The way you accessorize your race day outfit can make or break your whole look. Not only do accessories spice up an outfit, they create that essential ‘on trend’ element.
Accessory trends are always changing. Something that was the ‘must have’ item one season could be tossed to the back of the cupboard quicker than a bad ex-boyfriend. Dated. Done.
It’s always fun trying to predict what the next trend will be.
Some trends are made on runways, showcased through high end fashion sites like Net-A-Porter or adorned by fashion forward fashionistas.
Racing fashion trends ripple through a crowd fast. When one accessory wins a sash in FOTF or gets a lot of attention, it has a wild fire effect. That bag or earring style will be popping up on every Fashions on the Field stage across the country.
In this blog post I take a look at some of the hot accessory trends of the past few years, interview The Bag Queen on how to spot a new trend, and discuss when a trend should enter retirement.
Here are a few of the main accessory trends we have seen over the past few years…
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Hot Accessory Trends from the Past Few Years
Half Moon Basket Bag
The half moon bag was the must have bag of 2016/2017. This bag comes in many colours and sizes and was the perfect finishing touch to Spring outfits across the country.
Image: 1: bagqueen.com.au, 2-4: net-a-porter.com
Image: Melissa Barnes, Arriell Scuderi
Image: Katie McNamara, Allana Burns
Statement Earrings (Christie Nicolaides Earrings)
Even I, one who doesn’t like to lash out on accessories, purchased a pair of Christie Nicolaides jeweled earrings. In fact, I bought two pairs!
These were undoubtedly the must have earring for a time, and everywhere you looked stunning turquoise and rose rocks could be seen dangling from every ear at Spring Carnival. Two years on, my Christie’s are tucked away in a draw, and I have no urge to bring them out again… for a little while at least.
Image: christienicolaides.com.au
Image: Melissa Barnes, @wendellt photo of @itsannabeldavy
Image: @milanoimai, Pao Andrea Rod
Tassel Earrings
Tassel earrings finish off a race day outfit so beautifully. They’re fun, bright and are an easy choice to pair with most outfits.
Although they were most popular three years ago, they are still a favourite amongst many. With many variations of this style to choose from, layered tassels, beaded, ombre, ranging from super long to short styles, I don’t think these will be going out of style any time soon.
Image: forevernew.com.au, theringboxofficecollection.com, lyst.co.uk, au.boohoo.com
Image: Shantelle Morris, @rhiannapatten
Image: @milanoimai, @melissabarnes_1
Ring Handle Bag
Who didn’t give in to the peer pressure and buy a ring bag? These bags were favourites as they pushed aside the standard clutch we were all clasping on to, breathing some much needed fresh air to bags. The cute ring handles and shape made them a novelty in themselves.
Image: bagqueen.com.au, net-a-porter.com, nordstromrack.com, shop.nordstrom.com
Image: Arriell Scuderi, Jan Bulman
Image: Susan Richards, @dahynaheenan @yarravalleyracing.
Top Handle Bag
Around this time, hand held bags became popular too. Cute rectangular, circle or square shaped bags with top handles are one of the most popular bags to be seen at FOTF events today. Clutches are often hidden by a hand when held, but these handle bags allow the bag to take the spotlight.
Image: olgaberg.com, mybag.com, Dolce & Gabbana, bagqueen.com.au
Image: Allana Burns, @gracyn_masterson23 Vera May
Image: @courtney_busby, @flemingtonvrc
Sphere clutches
Sphere clutches also had their moment in the limelight, coming in block spheres and metallic mesh spheres, allowing you to fill the insert with a different colour. I love the way they look with modern and classic outfits, adding extra pizzazz to race day outfits.
Image: selfridges.com, zalora.sg, baginning.com, AliExpress.com
Image: Nicole Mackay, @shannleigh__ fotf.com.au
Image: @shannleigh__, @geowatto1 fotf.com.au,
Face Bag
Aren’t these bags just the coolest? They really give an outfit a quirky, chic look and can often be that added touch a simple outfit needs.
Image: bagqueen.com.au, couturediva.com, shopstasy.com, pulseperformance.co.nz
Image: @sally_martindhu, @flemingtonvrc @amandamaccor
Image: @emma.c.wells, @crystalkimber
Skeleton Bag
I’m calling these the skeleton bags because they remind me of a rib cage haha. This is my most favourite bag trend. I just love looking at them, so unique and able to bring an on-trend vibe to any outfit.