STYLE
NEW SILHOUETTES AND STANDOUTS Loose-fitting tunics à la the new Chanel are on trend for a sunny race day, as are tunic tops, which are longer-line and looser than cropped or tight silhouettes. Take a cue from Carolyn Bessette’s New York style, which included chic sleeveless sheath dresses in midi lengths that skim the body rather than accentuate curves, worn with low- heeled slingbacks and headbands. There is also structured tailoring, with off-the-shoulder necklines echoing the runway’s focus on dramatic, feminine silhouettes. “I think it can be a little more extravagant, with mad embellishments, but not if it becomes more like an evening gown,” says Bonython. “And the races are probably not the place for all the oversized tailoring that is around!” COLOUR REVOLUTION Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, a creamy white tone, may be the colour of the season, but perhaps save that for Derby Day. Klein Blue, bright fuchsia and hot pink, tomato red, citrus yellow and every shade of green from lime to emerald set the runways ablaze, marking a shift towards vibrancy and positivity and the end of the quiet luxury trend. The bold colour palette of spring/summer 2026 aligns perfectly with racing fashion traditions, with butter yellow a standout colour for Spring Carnival 2026, replacing safe pastels with confident vibrancy (although never say no to rose and blush tones).
MEN’S FASHION In menswear, Grant Pearce, editor-in- chief of Esquire , is excited about what he sees as a return to elegant tailoring. “What has been interesting over the last couple of seasons is that there is such a strong shift towards tailoring; the whole idea of streetwear has taken a back seat,” he says. “The biggest trend is double-breasted, with a more generous silhouette, like archival Giorgio Armani, and its late 80s, early 90s style; strong shoulders, slightly oversized but still in proportion, pleated pants, and slightly higher waisted. Pearce also notes the return of the tie. “That has really had an impact on the younger generation,” he
says. “We saw it on runways at Celine and Dior. The Club tie, the striped tie, the College tie; it’s all a nod to Ralph Lauren. It really is Ralph Lauren’s time right now; that whole preppy take on suiting and dressing in general is huge. JFK Jr in his suits and ties has also had a big influence on that, on dressing up again. The colour palette for spring is certainly lighter, such as a baby blue shirt with a chino-coloured suit, a silk tie, and old-school Moscot- style sunglasses. That’s the winning combination, a classic suit with an elevated, preppy twist.”
120 120 | 2026 OFFICIAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software