Kimberlee Cockrem, the 2023 Lady of the Day, impressed with a stunning outfit and complementary accessories sure to inspire Fashions on the Field competitors at the 150th Cooktown Races on 9 November. Photo: Peter Roy Photography.
Standout presentation and details are the name of the game in any Fashions on the Field contest, and it will be no different when punters and fashionistas frock up for the 150th Cooktown Races next month.
With a special vintage category to feature alongside the stylish spring fashion sections, event co-ordinator Katrina Lewis told Cape York Weekly entrants were being encouraged to pull out all the stops for the milestone meeting on 9 November.
“A standout outfit always wins it,” she said.
“[The judges] are looking for good presentation and something that stands out – someone that’s put a lot of effort into their outfit, not something that’s just thrown together.
“It is spring racing, so also something a bit more springy, not plain or dark.”
Ms Lewis said details were make or break for both adults and kids.
“It’s all got to be matching, you can’t have colours all over the place – the shoes should go with the outfit, and then you should have nice accessories and fascinators that complement everything,” she said.
“You can see past winners have also gone to a lot of effort with their hair, and maybe makeup, especially for the adults.”
As for the special vintage category, Ms Lewis said dressing accurately to the race day trends of a century and a half ago would put contestants in the running for a cash prize.
“It’d be things like the big skirts with the hoops underneath that fit into that category,” she said.
“For the men, something like a waistcoat and a top hat, and the women used to have the big, big hats with the flowers on top.”
The event co-ordinator encouraged participants to check the dress codes for each category on the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club website, where there is also a nomination form for an early bird entry before race day.
