In just over a week, arguably the most chic event on the racing calendar will be upon us once again. Derby Day, the monochromatic sister of The Melbourne Cup, begins the festivities that annually dance their way through the first week of November. It’s the week synonymous with style and this year, creative duo Holly Titheridge and Shaun Lyle, better known as the founders of aspirational style blog Base Colour, sat down with us to answer all our Derby Day fashion questions, offering inside know-how on perfectly prepping yourself for the big day.

 

Holly Titheridge (@_hollyt)

Holly Titheridge wearing Saba. Shop the look below

Grazia: What do you enjoy most about Derby Day?

Holly: Shaun and I are huge fans of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, so with Derby Day being the first day to kick things off, we love the atmosphere it provides! We also have a soft spot for a great black and white look, so with Derby Day being traditionally black and white attire, it’s a day not to be missed on our calendar.

Grazia: Tell us a little bit about your routine when getting prepped for big events like spring racing.

Holly: I would love to say that I plan my look well ahead of time, but sadly no – I’m a sucker for last minute outfit planning! In saying that, I do always select my look first before jumping into selecting a fascinator or accessories. I just find it easier to swap and change shoes, bags and headpieces than to re-plan a whole new look.

Grazia: When it comes to race day style, how do you go about selecting the perfect look? 

Holly: I try not to overthink things! If I put an outfit on and instantly feel comfortable and truly myself in the look, I know that it is the one for me! I also judge a look based off instantly having ideas on how I could pair my accessories with it. If you’re stressing out about not knowing how to style your look with shoes, bags and headpieces, then I suggest you keep hunting.

Grazia: The Derby Day dress code is synonymous with monochrome. What are your tips for elevating a simple black and white look?

Holly: Great question! It’s funny you should mention this, as I believe I try to attempt this on the daily since I usually opt for black and white or neutral looks. My tip: It’s all in the accessories! I am a huge fan of gold jewellery, which I believe adds a touch of luxe to any outfit. Statement earrings are my weakness, so I’ve definitely invested in a few (well, really quite a lot more than a few) good pairs of earrings. I can say the same about shoes and handbags. It is all about enhancing a look with statement accessories!

Grazia: What race wear trends are you loving this season?

Holly: I wouldn’t say it is a trend, but I’m a sucker when it comes to suiting. I definitely think you will see a lot of tailoring – whether it be in suit form, or possibly in tailored blazer-type dresses. I also feel that co-ord dressing will be a huge trend this season. Who doesn’t love a look that you can wear again and again by swapping and changing your top/bottom options.

 

Shaun Lyle (@shaun.lyle)

Shaun Lyle wearing Saba. Shop the look below

 

Grazia: What are your top three styling tips for men this racing season?

Shaun: 1: It’s all about the fit. Make sure your suit fits well. The current trends are slightly shorter pants to show off your socks.
2: Go for a suit, shirt and tie combo that you wouldn’t see in the office. Think bold checks, lighter tones and wider lapels.
3: A great pair of shoes will be sure to make your look a winner! My favourites are the double monk strap shoes. I think we will also see a lot of loafers this season.

Grazia: Do you and Holly tend to coordinate your looks when attending events together?

Shaun: No, we don’t surprisingly! Coming into spring we have been wearing a lot of neutral colours, which always seem to mix well no matter what style of clothing you wear. We have very similar taste and style, so we tend to complement each other without really trying – which is lucky!

Grazia: What do you look for when selecting occasion-wear?

Shaun: The small details count with occasion-wear. As most men will be wearing suits, I tend to look for something not too loud but with great details like wider peak lapels and pick stitching.

 

Shop the perfect Derby Day thanks to Base Colour and Saba

Holly wears Saba ‘Liza’ long line jacket, $349 SHOP NOW and Saba ‘Liza’ Cullotte, $199 SHOP NOW
Shaun wears Saba ‘Collins’ twill suit jacket, $599 SHOP NOW and Saba ‘Collins’ twill suit pant, $299, SHOP NOW

Holly wears Saba ‘Liza’ one shoulder jumpsuit, $349 SHOP NOW

Holly wears Saba ‘Liza’ long line jacket, $349 SHOP NOW and Saba ‘Liza’ Cullotte, $199 SHOP NOW

 

Holly wears Saba ‘domino’ bias midi dress, $299 SHOP NOW

Shaun wears Saba ‘Collins’ twill suit jacket, $599 SHOP NOW and Saba ‘Collins’ twill suit pant, $299, SHOP NOW

Holly wears Saba ‘Liza’ one shoulder jumpsuit, $349 SHOP NOW