FASHION

The Race Day Dresses You’ll Wear More Than Once

Occasionwear doesn’t have to be just that!

Whether it was that expensive bridesmaid’s dress you were basically bullied into buying (bridezillas take no prisoners) or just an outfit that was perfect for your cousin’s winter wonderland-themed wedding but would never work in – you know – normal situations, every woman knows the frustrating feeling of seeing a perfectly good outfit hanging in the wardrobe that she’ll likely never wear again.

A prime time to make these silly sartorial mistakes is during spring racing season. Due to some of the strict dress codes, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and purchase something you’d likely never go for if you weren’t pairing it with a fascinator to head trackside. Of course, we’re not saying to avoid going all out with your Melbourne Cup or Derby Day looks, in fact, quite the opposite: done right, the dress you opt to wear on race day can be a timeless investment piece that can be worn more ways than one, especially now that occasionwear includes everything from spaghetti straps to jumpsuits.

Buy and investment dress that you can wear to multiple occasions
(Credit: Getty)

The perfect pick is something that can be dressed both up and down and, by using a few clever accessories, can be changed up for any special occasion, from weddings to baby showers to garden parties. Take Ted Baker’s Gabie dress, for example. The British brand’s best-selling style for the past two seasons is just that because it seamlessly goes from being the perfect wedding guest dress to a cocktail party hit and even being work-event appropriate when paired with a blazer and kitten heels.

During a recent visit to Ted Baker’s Sydney flagship store, our editor, Nicky Briger, happily squirreled through the latest collection to bring you her round-up of fabulous investment pieces that will ensure you are perfectly dressed, whatever the occasion. Here are Nicky’s top picks:

Ted Baker HAILLY Raspberry Ripple bardot dress
Ted Baker HAILLY Raspberry Ripple Bardot dress (Credit: $319)
Ted Baker BEGONI Neapolitan frilled neck midi dress
Ted Baker BEGONI Neapolitan frilled neck midi dress (Credit: $519)
Ted Baker CANDACA Bardot lace dress
Ted Baker CANDACA Bardot lace dress (Credit: $569)

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