How to dress for the races: Met Gala glamour meets Wimbledon cool

Trackside fashion cues from those keeping up appearances at the Met Gala, Royal Ascot – and even the White House.

DAILY DOUBLE

As supermodel Natalia Vodianova knows, smart separates breathe sophistication. While other racegoers squeeze into dresses more suitable for a nightclub opening than a day out trackside, a skirt and sleeveless top – check out her timeless pairing of pink and grey – make a restrained silhouette look so easy. “Nanushka” top, $580, from farfetch.com/au.

WHITE HOT

Tailoring is making a strong return to racewear for women. With the Best Suited category in Fashions on the Field at the Melbourne Cup Carnival open to all genders, it’s time to break out your tie, iron your waistcoat and hem your suit trousers. Actor Zendaya demonstrated the impact of white suiting at the Met Gala in May in a custom Louis Vuitton outfit that paid tribute to Diana Ross while adding a dash of Bianca Jagger. A simple white jacket is a supreme starting point. Bianca Spender “Enso” jacket, $845.

TAKE A BOW

Princess Eugenie, second daughter of embattled Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, usually keeps a low profile. At Royal Ascot in June, she grabbed headlines by challenging convention in what appeared to be a crop top. Turned out to be a storm in a fine china teacup, though: she was, in fact, wearing a high-waisted skirt underneath it. Her pumps with bows at the heels were the real winners on the day. Aquazurra bow-tie pump, $1199, from davidjones.com.

FLAT BLACK

As FLOTUS, Melania Trump has made some interesting fashion calls and her choice of hat for her husband’s second inauguration was true to divisive form. Eric Javits’ navy-and-white-striped boater made it difficult for the new president to kiss his wife, demonstrating the power of a wide brim as human shield. For race-day versatility, look for a boater in basic black; tilt yours back for easy access. Morgan and Taylor “Macy Racewear” boater, $90.

GEAR SHIFT

Sixty years ago, British model Jean Shrimpton shocked Melbourne society by wearing a minidress on Derby Day. Actor Olivia Munn reiterated the less-is-more look at the US Open in August in a dress from Australian label P. Johnson. The shift is a wonderful backdrop for hats, gloves and two-toned shoes. If the temperature drops, add a boxy blazer or layer over trousers. P. Johnson “Chelsea” dress, $995.

BROWN BUNNY

Brown continues to infiltrate black-tie attire on the red carpet with singer Bad Bunny elevating its appeal at this year’s Met Gala. Layering a brown shirt under a matching suit shows that chocolate’s hot again and is a welcome alternative to the sea of starched white normally found at the races. It also works with a bone-coloured suit or black blazer: add a mellow-yellow tie and you’ve found your new racing colours. Reiss “Ruban” shirt, $195.

GOING DOTTY

Ever since Julia Roberts’ polo moment in Pretty Woman, polka dots have been a race-day classic – for women. Now A$AP Rocky, snapped here giving a personality boost to a charcoal suit with an Eli Russell Linnetz tie at the Highest 2 Lowest premiere (both of which were worn by his partner, Rihanna, earlier this year), might just be the pretty man we’ve been waiting for. Worried about scaring the horses? Choose a quieter spot. Ralph Lauren silk tie, $449.

GREY MONARCH

While his mother embraced a rainbow of colours, King Charles remains loyal to navy and grey. At Royal Ascot and on royal tours, he demonstrates the latter’s suitability as a backdrop for patterned and boldly coloured ties and white or pale-blue shirts. He’s favoured single-breasted grey suits of late, but we’re sure to see this sustainability-minded monarch breaking out the dashing, double-breasted options soon. MJ Bale “Hutchins DB” jacket, $599.

SUSPENDER ANIMATION

Severance star Adam Scott understands the appeal of accessories: a tie pin, braces and flower brooch make it unlikely that you’ll be mistaken for an office drone at the racetrack. Apart from keeping your trousers up, braces are, of course, a nod to the continuing preppy trend. While the late David Bowie would regularly wear a belt and braces with his high-waisted pants, we suggest that you, who are not Bowie, simply back one winner at a time. Otaa suspender braces, $59.

RING, RING

Tennis is starting to rival horse-racing in the fashion stakes, with Wimbledon providing rich material for outfit inspiration. Ben Whishaw, Black Doves actor and the voice of Paddington Bear, was dapper in a tailored suit on Centre Court in July, but added edge to his look with an array of rings. Seventies-style signet rings may be enjoying a resurgence, but he shows that they don’t need a fringed suede vest and flares to look good. Mejuri sterling silver signet ring, $248.