What to wear to the Vodacom Durban July!

Derek Zoolander would be so jelly! Natarah got to check out some of the exciting and whimsical fashion ideas bound to turn heads at this year’s Vodacom Durban July. 

Billed as the country’s biggest horse racing event of the year, the July’s a day for guests to also put their best fashion foot forward. Putting together the perfect outfit under the theme, “The Captain’s Table” can be a daunting task for many people. 

So here’s some fabulous advice from designers Kathrin Kidger and Terrence Bray on what you should be seen trotting around in on race day!

Kathrin says, “We’re all hoping this year that people step out of their boxes and challenge themselves to bring fashion to the forefront of the event.”

She says several concepts come to mind when she thinks about this theme. Overall, guests should aim for ensembles that allude to feelings of exclusivity, glitz, glamour and opulence. She says you’ll find the best of the best at the captain’s table so make sure you’re wearing the best in your wardrobe.
 
Chic
Kathrin says a good choice for women would be monochromatic blacks and whites teamed with the spirit of the 1935s through to the 1945s. This is classic, understated sophistication.

 
Nudes
The Durban designer says think about tapping into the idea of being on a cruise liner many years ago. You want delicate feminine silhouettes with romantic styling. 

Resort Wear
She says she loves the idea of what you’re going to wear you’re your reach your exotic destination. Think about resort wear. A lot of celebrities have been seen wearing these kinds of gorgeous, colourful dresses in recent years. 

 
Kathrin feels that the theme does lean more towards evening attire, which can be a challenge. You’ll need to try to make it a daytime ensemble. 
 
For the July, she will be wearing a sequinned piece that mirrors the grand 1920s Great Gatsby feel. 
 
Terrance Bray has some terrific tips for the guys. Despite some resistance to the idea, Terrance says he will be embracing the nautical theme. He says doing this allows race goers to focus on items that are very accessible to the public. He says it’s important that people are able to access the theme using the things they already have. 
 
This is why he’s highlighted trends in menswear that can be found at retail level. Terrance says it’s not just about investing in an item for the event, you should be investing in something for your wardrobe. Look for garments that are practical, stylish and comfortable. 
 
Nautical
Terrance says this trend is huge at the moment. He explains that this type of dressing started with the elite and how they travelled adding it was part of their life. The men especially, wore nautically inspired clothing. He says if you’re thinking about going for this well-known trend, think about how you can accomplish the look in a non-conventional or predictable way. 
 

Keep in mind colours set in stone, blue and red. You’ll want to try on double-breasted jackets. Be brave and place pattern on pattern; stripes and spots. Definitely go for college blazers as these touch on the idea of a captain’s dress suit.

Quirky nautical details are cute such as an anchor for your belt buckle and ship designs socks, bowties and bracelets. 
 
Military
This trend will appeal to the South African man.  The colour palette here is stylish and rugged. Think lots of khakis and greys. The huge trend coming through is green-grey.

 

Extremely Formal
Here you’ll be looking for the classic white, silver, blue or grey tuxedo. This outfit is about fit, fabric and finish. It’s about quality and how you put it together. Try out different textures like tweeds, 

 
Terrance says grooming is so important, from your hair to skin to clean fingernails and sunglasses. He warns, “There’s nothing worse than somebody in a tuxedo with dirty nails!”
 
That’s great advice from our designers. Thanks guys! 
 
On that note, be sure to book a ticket for the Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show at Gateway Theatre of Shopping on 3 July 2015.