With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, it’s time to get your head into the game and start planning your race day threads and accessories. We chatted to some of the most stylish men on Instagram to get their fashion style tips for the biggest Australian social event of the year. Learn how to take the hassle out of planning your race day garb.
Always plan your outfit in advance
Image courtesy of Man of Style
Sam Wines of Man of Style knows that for most gentlemen, the thought of planning an outfit – even one day in advance – can often seem harrowing. But he guarantees that when it comes to the Spring Racing Carnival, planning is everything. It’s important to think about your own personal style and what you’d love to be seen in. Then complement this by being on top of the latest trends. As well as choosing something that you’re going to be comfortable in.
“Firstly we have the suit, and when it comes to the races, you have two main styles you can go for – modern or traditional,” says Wines. “Modern style suiting tends to follow a simple formula: they tend to be unstructured through the shoulder, single breasted with two buttons and notch lapels and an overall slim silhouette. The traditionalists tend to be more structured through the shoulder, wider lapels, and often come in the double-breasted variety.”
It’s best to remember that Spring Racing is premised on tradition and style etiquette. Your clothing should be an ode to the past, but come with superior tailoring courtesy of the present. Look Smart can of course help you with having your tailoring perfectly suited to both current styles and your body shape, for a seamless fit.
It’s also best to take inspiration from the Italians, who are all about ‘Spezzatura’ – looking stylishly nonchalant or effortless. Your suit should be stylish, but also comfortable – you’ll be wearing it all day after all.
Choose the right fabric & accessories
Being Spring time, opt for a suit that is unlined and light, and choose a breathable fabric like cotton and a cutaway or spread collar for your shirt. “Next up,” says Wines, “is your accessories. A tie and pocket square is a no brainer. In fact, the former is usually mandatory.”
Pocket squares in solid colours are generally the easiest kind to wear, as patterned pocket squares can prove a difficult match. On the other hand, a patterned pocket square brings a lot more life to a man’s Spring Racing outfit. If you’re a complete beginner, a simple white, blue, pink or grey pocket square can be worn with just about any suit. Never match your pocket square to your tie. Try to avoid a jacket with a pre-made square sewn into the breast pocket. Choose a square or straight fold for an easy and classic look, or a puff fold for a relaxed look that doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard.
In terms of a tie, your tie’s blade should match the width of your suit’s lapel. This will create a nice balance to complement your overall look. Try to pick a tie with an accent colour or motif that complements your suit.
Finishing touches to enhance your style
“The next step after that,” says Wines, “would have to be a nice watch coupled with a few bracelets and some sunglasses. Once you have all of the above, you will definitely be on your way to looking the goods. Just make sure that they all tie in nicely together and complement your look. We all love showing a bit of ankle down here in Melbourne, but for race day, don’t forget the socks. You can actually be refused entry if you aren’t wearing any, so be sure to keep those ankles hidden.”
Cufflinks are another brilliant accessory to add to really smarten up any outfit. Whether they’re a fun personal statement with your initials or a more practical accessory, cufflinks are the perfect way to polish off your racing suit look. Looksmart are releasing a range of beautiful stainless steel cufflinks, soon to be available in 20 of our stores. Take a look at the collection here.
Another accessory you might like to add to your ensemble is an umbrella, suggests Wines. “Melbourne is rather notorious for its flaky weather; especially around Spring. Your best bet is to bring along an umbrella in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. Investing in a good umbrella can really add some serious style points to your ensemble. Your best bet for a no-nonsense umbrella would have to be Henry Bucks. Definitely not that free one you got at the Melbourne show last year.”
Express yourself with style
Image courtesy of Man of Many
Other tips from those in the know include this one from Man of Many, which describes the importance of being a little daring with your fashion choices.
“Spring racing is all about being bold and daring, without looking like a peacock. This season sees a huge uptick in floral prints, which are great for statement pieces when offset against dark blues and tan leather. The key is to pick one loud ingredient and use the rest of the outfit to complement, not compete. A tailored navy suit, florid-toned floral shirt and a simple pair of well-made loafers is the easiest way to harness the spirit of the carnival. Racing season is all about taking a gamble, but making safe bets.”
Lex Mak, aka Mr Gumbatron has a slightly different perspective however. “Gents will be leaning towards cottons and linens in earthier tones and textures this season. Khaki is back big time, as well as desert neutrals including smoky grey, beige, taupe and cream. Wider lapels are still having a resurgence, as they help to accentuate the tie knot and overall gives the wearer an elevated masculine stance. As always at Spring racing, colour blocking jackets and trousers when paired correctly will be a winner. Lastly – never forget your pocket square.”
Finding YOUR suit style
Image courtesy of Mr. Gumbratron
The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what kind of suit, shirt, cufflinks, tie, or pocket square you wear for Spring Racing – as long as you put in the effort. Don’t wear the same suit you wear to the office, and don’t think a sports coat over chinos will do. Do wear cufflinks and do make sure your shoes are polished.
Focus on tailoring and a polished yet relaxed look and you can’t go wrong. Looksmart Alterations in Australia and New Zealand offer bespoke suit tailoring to ensure every suit you own has the perfect fit – whether for the races or everyday. Head into your nearest Looksmart Alterations store today.