Race Day Dresses: What to Wear to the Races in New Zealand
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Start with a Hero Piece for Your Race Day Look
Christchurch Weather: Style with Practicality
Cup and Show Week: Dressing with Intention
Fashions on the Field: Standing Out to the Judges
Fashion Prizes: What’s at Stake?
What to Wear to the Races NZ: Stephanie’s Essential Tips
Hats for the Races: Make a Statement
Best Dressed Races: Stephanie’s Winning Formula
Final Thoughts: Dress with Story, Confidence and Intention
Gallery: A Closer Look at Stephanie’s Race Day Outfits
Stephanie Rumble, professional fashion stylist and host of the Style for Life podcast, takes us inside her wardrobe for an in-depth look at what it really takes to pull together a winning look for the races. This episode is a goldmine of inspiration for Cup and Show Week, drawing from her decades of experience attending, judging, and winning "Fashions on the Field" events.
From bold race day dresses in NZ to statement accessories and clever layering, Stephanie’s approach blends practical style advice with personal storytelling. Whether you're attending Addington Raceway or Riccarton Park, this episode is packed with seasonal styling tips, iconic New Zealand designer mentions, and expert insights into what to wear to the races in NZ.
Start with a Hero Piece for Your Race Day Look
Every great outfit begins with a focal point. For Stephanie, it’s often a standout dress, a dramatic hat, or a signature bolero jacket that sets the tone for the rest of the look.
Choosing that one item gives you a solid base to build upon. It helps define your colour palette, silhouette, and accessory choices, making the rest of your styling decisions much easier.
When Stephanie won Best Dressed Races at Addington in 2006, it all started with a Zambesi dress custom-made for her. The entire outfit—from gloves to fascinator to hand-detailed shoes—echoed the pattern and colours of that one key piece.
Key things to consider:
Will you start with a statement hat or a standout dress?
Which colours suit your skin tone and make you feel confident?
Is the piece functional enough for a full day on your feet?
Starting with a strong foundation ensures the finished look feels cohesive, confident and expressive. For personalised support with your own race day wardrobe, consider booking a tailored style consultation with Stephanie Rumble.
Christchurch Weather: Style with Practicality
Christchurch weather during Cup and Show Week can be unpredictable. Stephanie emphasises the importance of being prepared, especially when it comes to layering.
She often adds a custom bolero jacket over her dresses to stay warm without compromising style. These tailored jackets are more than just practical additions; they're integrated design elements that enhance the outfit.
Tips for weather-conscious styling:
Always have an outer layer on hand, even on sunny days.
Choose jackets or boleros that flatter the silhouette.
Avoid bulky coats that can hide your carefully styled look.
Choosing smart fabrics, layering pieces, and versatile accessories ensures you stay comfortable and stylish—rain, hail or shine. For professional advice on combining functionality with flair, Stephanie’s colour analysis consultation can help you discover shades that not only suit your complexion but also match the season.
Cup and Show Week: Dressing with Intention
Cup and Show Week is more than a day at the races. It’s a chance to express your personality through fashion. As someone who has judged and competed, Stephanie offers valuable insight into what makes a standout look for Cup Day fashion.
"I got very involved in the administration of the races. I judged, I ran fashion shows, I worked on promoting the races, the fashion, and the field." ~ Stephanie Rumble
To be competition-worthy, your outfit needs to be thoughtfully constructed. Each component—the shoes, the bag, the headwear—should harmonise with the others to tell a single, polished story.
Stephanie’s signature elements:
Matching the fabric of the hat or fascinator with the dress.
Sophisticated colour blocking.
Referencing classic racewear with a modern twist.
These are not throwaway outfits. They are curated ensembles that honour both tradition and creativity.
Fashions on the Field: Standing Out to the Judges
Entering Fashions on the Field is about more than simply being well-dressed. It’s about demonstrating style literacy and crafting a cohesive narrative through your ensemble.
Stephanie's winning strategies included:
Featuring iconic New Zealand designers like Zambesi, Juliette Hogan, World, and Robyn Cliffe.
Assembling complete looks with every item considered.
Blending timeless elements with a fashion-forward edge.
As a judge at Riccarton Park and Addington Raceway, Stephanie knows that attention to detail is everything. From the angle of your hat to the polish on your shoes, every element contributes to your impact.
Competition aside, dressing well for Fashions on the Field is a powerful form of self-expression. Let it reflect your personality. And if you'd like to take your passion further, Bright Red also offers hands-on fashion workshops where you can learn the principles of great styling in a fun, inclusive environment.
Fashion Prizes: What’s at Stake?
Stephanie's 2006 win brought a suite of incredible fashion prizes, including a premium economy trip to Europe, a luxury stay in Paris, and thousands of dollars in designer goods.
While today’s prizes vary, the prestige remains. Winning Best Dressed brings not just accolades, but recognition within fashion circles and beyond, particularly if you're a fashion stylist in Christchurch looking to build your reputation.
Prizes often include:
Designer shopping sprees and exclusive items.
Sponsored beauty, fashion or lifestyle packages.
Media exposure and VIP event invitations.
Whether you're in it for the glory or the growth, a strong showing can open doors and create new opportunities.
