leather Biker Jacket, £298,
in ink blue will provide warmth
and style. From House of Fraser.
THE TWEED TWINSET
For a funky take on footwear, ankle
boots with socks hidden underneath can
offer some warmth. If you’re drawn to
knee-high boots opt for pale or bright
coloured suedes in finer styles rather
than heavier black or brown leather.
Otherwise, avoid sandals but if the
weather looks fine you could risk a
peep-toe high-heeled shoe.
SUMMER RACING FASHION GUIDE 2017 ECLIPSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Gentlemen are required to wear a
jacket with a collared shirt and tie in the
Premier Enclosures, and smart attire is
encouraged elsewhere. This is not the
Royal meeting so morning suits are out:
instead you’ll see mostly black or grey
suits. Tweed or checked jackets/suits will
also fit this time of year well but it’s also an
opportunity to sport a longer mackintosh
or trench coat over a fine suit if it's set for
rain or low temperatures.
Consider your accessories – a fedora or
felt trilby will suit the occasion and if you
don’t want to take an overcoat, a smart
woollen scarf (choose a bright colour) and
leather gloves could be good last-minute
additions if the weather has turned out
worse than forecast.
ACCESSORIES: 1. Audalies ankle
boots by Geox, £125. 2. Pink pillbox
felt hat by Monic Millinery, £81
via Etsy. 3. If the weather’s looking
chilly keep warm with a Tie Dye Scarf,
in 100% orange silk, £45 from East.
For a bright tweed look, try
Aquitane pink tweed jacket using
heritage British fabric by Linton.
Price £229, with matching
Aquitane pink tweed dress,
also £229. Both from Damsel
in a Dress.
ECLIPSEMAGAZINE.CO.UK SUMMER RACING FASHION GUIDE 2017
37