Princess Eugenie, second daughter of embattled Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, usually keeps a low profile. At Royal Ascot in June, she grabbed headlines by challenging convention in what appeared to be a crop top. Turned out to be a storm in a fine china teacup, though: she was, in fact, wearing a high-waisted skirt underneath it. Her pumps with bows at the heels were the real winners on the day. Aquazurra bow-tie pump, $1199, from davidjones.com.
FLAT BLACK
Melania Trump; right: Morgan and Taylor “Macy Racewear” boater. Credit:
As FLOTUS, Melania Trump has made some interesting fashion calls and her choice of hat for her husband’s second inauguration was true to divisive form. Eric Javits’ navy-and-white-striped boater made it difficult for the new president to kiss his wife, demonstrating the power of a wide brim as human shield. For race-day versatility, look for a boater in basic black; tilt yours back for easy access. Morgan and Taylor “Macy Racewear” boater, $90.
GEAR SHIFT
Olivia Munn (pictured with husband John Mulaney). Right: P. Johnson “Chelsea” dress.Credit:
Sixty years ago, British model Jean Shrimpton shocked Melbourne society by wearing a minidress on Derby Day. Actor Olivia Munn reiterated the less-is-more look at the US Open in August in a dress from Australian label P. Johnson. The shift is a wonderful backdrop for hats, gloves and two-toned shoes. If the temperature drops, add a boxy blazer or layer over trousers. P. Johnson “Chelsea” dress, $995.
BROWN BUNNY
Singer Bad Bunny; right: Reiss “Ruban” shirt, $195.Credit:
Brown continues to infiltrate black-tie attire on the red carpet with singer Bad Bunny elevating its appeal at this year’s Met Gala. Layering a brown shirt under a matching suit shows that chocolate’s hot again and is a welcome alternative to the sea of starched white normally found at the races. It also works with a bone-coloured suit or black blazer: add a mellow-yellow tie and you’ve found your new racing colours. Reiss “Ruban” shirt, $195.
GOING DOTTY
Rapper and actor A$AP Rocky; right: Ralph Lauren silk tie.Credit:
Ever since Julia Roberts’ polo moment in Pretty Woman, polka dots have been a race-day classic – for women. Now A$AP Rocky, snapped here giving a personality boost to a charcoal suit with an Eli Russell Linnetz tie at the Highest 2 Lowest premiere (both of which were worn by his partner, Rihanna, earlier this year), might just be the pretty man we’ve been waiting for. Worried about scaring the horses? Choose a quieter spot. Ralph Lauren silk tie, $449.
GREY MONARCH
King Charles; right: MJ Bale “Hutchins DB” jacket.Credit:
While his mother embraced a rainbow of colours, King Charles remains loyal to navy and grey. At Royal Ascot and on royal tours, he demonstrates the latter’s suitability as a backdrop for patterned and boldly coloured ties and white or pale-blue shirts. He’s favoured single-breasted grey suits of late, but we’re sure to see this sustainability-minded monarch breaking out the dashing, double-breasted options soon. MJ Bale “Hutchins DB” jacket, $599.
SUSPENDER ANIMATION
Actor Adam Scott; right: Otaa suspender braces.Credit:
Severance star Adam Scott understands the appeal of accessories: a tie pin, braces and flower brooch make it unlikely that you’ll be mistaken for an office drone at the racetrack. Apart from keeping your trousers up, braces are, of course, a nod to the continuing preppy trend. While the late David Bowie would regularly wear a belt and braces with his high-waisted pants, we suggest that you, who are not Bowie, simply back one winner at a time. Otaa suspender braces, $59.
RING, RING
Actor Ben Whishaw; right: Mejuri sterling silver signet ring.Credit:
Tennis is starting to rival horse-racing in the fashion stakes, with Wimbledon providing rich material for outfit inspiration. Ben Whishaw, Black Doves actor and the voice of Paddington Bear, was dapper in a tailored suit on Centre Court in July, but added edge to his look with an array of rings. Seventies-style signet rings may be enjoying a resurgence, but he shows that they don’t need a fringed suede vest and flares to look good. Mejuri sterling silver signet ring, $248.
