Welcome to the first post in the Lindauer Style Series! The folks at Lindauer have asked me to come on board as The Official Lindauer Style Coach! Exciting! I’ll be bringing you expert advice on all the latest and greatest trends as well as finding your own style.

This might not be anything new to my lovely long-time readers, but for those of you who are new to the blog, welcome (feel free to make yourself at home) – Chasing Cait is all about creating confidence through style – we use positive language, encourage positive self talk and advocate positive body image – you are amazing just as you as, I’m just here to help bring out the best-dressed version of you 😉

Now, Lindauer. I mean, who doesn’t love a glass of bubbles every now and then right?! Lindauer has been involved in racing in NZ, and over the last few years, the Style Stables have been popping up at race courses around the country. So what better way to get the ball rolling that to talk about the fast-approaching racing season.

With “The Race That Stops The Nation” – Melbourne Cup – just weeks away, it’s the perfect time to start planning your outfits.

image courtesy of diatkinson.com

There are so many amazing options out there, but there are also dress codes that apply to racing (remember, you’re not going to a nightclub girls!) so here are a few tips on choosing your Spring Racing outfit, plus three different looks to have you race-day-ready!

1. Hem heights – keep it classy ladies – let’s aim for something a little more classic, anything just on, or just below (or at a push, JUST above) the knee is fine, anything higher than that is getting a little more “nightclub” and a little less “racetrack”. This is about class and sophistication, so find the hem that, in your mind at least, matches that.

2. Headwear – whilst not compulsory in some areas (some members areas at some race tracks require women to wear head pieces so do your homework if you’re hanging with the racing elite) the headwear is what makes a day at the races different from all your other outings!

3. Heels – this is easy, if you can hardly walk in them at the start of the day, then you’ll have no hope at the end of the day. A lady never takes her heels off, so make sure you are comfortable in your choice! Look for a lower heel height, a thicker heel (so it doesn’t sink into the grass) or a wedge. You can still wear FABULOUS shoes, just make sure you look and feel fabulous when you are wearing them!

Spring Print

Print doesn’t always have to be floral – try a bold graphic print instead if that’s your thing. Use the colours in the print to point you in the right direction for shoes, hat and bag. Bold accessories always look great with bold prints!

SHOP THE LOOK: Portmans fascinator $79.95 | Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lipstick in “Dominant” $59 |  Country Road dress $279 | Novo shoes $79.95 

Monochrome

Black and white doesn’t have to be boring – mix it up with different prints and textures.

SHOP THE LOOK: Morgan & Taylor fascinator from The Iconic $169.95 | Sacha Drake “Sam” drop waist dress $299 | Wittner clutch from The Iconic $129.95 | Rubi shoes heels $39.95

 Bold Colour

You can’t go past a stunning, structural, block colour dress – don’t be scared to mix it with other bold colours – you don’t have to be all matchy-matchy here! Ideal for Melbourne Cup day itself (rather than black and white for Derby Day and florals/pastels for Oakes Day).

SHOP THE LOOK: Forever New fascinator $59.99 | Asos leather pony clutch $63 | Asos “vesper” dress $123.95 | Spurr “Samantha” heels from The Iconic $39.95.

 Three looks, all race-track ready. And if you’re anything like me, half the fun is getting ready with the girls and toasting to it with some bubbles!

Are you heading to any of the races this Spring? Have you got your outfit planned already? Tell me about it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about it!

Until Next Time,

In Love & Style Always

Cait xoxo

This post was brought to you by Lindauer. Please support the brands that support this blog.