FASHIONS

Fashions on the Field

Oak Park Races Fashions on the Field is a highly anticipated and fiercely contested event each year with this being one of the few times during the year entrants can get really dressed up. Each year our judges are either selected from sponsors or attending members of the club.

This event brings colour, style, contemporary trends, elegance and most importantly, fashion.

FRIDAY – COUNTRY 

Think of a more relaxed style that incorporates elements of race wear with a distinctive country style. It still includes skirts, dresses or tailored pants but chose fabrics like denim, linen, leather or floaty florals and perhaps pair it with slick boots or some wedges.

For millinery, we encourage something along the lines of a beautiful wide brim hat, wool felt cloche or even a patterned scarf headband. Avoid over the top options- think understated elegance with a focus on comfort and wearability.

Outfit must be appropriate for both the climate and theme of the event (the climate is generally moderate, neither too wintery nor summery), we suggest using this as a guideline for planning your outfit.

SATURDAY – DERBY DAY CLASSIC RACEWEAR 

Today is your day to dress to impress!

Outfits may take either a classic or contemporary approach to race wear with the criteria following a more standard set of guidelines.

While this event takes place in winter the climate often does not reflect this therefore the Saturday race day is not bound by many season specific rules. We do not advise being overly summery or wintery – try to find a suitable middle ground that still showcases your own personal aesthetic and originality.

All millineray materials and outfit fabrics are acceptable provided they meet with the other judging criteria.

Fashions on the Field Categories

Friday – Country

LADIES

  • Young Country Lady of the Day – under 30
  • Country Lady of the Day – 30 to 50
  • Country Queen on the Day – 50+

MENS

  • Colt of the Day – under 30
  • Stallion of the Day – 30 to 50
  • Country Gent of the Day – 50+

COUPLE

  • Country Couple of the Day

Saturday – Classic Racewear

  • Best Dressed Young Lady – 18 to 35 (previously 18 to 30)
  • Best Dressed Lady – 35 to 60 (previously 30 to 60)
  • Most Elegant Lady – 60+
  • Best Dressed Colt – 18 to 35 (previously 18 to 30)
  • Best Dressed Gent – 35+ (previously 30+)
  • Best Dressed Couple 18+ (only one couple category)
  • Magnificent Millinery 18+
  • Contemporary Lady 18+
  • Most Modern Man 18+

General Rules for Dress Code

Friday – Country 

WOMEN

  • Denim – no jeans, however denim skirts and denim jackets are acceptable.
  • No bare midriffs, including dresses with cut-outs.
  • No untailored pants, including leather pants and legging styles.
  • No shorts.
  • No rips in clothing, even if they are intentional rips.
  • No playsuits or short jumpsuits.
  • No casual jackets like tracksuit tops or duffel coats.
  • No sneakers, thongs, gumboots or other casual shoe, boots are encouraged.
  • No strapless dresses.
  • All women must wear a hat or headpiece.
  • No gloves, no fascinators, no straps.

    MEN

    • Denim-jeans, and denim jackets are acceptable, no denim shorts.
    • No untailored pants, including leather pants and legging styles.
    • No shorts.
    • No rips in clothing, even if they are intentional rips.
    • Jackets are optional however not mandatory. 
    • No sneakers, thongs, gumboots or other casual shoe.
    • No shirts without collars.
    • Ties are optional however not mandatory.
    • No caps or beanies.

    Saturday – Classic Racewear

    WOMEN

    • No exposed midriffs cut-outs, spaghetti straps or strapless tops.
    • Pants are acceptable across all categories.
    • Skirts/dresses should ideally sit at or below the knee.
    • Gloves to be included in the outfit – may be worn or carried.
    • Closed toe shoes are recommended: this includes closed and peeptoe slingbacks, stilettos, mules and wedges.
      *For Elegant Ladies category, shoes will be judged on their contribution to entrant’s overall outfit, not on their height.
    • Hosiery not necessary but may be worn.
    • Handbag/clutch/purse must be worn/held during judging.
    • Headwear must be worn, all styles and materials are acceptable but must fit with other judging criteria e.g weather appropriate, style etc.
    • Trans-seasonal materials such as leather or feathers are always a safe bet though not essential.
    • Style and originality will be key judging criteria.
    • Outfit and millinery must be appropriate for both the climate and theme of the event (the climate is generally moderate, neither too wintery nor summery, we suggest using this as a guideline for planning your outfit.) The entrant should select accessories which enhance the outfit.
    • Entrant displays grooming and deportment.
    • Confidence and a positive outlook are always in style!

    MEN

    • Entrants should consider the fit and cut of their outfit.

    • A hat is highly recommended.

    • Trousers rather than jeans are essential. Chinos are acceptable. 
    • The entrant should select accessories which enhance the outfit e.g. ties, pocket squares, cuff links etc.

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