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The key fashion trends for Spring Carnival:

• Romantic – a classic look for the races, with lots of lace, sheer fabrics, ruffles, floaty fabrics, soft hues and fabric flower corsages.

• Prints – are huge again this season with loads of floral, paisley and geometric prints. If the print is really busy, play it down with simple shoes, clutch and minimal accessories.

• Embellishment – clothes are accentuated with sequins, oversized gemstones and studs. Just remember you’re going to the races and not a nightclub, so don’t over bling.

(Pictured (L-R):

(Romantic) Black Lace Dress $79.95, Katies 9740 6921
(Prints) Marakech Maxi Dress $179.95, Jacqui E 9740 6214

• Fancy fabric details – designers are getting fancy with fabric, folding, bending, pleating almost in an origami like style. These kinds of details can be bulky and voluminous, so avoid them on areas on parts of your body that don’t need extra bulk.

• The Black and White combo – Chanel ensured that this 2 toned trend would always be in vogue and for Spring, this perfect colour combination will continue to be a hot trend.

• One shouldered dresses – this asymmetrical bomb was ignited when Michelle Obama wore a white long version for her husband’s inauguration. For the races, opt for a fitted knee length version and get ready to turn heads. Pair with a structured headpiece and gloves, and you should enter fashions on the field.

Key colours for Spring/Summer:

• Shades of nude, beige and skin tones

(Pictured (L-R):

(Nudes, Neutrals, Beige) Sateen Jacket $229.95, Jacqui E 9740 6214
(Nudes, Neutrals, Beige) Sachi Bag $129.95, Bagsville 9740 6139

• Purples

• Reds (Coral is the hot shade here)

(Pictured)

(Reds) Tony Bianco Red Shoe $169.95, Gigi's Shoes 9759 3727

• Blues (especially Cobalt Blue)

(Pictured (L-R):

(Blues) Siren Shoes $129.95, Gigi's Shoes 9759 3727
(Blues) Swarovski $110.00, Centre Jewellers 9759 5536

• Greens

• All shades of white, cream and ivory

Key head wear trends for Spring:

• Straw, sinnamay and fabric based hats are lighter and softer, and better reflect Spring’s look. Headwear shapes are changing from feathery and flowery to much more structural and abstract shapes. Bows, brooches and gemstones are becoming more popular as features on hats.

• It’s all about the turban or a modern variance of this look. To create this look on the cheap, carefully drape a silk scarf around your head and secure with a vintage brooch.

• Beret shaped hats (in sinnamay and straw), will take over from large brims.

• There is a real return back to classic glamour- stars such as Dita Von Teese, have seen a resurgence in classic 50’s glamour. Pillbox style hats finished with French netting over the eyes and embellished with fabric flowers or vintage look jeweled embellishments.

• Headbands that sweep across the forehead are a popular look. Glam up this look up for the races, opt for a band made from lace or sequins. Perfect for girls who don’t want dreaded ‘hat-hair’.

Shoes:

• Put the strappy stilettos away this Spring and treat your feet to a pair of platforms with a solid heel. A thicker solid heel will help you from digging into the grass, especially if it’s a wet track.

(Pictured)

(Solid Heel Platform) Mandie Platforms $49.95, Spendless Shoes 9740 5068

• It’s all about the platform right now. The heels are getting higher - up to 14cm in fact, but the platform on the sole helps counteract the height. Metallic

• If you are wearing tights or stockings, closed toe shoes will look best. Don’t commit the ultimate fashion sin and pair open toes with stockings, or the fashion police and I will be after you.

• Metallic embellishments, patent finishes, animal prints and two toned shoes are so hot right now.

Top 5 key tips for the races:

1. Hold onto your things - A clutch bag looks great but is no good for the race track. It can be impossible to juggle a champagne glass, study a form guide and hold onto a bag at the same time. Opt for a bag with a small handle that you can saddle over your wrist.

(Pictured)

(Fringed Bag) Feathered Clutch $60.00, Gigi's Shoes 9759 3727

2. It’s not a nightclub - Remember it is daytime and you are going to the racetrack, not a nightclub in Kings Cross – so don’t display too much skin, especially in the décolletage area. Also avoid dressed with too much bling and sequin, save them for Mardi Gras.

3. No naked feet – Regardless of the pain your pumps may have caused your toes, do not take your shoes off at the race track. Play it smart and pop some ‘party feet’ in your handbag, just in case your feet being to ache.

4. Bet on fine form – A long day (of drinking) at the races will affect your form. If you decide to have a few bubbly’s try re-hydrating yourself with water on a very regular basis See pic of water

5. No Tandoori – in Spring we all like to look bronzed however nothing can ruin your ‘total look’ more than a shocking “Tandoori Tan”. If you are going to fake it, do it a few days in advance to allow yourself time to fix any mishaps.

 All clothing is available from Centro Roselands.

Donny Galella is a Sydney based stylist and designer.
Visit www.galella.com or call 0405 199 226 for more information.