Seasonal dressing in Autumn

We understand that the seasons in Australia (& other parts of the world) don’t necessarily match up with the seasonal dressing expected at that time of the year, in particular race wear dressing where many clubs and FOTF entrants are keen to follow the ‘rules’.

Every year the debate about seasonal millinery at the beginning of March, technically being the season of Autumn, when it is still particularly warm in most areas, always begins amongst FOTF entrants, milliners, clubs etc.

My advice based on years of experience & reading these discussions is:

1. Contact the club directly to check their specific guidelines on seasonal millinery & dress for events in March. Many clubs realise that it may be too warm to wear felt millinery on a hot day in March and will advertise what they are looking for in regards to millinery (& outfits) and include it in their guidelines.

ie 

* some will suggest dressing for the weather, 

* others may have a theme such as ‘Last Days of Summer’, 

* others may suggest all types of millinery being acceptable

Some clubs may still choose to stick to traditional seasonal guidelines in regards to dress & millinery. Remember that it is up to the club to set their own guidelines for their events. 

2. When in doubt, for example, if a club hasn’t advertised guidelines or the person you have contacted at a club on the other end of the phone/email isn’t sure, wear trans-seasonal millinery. Leather, feather & fabric millinery are all good options in this scenario. I personally love to have quite a few trans-seasonal options available in my wardrobe, as some outfits can easily be adapted to multiple seasons. (I have put a few photo examples of my own outfits that could be considered ‘trans-seasonal’ below). What makes them trans-seasonal to me - type of millinery, closed toe shoes, outfits have sleeves. Feel free to add some of your own photos or examples in the comments). 

Funnily enough, this issue isn’t raised as much as we leave winter and enter into spring! 

I’m looking forward to seeing what outfits you come up with when we enter Autumn here in Australia!

Em ~ Admin

PS Remember that some Northern areas of Australia such as Darwin, Broome etc where it is always hot do not follow Autumn/Winter guidelines at all!

Emma Scodellaro February 2023