Race days are Lily Young’s favourite social outing, and for this 20-year-old Hawkesbury lass, getting ready for the races is all the fun.
With the Hawkesbury Gold Cup just around the corner (April 29), Lily sat down with the Gazette to explain how she prepares her outfit for each race meet, and believes everyone can get an A grade race day look on a budget.
How far out from a race meet do you start preparing your outfit and what do you start with?
I always start with a dress. I like to shop locally so for about a month out from an event I search the sales and try to stick to a budget of $150 for both my dress and fascinator. There are a lot of great clothing stores around the Hawkesbury including White Balloon in Richmond, and Smik and Pink in Windsor.
Once I get my dress I find a fascinator to match. Once again you can find yourself a great fascinator or hat from stores around the Hawkesbury without breaking your budget.
What’s an easy go to dress for the races?
Definitely A-line dresses. A-lines are classic, traditional and are always flattering. The other is a little black dress, I’m sure most women have a black dress in their wardrobe and they are easy to match with just about any colour fascinator or clutch.
What are your hair style tips?
If I’m wearing a big hat or fascinator I go for a more simplified look, the same goes for a strapless dress, and I like to keep my hair off my decolletage area. For a simplified look I would pull my hair back into a straight ponytail or in a curled bun. If I have a more plain dress or fascinator I would wear my hair out in curls or pulled to the side.
What do you expect to see trending at this year’s Gold Cup?
For Autumn racing trends I expect to see a lot of nude or subtle hats and dresses. Spring is more vibrant colours and floral prints, but Autumn trends are a little more subtle. With this warmer weather though I don’t expect to see a lot of gloves or stockings, I think people will dress more for the warmer weather.
What are three necessities you always carry in your clutch?
The first thing would definitely be my lipstick to ensure I can touch up throughout the day.
Secondly it would be my jiffies (flat shoes), as sore feet from being in heels can really ruin your day.
And thirdly it would be some touch up foundation and bobby pins because as the day goes on your hair will come out a little and your make up will wear from eating and drinking so it’s good to be prepared for that.
We know you love the fashion, but is that the only reason you love race days?
Not at all, I love everything about the races and particularly the horses. I’ll always place a bet on the day and watch the horses race, it’s a big part of the fun and the atmosphere.
No matter what the weather is like, whether it’s hot, cold, wet or windy the races is always a great, fun day out and the Gold Cup will be no different. I’m really looking forward to seeing a lot of Hawkesbury people there and having a great time with friends and family.