How to succeed in Fashions on the Field

Whether you are battling it out for best dressed or simply dressing to impress, it’s important to put some thought into your spring racing wardrobe.

While putting together the perfect trackside get-up may sound simple, there are a number of things to keep in mind – especially if you plan on competing in Fashions on the Field. 

So, to help women out with their spring racing attire, Australian Fashions on the Field veteran, Tahlia Aubusson, recently shared her top dos and don’ts.

‘Over the last 10 years I have competed, placed and judged many FOTF events, This year being pregnant with baby number two I have to sit on the sidelines and watch all the rest of you get frocked up,’ she explained on her blog. 

To help women out with their spring racing attire, Fashions on the Field veteran, Tahlia Aubusson, recently shared her top dos and don’ts.

'Over the last 10 years I have competed, placed and judged many FOTF events,' she said (pictured in the outfit she placed third in, in 2016)

'Over the last 10 years I have competed, placed and judged many FOTF events,' she said (pictured in the outfit she placed third in, in 2016)

‘Over the last 10 years I have competed, placed and judged many FOTF events,’ she said (pictured in the outfit she placed third in, in 2016)

‘So, I decided if I can’t be there I may as well be involved by helping you all get race day ready!’ 

For the ‘average race goer’, Tahlia urges ladies to leave the ‘club wear’ at home.  

‘This is a day for you to bring out your inner “lady” the general standard for race wear is knee length dresses and covered shoulders, tailored well cut dresses are always a good choice and skip the lycra, sequins and jersey fabric please,’ she said. 

‘Showing a midriff is also definitely frowned upon for racing attire and maybe reconsider the sky high platforms for a more sophisticated shoe choice.’

'Showing a midriff is also definitely frowned upon for racing attire and maybe reconsider the sky high platforms for a more sophisticated shoe choice,' she said 

‘Showing a midriff is also definitely frowned upon for racing attire and maybe reconsider the sky high platforms for a more sophisticated shoe choice,’ she said 

Hair, nails and make up should also be 'tidy' and make up should always be suitable for the day time

Hair, nails and make up should also be ‘tidy’ and make up should always be suitable for the day time

How to win Fashions on the Field  

* Every single aspect of your look needs to be polished and perfect

* Racewear rules need to be strictly adhered to

* Classic elegance is always a strong winner however as always, with anything, it can depend on the style and opinion of the judges on the day so even if you don’t place NEVER take it to heart. 

* You can study magazines, follow milliners and style icons to keep up to date with what’s trending or you can do what I do and design something you love that suits your style

Hair, nails and make up should also be ‘tidy’ and make up should always be suitable for the day time. 

‘Leave the dark smokey eyes for night time,’ she said. 

While some may love a good neutral, Tahlia encourages women to embrace spring and rock brighter colours. 

‘Spring time “theme” is always bright. This is the time of year to wear standout bold colours or you can always go the safe option of soft pretty florals which is here to stay for the next 200,000 springs ahead,’ she said. 

‘You will find it easy to buy things off the wrack that are well suited for race days at this time of year. Some good places to try for the perfect dress with a low budget are David Jones, Review, Forever New, Myer, Sheike and ASOS.’

'For millinery you can also find some lovely matching pieces at David Jones and Myer, but there are also plenty of milliners who have many pieces available on Ebay and Etsy,' she continued

‘For millinery you can also find some lovely matching pieces at David Jones and Myer, but there are also plenty of milliners who have many pieces available on Ebay and Etsy,’ she continued

For Fashions on the Field entrants, it is a whole different ball game and a dress from a popular retailer simply won't cut it

For Fashions on the Field entrants, it is a whole different ball game and a dress from a popular retailer simply won’t cut it

‘For millinery you can also find some lovely matching pieces at David Jones and Myer, but there are also plenty of milliners who have many pieces available on Ebay and Etsy,’ she continued. 

