In Fine Form

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For anyone with a passing interest in sartorial matters, appreciating equine form and having a flutter at the races is really code for getting dressed up. Because, apart from the odd wedding and cocktail party, there aren’t too many chances to really dress to the nines.

So make the most of the fashion event that is New Zealand Cup and Show Week fashion in Christchurch from 7-14 November. That’s a whole week of outfits for a possible nine events over the week.

And if you fancy your outfit’s odds, there are two fashion competitions you can enter. First up is the Westfield Riccarton Cup Day Style Stakes at Addington Raceway on the Tuesday. There’s more than $20,000 worth of prizes to be won on the day. Then, on Saturday 14 November, the highly regarded Fashion in the Field takes place. A trip for two to Los Angeles for the Best Dressed Lady is up for grabs, with a trip for two to Brisbane for the Best Dressed Man on offer.

What’s great about the week in Christchurch is the city’s carnival atmosphere. Aside from all the racing at both Riccarton Park Racecourse and Addington Raceway, other attractions include a golf tournament at Pegasus and Clearwater Golf Courses and the contemporary circus Le Noir – The Dark Side of Cirque is in town.

Picture / Supplied
Picture / Supplied

The brilliant three-day Canterbury A&P Show, the country’s largest, starts on the Wednesday. Expect fluffy chickens, prize sheep and lamas, show jumping, dog trials, wood chopping and shearing action, the Shetland Grand National, a sideshow alley and the Food and Wine NZ Pavilion. That’s just for starters. There is no dress code for a look-see of pedigree goats relaxing in their pens, but something much more informal would work: shorts and Marc Jacobs gumboots perhaps?

It may be also be an idea to pack a slinky dress for dinner at some of the new restaurants and bars opening up around the city. New Zealand Cup and Show Week is definitely not the time to start packing lightly.

How to win in the sartorial stakes

  • Racewear has a strict dress code. It's good manners to comply and, fashion-wise, great fun
  • Racewear is essentially daywear, which means no excess of sequins, bare flesh (spaghetti straps are a no-no and hemlines should always be knee-length or longer, though not full-length) or Oscar-worthy dresses
  • Details matter. Gloves, shoes, bags and jewellery are all vital elements that must be given serious consideration. Traditionally, racewear has been all about total coordination and matchy matchy. If you look at previous winners you'll get it, but these days, contrasting elements are more modern
  • Give a nod to trends such as the 70s, a hit of floral, or a lace-up heel. You're not meant to look like the Queen at Ascot
  • Fascinators may be an easy, non-commital way around headwear, but hats are seriously in. Rather than huge brims, try a smaller version and don't be afraid of a veil
  • Polish and sophistication are the buzz words so consider booking a hair and makeup appointment if you're useless on that front
  • For men, a well-fitted suit is a good place to start – just not your business one. Create an interesting colour palette with the shirt, tie, socks and pocket square

For information, a full schedule and tickets, visit nzcupandshow.co.nz and stay up to date with Instagram: newzealandcupshow.

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