Trends Vs Style

Do I religiously follow trends and do I inject my own style into a hopeful winning look? So Trends vs Style……

For some spring is all about fresh buds blooming and animals awakening, however for others, it is about Fashions on the Field (FOTF) entrants around Australia anxiously awaiting the publication of the holy grail of racing fashion, the release of the ‘spring racing trend report’.

Trend reports are frequently released by bloggers, social commentators and most media outlets to predict what they believe will be the fashion ‘trends’ at the upcoming spring carnival race days will display. 

What is a ‘trend’?

A trend in a fashion context, is a general swing or acknowledgement of what prints, colours, accessories etc we may expect to see as we enter a new season.

I am often asked about ‘trends’ in the months leading up to Spring Carnival, and when I respond, feel as though I regurgitate the same information that every fashion commentator and media outlet are also reporting. These ‘trends’ are usually available in store and are often seen worn by fashion influencers.

An example of a common trend report would be ‘this year will all be about bows, bright colours, ruffles and statement sleeves.’ It is the same sort of report we become accustomed to hearing each year. 

Some people live for trend reports as they believe they will magically hold all of the answers to their fashion dilemma’s, but for me, they are quite ‘ho-hum’ and often arrive far too late for the serious fashionista when planning spring outfits. 

While ‘trends’ may be true of what we see in store and on masse at the track, what I much prefer to advise people is to find their own fashion identity.  This is what I call ‘style’.

What is ‘style’?

Creating your own fashion identity to me means wearing what you love and ultimately feel good in. Evolving through the process of dressing for others, for example judges, other race goers, brands that are currently ‘on trend’ or seem to be winning at FOTF, is so very different to dressing for yourself. 

Dressing for yourself is finding those pieces that make you say ‘WOW’ and not caring what others think. These items could very well be currently ‘on trend’, but they are just as likely not to be. When you are comfortable in making your own fashion choices and wearing them with pride, you have found your own sense of style. In my view, these are the best FOTF outfits. Outfits that are totally unique are the ones that I am drawn towards. Some that take months or in some cases years to put together because you are finding the right elements to balance the outfit.

My creative process

When I put together an outfit, it can be a year in the making (or longer). I will begin with one element. It may be a single piece, style or concept and then it evolves from there. Believe me, I can have 10 outfits on the go at anyone time, so I utilise tools such as the ‘StyleBook’ app to catalogue my wardrobe and flat lay outfits as I piece them together.  To be truly honest, I usually start with an outfit, for example a dress, jumpsuit or skirt. I then start to look for accessories from what I already own, but to be honest, I may not always own the complimentary pieces, so I screen shot dozens of potential shoes, bags, earrings and other accessories until I find the perfect match. Before I make any decisions however, I take my outfit to my milliner so we can discuss options. Things that we discuss include colours, shapes and the type of event that I am planning on wearing my outfit to. With all of this in hand, I then go about sourcing my accessories, but being mindful that my millinery may change slightly as milliners are artists and are always creating new ideas. If you find an amazing, professional milliner who you trust implicitly, stick with them! Millinery is what turns an outfit into a piece of race wear and will make or break your outfit, so make sure your millinery is not an afterthought. Once I obtain my millinery, I then finalise my accessories. Flat lays are one thing, but the process of trying on an outfit to see how it looks on the body is also essential. I cannot say that every outfit I put together is going to be to everyone’s taste, but if I’m happy and feel good in it, that is all that matters!

Where do I get inspiration from?

In short, absolutely everywhere. I am a constant viewer of fashion parades (which are easily accessed online), I subscribe to every store email imaginable (think high street to high end) and I also love to view historical photos of fashion. I am interested in designers, exhibitions and anything that may be considered fashion. I will look at colours that go together in differing environments and take endless amounts of screen shots that I find inspiring. When I find a piece of fashion I must own, I find out a way to make it mine. I may be waiting a year or two before it becomes on sale, but if I am passionate enough about it and it’s meant to be, I am a firm believer that destiny will make it mine (along with a lot of saving in between).

When I look at others race wear.

When I judge, believe me, I do consider trends but as someone who loves fashion for fashions sake, trends do not always do it for me. Trends are temporary. Style is eternal. Showing me your style is so much more inspiring than seeing 30 ladies wearing a crown, oversized bow or an outfit from the same designer. I want an outfit to be well balanced, polished and stand out for its’ uniqueness. Sometimes the most outstanding outfits are the simplest, and others have many elements, but the most important thing is that it works. I’m also a firm believer in dressing for your body shape and colour, which also includes millinery that compliments your face shape and shoes that complement your legs and feet. Not every face can wear every shaped hat or every leg wear an ankle strap, so trying on is very important. I am also big on looking at items of clothing that are appropriate for the type of event, usually a day at the races, and also pieces that are considered day wear. In my opinion, many ladies make the mistake of using evening accessories as a part of their day wear look, which to me can often let a great look down. I also do not appreciate it when others try to ‘dress to impress’, whether it be trying to impress a judge by wearing a certain designer or style they know they will love. Unless you also honestly adore this style, avoid this as it won’t be worn as well as something you do love.

As Administrator of ‘It’s All About The Sash’, I cast my eyes over 100’s of race wear outfits every month. To be honest, I am always ‘WOWED’ by something fresh and new rather than a ‘trend’ driven ‘cookie cutter’ outfit that frequent our FOTF stages. I am first to admit that if you look at any of my early race wear outfits, you will notice how my personal look has drastically changed over the years. When I first began at FOTF, I mimicked the looks of winners (without copying of course), but I really did not have much success until I started to discover my own style. So, if you haven’t found your own style yet, no need to panic! For some it comes naturally, but for others, including myself, it can take years to develop and be comfortable with!

Here are my top 10 basic styling rules I tend to follow or look for when judging FOTF:

* Ensure your outfit is balanced and has a wow factor that you are comfortable with.

     For example, if you are going big, ensure that you balance your outfit. Big sleeves, big collar, big bow adorned with a big belt might simply be too many ‘bigs’. You want your wow factor to make a statement and not be drowned out.

* High shine metallic accessories are generally for evening, in my opinion. Many competitors use them as an option when they cannot find matching shoes, belt or bag in a complimentary colour. I say persist and keep looking rather than going with a metallic belt and shoes. There are limited occasions where I believe a high shine piece will work, for example bag only and earrings only are just a few examples.

* Before you add a belt to an outfit, think about if you really need it. Belts, especially of a different colour can often cut you in half

* Have your outfits tailored to fit. It is worth the investment and will make you look a better version of yourself. Not many people are a stock size.

* Just because everyone else is following a trend does not mean you need to. If you do not like it or it does not suit your body shape, steer clear.

* Before you wear an ankle strap shoe, also try on a shoe without and take photos. Not everyone can wear an ankle strap and a shoe with no straps can give the illusion of lengthening your legs.

* Know your measurements when buying online.

* Buy shoes that fit and you can walk in. Remember you need to be able to stand in them for a few hours also.

* When buying millinery, make sure it suits your head-shape (if buying pre-made) and also find out how to wear your piece. Your milliner would prefer you to ask as opposed to seeing it worn incorrectly and back to front.

* If it does not exist, look for vintage or have it made.

When it comes down to it, race wear should make you feel happy and confident. When you love what you wear, it will shine through and will compliment your very best accessory; your smile!

Emma Scodellaro November 2019