‘On that note why not try making one yourself? Totally cheap and you can choose the perfect colours, all you will need is a starting base, for e.g a plain straw boater hat or head band, a hot glue gun, cut up faux florals, feathers or whatever choice of accessories you like and arrange them on the head piece of choice. 

‘A simple floral headband is perfect for spring and very easy to make! Look up YouTube for a tutorial!’

'Design a unique look. I'll draw up a dress and head piece and get in contact with a dressmaker and one of my favourite milliners well before race season to discuss the outfit and start the process of having them made,' she said 

‘Design a unique look. I’ll draw up a dress and head piece and get in contact with a dressmaker and one of my favourite milliners well before race season to discuss the outfit and start the process of having them made,’ she said 

Tahlia also has fittings and tries to be as creative as possible to ensure cohesiveness (pictured is Myer Fashions on the Field National Winner, 2013, Chloe Moo)

Tahlia also has fittings and tries to be as creative as possible to ensure cohesiveness (pictured is Myer Fashions on the Field National Winner, 2013, Chloe Moo)

For Fashions on the Field entrants, it is a whole different ball game and a dress from a popular retailer simply won’t cut it. 

‘Honestly, for me, its ALOT of fun and slightly addictive but if you’re serious about placing or even just nailing a winning look, it takes lots of creative thinking, unique design, preparation and head to toe polishing,’ she said. 

‘Design a unique look. I’ll draw up a dress and head piece and get in contact with a dressmaker and one of my favourite milliners well before race season to discuss the outfit and start the process of having them made.

‘Sometimes I’ve been lucky enough to find a rare unique dress overseas or by a designer and in that case its only the millinery I have custom made to match the dress.’

Tahlia also has fittings and tries to be as creative as possible to ensure cohesiveness. 

'In previous years I've bought a simple bag and had it covered in the same fabric as my dress or head piece,' she said

‘In previous years I’ve bought a simple bag and had it covered in the same fabric as my dress or head piece,’ she said

'The week of the races I'll have my hair freshly coloured, brows done, nails done in the appropriate colour and sometimes if needed a light natural spray tan (don¿t show up orange it will literally detract points),' Tahlia (fourth from right) said

‘The week of the races I’ll have my hair freshly coloured, brows done, nails done in the appropriate colour and sometimes if needed a light natural spray tan (don’t show up orange it will literally detract points),’ Tahlia (fourth from right) said

‘In previous years I’ve bought a simple bag and had it covered in the same fabric as my dress or head piece,’ she said. 

‘Decide on accessories such as earrings, shoes and gloves, half style gloves for spring. Your outfit MUST look cohesive from head to toe.’

Finally, a polished look is only complete with the right grooming. 

‘The week of the races I’ll have my hair freshly coloured, brows done, nails done in the appropriate colour and sometimes if needed a light natural spray tan (don’t show up orange it will literally detract points),’ she said. 

‘On the day I’ll have a stylist do my hair in a neat and tidy up do so that it doesn’t detract from my millinery. Generally most FOTF entrants will have their hair up styled and not out. 

'Regardless of how you choose to dress for the upcoming spring carnival I hope that above all you just enjoy the day with your friends!' Tahlia said

‘Regardless of how you choose to dress for the upcoming spring carnival I hope that above all you just enjoy the day with your friends!’ Tahlia said

‘I am quite good at makeup as over the years I’ve had plenty of experience however in the early days I always had my makeup done professionally which I suggest if you are not handy at this yourself, makeup should be cohesive with your outfit.’ 

Tahlia concluded by saying regardless of your plans, it’s important to just soak it all in and have fun.  

‘Regardless of how you choose to dress for the upcoming spring carnival I hope that above all you just enjoy the day with your friends!’ She said. 

‘I can’t wait to see all the photos of you all dressed up as I scroll through over the coming weeks! AND if you are the one to get blind drunk and walk home with no shoes on and a fascinator falling off your head then please take a photo of that too as ill appreciate that just as much whilst I am at home unable to fit a custom made potato sack!’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk