How to be the best dressed at Derby Day
Guest Blog By Hannah Croly, Senior Stylist at George & King
Less than a month to go until AAMI Victoria Derby Day 2017, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious days in the Spring Race Carnival calendar. The day, Myers Fashion on The Field Competition begins for both men and women.
Derby Day dress code may be monochromatic but that doesn’t mean going back to black.
Dress to impress this year. George & King’s Senior Stylist predicts the look set to win the top prizes at this year’s Myer Fashion on The Field is the Grey Suit in either:
- Light Grey or Dark Grey
- In a Pattern – Pinstripes, Windowpane, Dogtooth
- As a Three Piece
Grey tones are popular amongst the dapper Derby Day attendees. Always remember to choose a tone that compliments your complexion. The darker hair and olive-skinned men should choose a light grey tone, this will enhance a natural glow. For the fairer complexion opt for a darker shade, this will compliment your skin tone and prevent a ‘washed out’ look.
Light Grey
Light grey suits are a great summer alternative, they provide a modern and youthful twist on the traditional grey business suit. The key to wearing a light grey is to opt for a lightweight wool, either a 130 or 150, alternatively choose a cotton or linen fabric blend and go for a double-breasted suit.
The Style
Always opt for a slim fit, close tailored contemporary cut with a tapered trouser. Light grey suits should streamline the body in order to look sharp. Baggy light grey suits are a style disaster, you will end up looking as though you are wearing bed linen.
The Pattern
Instead of a plain light grey fabric, stretch your sartorial style wings and opt for a pattern. For the lighter fabrics go with a large Windowpane or Prince of Wales check, or for the slimmer male choose a dogtooth pattern.
As a Three Piece
For the last few years the winners of Myers Fashion on the Field have all been in three-piece suit. When choosing a vest if your suit is a pattern either choose the same fabric vest in a single breasted or if choosing a contrast tone vest (darker) opt for a double breasted to add a sense of occasion.
Wear With:
A white shirt and black or dark grey or black accessories or a cornflower blue shirt and light grey tonal tie and pocket square. Colour blocking is also massively on trend this season.
The Shoes
Dark or Chocolate Brown boots or dress shoes. The Gallium in Chocolate brown or the Tan Leather Double Buckle Tungsten from Bared Footwear
The Dark Grey Suit
Charcoal, gunmetal, graphite, slate grey all provide a refreshing change from the traditional black suit. The way to differentiate a dark grey suit from the standard office suit it through the customisation options. With a dark grey suit opt for a 110 wool composition and a full canvas to ensure the suit sits well on the body and hangs correctly when the jacket is open.
The Style
Choose a three-pocket suit, with a wide peak lapel, have your pants cut higher at the waist, with a single pleat and add a 1in cuff for a contemporary twist. Dark grey suits do not have to be corporate, choose a design that separates you from the crowd.
The Pattern
Wear a bold pattern, a wide pinstripe is a great choice and is a fashion forward twist on the old school thin pinstripe. Be careful with this if you are a larger man as the wide pinstripe can often create an illusion of width. Though it is a great look for the shorter man as one of the benefits of the pinstripe pattern is that lengthens the torso and legs.
As a Three Piece
With a charcoal and the darkest tones of grey wear a contrast (lighter) pant or vest. If you are feeling brave, then print clash. Wear a bold pinstripe blazer with a large windowpane check vest in the same colour combination. If choosing to wear a matching fabric vest go with a double-breasted vest to ensure a formal rather than work look.
Wear With:
A white shirt and cornflower blue accessories or a white shirt and silver accessories.
The Shoes
Go Bold – Choose a colour such as a blue suede, try the Navy Scandium Tassel Loafer or the Navy Nubuck Derby Day Magnesium from Bared Footwear.
Let premium custom menswear brand George& King style you this race season. Masterfully crafted made to measure suits, our educated stylists will ensure you are onto a winner.
