Winter Essentials for Racing Fashion
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The warm days of summer are long over, especially here in New York, but don't let the chill stop you from going out to enjoy the races. Forget about hibernating and use these winter essentials (headwear, neckwear, hand wear and footwear) to give you an excuse to cozy up and hit the great outdoors! The best part of these winter essentials is that they’re perfect accessories to dress up your look and can be mixed and matched countless times.
Didn’t you always hear that if your head is warm the best of your body stays warm?! Well, between these fun felt hats, beanies, fluffy earmuffs and knitted headband, what you put on your head may be the most fun way to cap you winter look (see what I did there? So punny). The black flat wide brim Janess Leone Gabriell hat is the perfect, basic winter essential to pop on with any outfit and the NIC + ZOE braided headband is feminine and a great ear protector for extra chilly race days.
Headwear
Scarves have long been a wardrobe staple, but you don't have to just wear scarves around your neck the old fashion way, you can belt them, tie them into infinities, drape around your shoulders as a cape or wrap them in a new fun way. While they’re a statement and excellent fashion addition, they are extremely helpful in keeping you warm. Brutally cold out? Wrap your scarf around your face to prevent cold air from entering your lungs when you’re rooting your horse past the finish line. Designed in the 1800s by big fashion houses, ornate silks scarves like the golden Hermès one below which were so in demand that scarves began to be in made in cheaper fabrics so more people could don the popular fashion accessory that we know and love today. What do people love today? Blanket scarves have become hugely popular this season and last year’s fan favorite – the infinity scarf – is still trending. Hounds tooth, cable knit and faux fur scarves are also perfect for this time of year.
Neckwear
Gloves are a fundamental part of winter – HELLO, they keep your hands warm! Fingerless gloves like the BCBG MAXAZRIA Icon Flip-Lock Motorcycle Gloves (bottom middle) may not be the warmest, but if you insist on constantly using your touchscreen phone and want free fingers they’re a great halfway point. If you still want free fingers, but only sometimes, you may want to try the red River Island Ref knitted mitten gloves (top right))! Leather gloves typically water and windproof, but sometimes not the warmest – that’s where the wool or cashmere lined gloves come in. Kate Spade’s Stitched Bow Gloves (middle, cream) and Ralph Lauren’s Ruffled Paild Trim wool gloves (bottom right) give any outfit a sweet feminine dash.
Hand wear
What are the best shoes to wear at the track during the winter? Boots, booties, high top kicks, dainty flats and rain boots top my list. My absolutely favorite winter (and fall) essential is boots. I swear by Frye boots – they are far and away the best “investment piece” purchases I’ve made – comfortable, durable and pretty! Boots in general are great for lots of walking (something that I do a lot during a day at the races). Plus you can wear them so many ways, with skirts, dresses, pants, knee-highs, and you don't have to change boots when transition from day to night. The Steven Madden Patzee Fringe Booties (top) and Bordeaux Ralph Lauren Suede Motina Booties are both edgier footwear choices that can really make an outfit pop. If it’s a snowy, slushy track visits the navy toe LL Bean boots and green Hunter rain boots are great – practical and can be dressed up or down!
Footwear
These are some of my favorte winter essentials, what are yours?