What to Wear to the Races NZ: Stephanie’s Essential Tips
When it comes to deciding what to wear to the races in NZ, Stephanie advises combining elegance with practicality. Your goal is to stand out for the right reasons while ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Her checklist for a polished race day look includes:
A well-fitted race day dress or tailored suit
A structured fascinator or hat that suits your features
A small, sleek handbag or clutch
Stylish yet wearable shoes (test them beforehand)
Classic extras like gloves or statement sunglasses
"I have a big bag of gloves. They are gloves that my grandmother had... I've used these gloves for so many years in the races." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Knowing your colour season and body shape can also help you make smarter, more flattering choices. Stephanie recommends prioritising timelessness over trends for enduring impact.
And for those ready to take their knowledge deeper, consider Bright Red's engaging education courses that explore colour theory, body shape styling, and more.
Hats for the Races: Make a Statement
No race day outfit is complete without the perfect headwear. Whether you choose a dramatic hat or a delicately constructed fascinator, it should tie your entire look together.
Stephanie often collaborates with milliners or modifies ready-made pieces using fabric from her dress—a personal styling trick that gives her outfits a truly bespoke finish.
Headwear tips:
Select a headpiece that echoes your outfit’s colour or motif
Choose a shape and size that flatters your face and hairstyle
Position it with confidence. Stephanie typically wears hers on the right
For unique designs, look to local artisans or boutiques like Plume Christchurch, which offer both ready-to-wear and custom options.
Best Dressed Races: Stephanie’s Winning Formula
Securing the title of Best Dressed Races is about much more than wearing labels. Stephanie's approach was grounded in creativity, personality, and attention to detail.
Her race day staples included:
Upcycled or vintage gloves and clutches
Custom-painted shoes to match boleros or jackets
Coordinated millinery, often using fabric from the dress
Stephanie’s outfits weren’t just stylish. They told stories. For her, race day was an opportunity to celebrate local designers, play with pattern and texture, and honour the occasion with flair.
Final Thoughts: Dress with Story, Confidence and Intention
Attending the races is your chance to showcase style at its most celebratory. From bold race day dresses in NZ to elegant finishing touches, it's a place where fashion meets theatre.
Stephanie Rumble's guidance offers more than outfit inspiration. It's a framework for self-expression. Whether you're planning to enter Fashions on the Field or simply want to feel fabulous at the track, her advice applies.
Start with a strong statement piece
Build your outfit with cohesion in mind
Prepare for unpredictable weather
Prioritise confidence, comfort and character
Every outfit is a reflection of who you are. So make yours a masterpiece: crafted with intention, worn with pride, and remembered for all the right reasons.
If you're looking for deeper support, from body shape advice to personal transformation, explore Stephanie's tailored accountability coaching or consider her in-demand speaking engagements for your next event or conference.
Gallery: A Closer Look at Stephanie’s Race Day Outfits
As seen in the podcast, each of these looks has been carefully styled by fashion expert Stephanie Rumble to highlight what works for race day events — especially during Cup and Show Week in Christchurch. From bold jumpsuits to tailored dresses, fascinators to painted shoes, every outfit tells a story of colour, cohesion, and creativity. Below, you’ll find the exact outfits she held up during the episode, complete with styling notes and accessories that helped bring each look to life. Use these real-world examples for inspiration as you plan your own race day dresses in NZ.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to the races in New Zealand?
Start with one key piece that inspires your look—this might be a standout dress, hat, or even shoes. Build your outfit around this piece using complementary colours and accessories. Comfort is key, so choose something stylish but wearable for a full day of events.
How do I prepare an outfit for Fashions on the Field?
Fashions on the Field outfits require more than just a pretty dress. Every element should be considered, including millinery, accessories, makeup, and shoes. Judges look for cohesion, creativity, and polish, so planning ahead and seeking styling advice is a smart move.
What are common race day fashion mistakes?
Wearing uncomfortable shoes, ignoring the weather, or failing to coordinate accessories are common race day mistakes. Another is choosing a trendy outfit that doesn’t flatter your body shape or colouring. Stick with pieces that work for you and feel great to wear.
What type of hat should I wear to the races?
Choose a hat or fascinator that complements the shape of your face and the style of your outfit. Coordination is key—use fabric or colour references from your clothing to tie it all together. Positioning and balance are also important to get that elegant race day finish.
How important is weather when choosing a race day outfit?
Very important. Christchurch weather can shift quickly during Cup and Show Week, so layering is essential. Light jackets, boleros, and weather-resistant accessories will keep you stylish and comfortable. Being prepared shows fashion intelligence.
What are the best New Zealand designers for race day fashion?
Zambesi, Juliette Hogan, WORLD, and Robyn Cliffe are some of the most popular choices Stephanie Rumble has worn and recommended. These brands offer distinctive designs perfect for the elevated, expressive style that race day calls for.
If designer clothes are not for you - wearing something creative that is thrifted or that you have made yourself. It’s all about how you style and put it together and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
How can I make my race day look more cohesive?
Cohesion comes from colour repetition, matching fabrics, and attention to detail. Adding small touches—like trimming a hat with dress fabric or using consistent hardware tones across your bag and jewellery—can create that styled, intentional look.
Can I reuse race day outfits or should I buy something new every time?
You can absolutely reuse pieces if they are restyled creatively. Switching up accessories, millinery, or layering pieces can give your outfit a completely new feel. This is also a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.
What kind of shoes are best for race day?
Choose shoes that look elegant but are still comfortable enough to wear all day. Test them before the event and consider bringing gel inserts or a backup pair. A mid heel is often a perfect compromise between style and support.
Can I get help putting together a race day outfit?
Yes! Stephanie Rumble offers personal style consultations to help clients build race day outfits that are unique, flattering, and competition-ready. Her years of experience with Fashion in the Field make her a trusted choice for personalised styling advice.
