As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, it can only mean one thing: spring racing season is upon us. It's that time of the year when horse racing enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals come together for a perfect blend of equestrian excitement and sartorial splendour. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-time racegoer, the attire you choose can make all the difference in making a statement at the track.
In the world of spring racing fashion, it's not just about the horses—it's also about the dapper gents who grace the event in their finest attire. A well-chosen suit can elevate your style game and turn heads for all the right reasons. In this guide, we'll explore the art of selecting the perfect suit for spring racing, from choosing the right patterns and styles to mastering the art of accessorising.
Join us as we delve into the world of sartorial excellence, where fashion meets tradition, and discover how to make a lasting impression at this year's spring racing events. Whether you're aiming for timeless sophistication or looking to add a dash of flair, we've got you covered. So, grab your binoculars, pick out your favourite racecourse, and let's embark on a journey to create a race-day look that's nothing short of remarkable.
The Patterned Suit: your winning ticket
For those who want to step up their style game and make a bold statement at the Melbourne Cup and spring racing events, patterned suits are your go-to choice. Patterns can inject vibrancy and personality into your ensemble. Here are some pattern options to consider:
Windowpane Check: Elegance with a Twist
The windowpane check pattern is a versatile choice that transitions seamlessly from the office to formal events. Defined by its thin intersecting lines forming squares reminiscent of windowpanes, this timeless design exudes sophistication with a modern twist. Opt for a windowpane check suit in a vibrant, lighter shade like sky blue or mint green to capture the essence of spring and make a statement at the races. Pair it with a contrasting tie for balance, accessorize with a coordinating pocket square and polished leather shoes, and ensure a proper tailored fit. You can even elevate the contemporary style by having the pants tailored to show off ankle-revealing loafers, just be mindful of the pant rise to avoid a shrunken pant look, opt for high waisted cuts instead.
Pinstripes: Timeless Elegance
Pinstripes never go out of style, take it from the French and British. Opt for a navy or charcoal suit with chalk pinstripes to create a sleek, elongated silhouette. Start with a crisp solid light coloured shirt as your canvas, allowing the pinstripes to shine. Choose a tie in complementary solid colours or subtle patterns (avoid anything with stripes or else it will clash with the pinstripes) for a well-balanced look. Complete your outfit with either matching pinstripe pants for a coordinated appearance or solid-coloured pants to add depth to your ensemble, ensuring you stand out with a polished, classic Melbourne Cup look that pays homage to the event's rich fashion tradition.
Houndstooth: Vintage Charm
Houndstooth suits are a timeless choice for Melbourne Cup fashion. This classic pattern, reminiscent of English countryside traditions, exudes vintage charm and elegance. Opt for shades like grey and black or earthy tones such as brown and beige for a sophisticated and stylish look. Pair your houndstooth suit with a solid-coloured shirt and a tie that complements the suit's palette. For a unique twist, consider adding a denim shirt to your ensemble for a touch of ruggedness - an ensemble rooted in dapper French styling. Houndstooth suits strike the perfect balance between classic and rugged, making them an ideal choice for Melbourne Cup attire.
Tartan: Bold Statements
If you're feeling particularly adventurous and want to make a bold statement, consider a tartan suit. These suits boast intricate designs that command attention and spark conversations. To fully embrace the boldness of a tartan suit, utilise a notch lapel instead of a peak lapel for a softer finish, allow the jacket to take centre stage, keeping the rest of your ensemble understated with a crisp white/light blue dress shirt and solid-coloured tie. While bright red tartan suits are eye-catching, opting for darker shades like green, burgundy, or navy adds a touch of sophistication.
From Top To Bottom: A Pop of Personality
Now, it's time to inject some personality into your outfit. Choose a crisp white shirt for a clean and sophisticated look. When it comes to ties, this is your chance to get creative. Go for bold colours, patterns, or even a silk tie with a horse-themed design to subtly nod to the racing spirit.
Accessories can make or break your ensemble. Consider adding the following:
Pocket Square: Who knew a small piece of square fabric could make all the difference? A colorful pocket square can add a touch of flair to your jacket and enhance your overall look. Make sure to have a wavey and messy fold when inserting the pocket square into the breast pocket for that casual elegance. Make sure the pocket square is constructed with either silk or linen to achieve those wavey folds. Luckily for you, we only carry silk and linen pocket squares with over 100 different patterns for any fit.
Cufflinks: Most fail to realise how crucial this subtle detail is to the finishing touches of your race day outfit. It's important to embrace the spirit of the event by choosing cufflinks with thematic designs. Look for options featuring elements that either compliment or match the design of your suit. These thematic cufflinks not only add a playful flair but also demonstrate your appreciation for the occasion.
Lapel Pin: One of the most popular choices for lapel pins during the Melbourne Cup and spring racing season is the floral lapel pin. These pins typically feature a small fabric flower, often a miniature rose or a boutonniere, which adds a dash of colour and charm to your lapel. Floral lapel pins come in various shades, allowing you to coordinate them with your outfit. A white or red rose lapel pin can be a classic choice, while bolder options like deep red or lavender can make a statement. The pin allows for harmony between your outfit and the beautiful spring surrounding - it is a quintessential piece of spring formal wear.
Tie Bar: Choose a complementary design when picking a tie bar for the races, it's essential to select a design that complements your overall outfit. Opt for tie bars with subtle and sophisticated patterns or engravings that enhance your style without overpowering it. Classic metal finishes like silver or gold are excellent choices for races. They exude elegance and timelessness, making them versatile options that work well with various tie and suit colours. Ensure the metal finish matches other accessories like cufflinks and belt buckles for a coordinated look. Additionally, aim for a tie bar that spans about 3/4 of your tie's width, ensuring it holds the tie firmly in place without distorting its shape. Position it between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt for an aesthetically pleasing and functional placement. Remember, a well-chosen tie bar not only enhances your racing ensemble but also keeps your tie neatly in position throughout the event.
In closing, always remember that confidence is the ultimate key to rocking your patterned suit at the Melbourne Cup. Embrace your unique style with confidence and grace, and make sure your suit fits impeccably to boost your self-assurance and elevate your overall appearance. Patterned suits offer a fantastic opportunity to express your personality and creativity while staying in line with the event's dress code, allowing you to stand out and make a lasting impression at these prestigious gatherings. So, wear your patterned suit proudly, and let your fashion choices speak volumes at the Melbourne Cup. If you're ready to find the perfect fit for the upcoming spring racing season, click here to book a fitting with us!