Seasonal changes are fun for the racing fashion enthusiast as they provide us with the opportunity for experimentation and creativity. Unlike our northern hemisphere counterparts, racing fashion in Australia is divided into two seasons, Spring/Summer (S/S) and Autumn/Winter (A/W).
It is important to abide by the seasonal changes in fashion as judges of Fashions on the Field are often strict on these rules, in terms of fabrications of clothing, millinery and accessories.
When you’re just starting out, it can be tricky knowing what is and isn’t appropriate for the season. So, in this post I’ll shed some light on the key differences between the seasons.
Contents
Clothing Fabrications
Spring/Summer
In S/S, opt for lightweight fabrics, such as cotton blends, lace, sheer fabrics, silks, linen, chambray, seersucker, jacquard, chiffon, tulle or rayon. Almost any light-weight fabric will be fine. You can opt for a heavier fabric, as long as it doesn’t look too wintery, such as tweed or wool.
Fabrics above all available from www.tessuti-shop.com
Autumn/Winter
In A/W, a thicker fabric such as wool, velvet, heavier laces, tweed, flannel, faux fur, silk (silk is great for winter because it keeps you warm, but still breathes) corduroy, jacquard, leather, suede, cashmere etc. are the most popular choices.
Fabrics above all available from www.tessuti-shop.com
Note here though, a fabric can be interchangeable between S/S and A/W by choosing the appropriate colour for the season.
For example, you may still wear a light-weight cotton in winter if it’s in a rich winter tone, like emerald green or burgundy. The same goes for the reverse, a winter fabrication such as leather, could be made suitable for S/S with the use of a lighter colour such as nude, cream or pink or a floral print.
In the following pic, Lindsay is wearing tulle, typically a S/S fabric. However, she has made it winter appropriate, by choosing a rich purple colour and pairing it with a thick over coat dress.
Image credit: Lindsay Ridings
Outfit Silhouettes
Spring/Summer
In S/S you have a bit more lenience in what styles to wear. You can wear off shoulder, a variety of sleeves; such as no sleeve, short sleeve, long sleeve (if you won’t be too hot) or one shoulder. The length of your dress can vary from a midi length to knee-length.
Image credit: @emscodellaro, @itsannabeldavy