EVENT: Melbourne Racing Club, Chadstone Fashion Stakes
The Melbourne Racing Club each year hosts the Chadstone Fashion Stakes and it's a little over two weeks away before the first heat kicks off. This year an extra round has been added to the competition and as Chadstone shopping centre is the major sponsor it seems fitting that round one will take place at Chadstone.There are three categories for the Chadstone Fashion Stakes with the competition running over the BMW Caulfield Cup Carnival.The categories and heats are as follows:
Stylish Ladies 18-40 years
- Saturday, 31st August 2013 – At Chadstone – The Fashion Capital
Registration 12pm- 1pm
- Saturday, 21st September 2013 - Carnival Preview Day
Registration 10.30am- 1pm
- Saturday, 12th October 2013 - BECK Caulfield Guineas Day
Registration 10am- 1pm
- Saturday, 19th October 2013 -BMW Caulfield Cup Day Registration 10am- 1pm
The Grand Final will be held on Saturday19th October, BMW Caulfield Cup Day
Stylish Ladies 40+
- Saturday, 21st September 2013 - Carnival Preview Day
Registration 10.30am- 1pm
- Saturday, 12th October 2013 - BECK Caulfield Guineas Day
Registration 10am- 1pmThe Grand Final will be held on Saturday 12th October, BECK Caulfield Guineas Day
Stylish Gentleman
- Saturday, 21st September 2013 - Carnival Preview Day
Registration 10.30am- 1pm
- Saturday, 12th October 2013 - BECK Caulfield Guineas Day
Registration 10am- 1pmThe Grand Final will be held on Saturday 12th October, BECK Caulfield Guineas DayHaving attended and taken part in the Chadstone Fashion Stakes for the past few years I would recommend pre-registration and making sure you are at the track well before the cut off time for Fashions on the Field as heats will be closed off when they are full. I have personally witnessed tears from contestants who missed out on entering due to being a minute late. Also note that if you enter in the heats and win a place in the grand final you will be required to wear the same outfit with no alternations.There are over $100,000 in the prize pool which includes shopping vouchers, holidays and the all important sash!To pre-register or for more details head to Melbourne Racing Club Chadstone Fashion StakesBy Angela Menz Photo credits and competition information from Melbourne Racing Club
For everything cited in the popular media in the lead up the Spring Racing Carnival about do’s and don'ts for Fashions on the Field I’m fairly sure I’ll have a personal example that goes against the common advice that gets thrown around. Yes, sometimes that means I’ll look like a hot mess but before you strictly follow someone's advice ask yourself how many competitions they've been in? Or judged? You might not agree with the approach that Lisa Tan or myself take but what I do know is we've both been in a hell of a lot of Fashions on the Field competitions and we've both been lucky enough to do OK at it.
When I'm putting together my outfits for Fashions on the Field there are a few things I always keep in mind. In my part of 'How to Win Fashions on the Field' I'll take you through them and hopefully you'll be inspired to try out some new ideas, pick up a few tips or be a little more fearless in putting together your outfits. When I look back at past outfits (and new ones coming together) there are a few common threads than run through my outfits and definitely in my successful winning outfits.One reason I think I've done well in Fashion On the Field is because I always remain true to myself and my own style. Ok, so that sounds kinda corny but there’s not point dressing to please everyone around me if I don't like my outfit. I simply love to dress up. Even when I'm not at the races I dress up because I like wearing fun clothes and they make me happy. Trying to be something I'm not sucks the fun out of dressing up.
I generally don't fuss too much with wearing all the things I'm supposed to. For example many people believe you need to wear hosiery to win Fashions on the Field but I don't like to wear hosiery, so I rarely do. The idea that you must wear gloves is another. I love gloves and have collected a ridiculous number of pairs over the years but carrying gloves because someone told you that’s what ‘ladies’ do is overrated. I only pull my gloves out if they add something to my outfit. Also if I feel like wearing 10 rings, I will wear 10 rings. Or 10 necklaces - just because I want to and I can. Sequins shouldn't be seen during the daytime? Again, if sequins are taking my fancy then I'll be sparkling in the daytime sun.
Showing off your personal style is so important in Fashions on the Field because one of the judging criteria in the Myer competitions (and many others) is to show Style and Originality. If you get up on stage in an outfit you're not comfortable with or if someone else has dressed you it will show. If on the other hand you love your outfit and can’t wait to show it off, it will show too and for all the right reasons.If you are comfortable with your clothes and personal styling, you give yourself the best chance of winning Fashions on the Field, of enjoying the day and of looking forward to the next competition.Photo credits: 
