This season, Maria Fresnel of Roman & French has shared a valuable insight into what’s currently trending in the world of racing. In essence, she reveals that it’s not about the clothes you wear, but rather the way you carry yourself that truly makes the difference. The following breakdown highlights the key elements to focus on: from must-have colors and finishes to clever styling tricks.

What’s Hot Right Now?

When it comes to Race Day fashion, headbands and headpieces are a must-have staple. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to any hairstyle, but they’re also incredibly easy to wear. According to Maria Fresnel from Roman & French, the key to pulling off a great headpiece is staying true to yourself. ‘If that means tying a gorgeous silk-velvet bow on your shiny ponytail,’ she says, ‘then that’s perfect!

I love that we’ve become so confident in wearing what makes us happy and not conforming to societal norms.’ Instead of opting for the traditional fascinator look, Maria suggests going for something more unexpected, like a velvet wide-brimmed hat. If you do decide to wear a crown, she recommends testing it out beforehand to ensure it suits your headshape. For those with oval faces or square jawlines, Maria loves seeing crowns that elongate and balance the face.

Metallic pieces with leaf motifs or vines are particularly stunning, making for a truly show-stopping Race Day look.

Can I Choose or Can I Have It All?

When it comes to Maria’s style, the focus is on creating a cohesive look that extends from head to toe. This means carefully selecting accessories like headpieces, clutches, shoes, and jewelry to harmoniously complement her stunning dress. Rather than adhering to traditional notions of right or wrong, Maria believes in trusting her instincts and dressing in a way that makes her feel confident and radiant. And the best part?

She doesn’t believe in sacrificing comfort for style – in fact, she’s all about embracing trends that allow women to look and feel great while still being practical. Case in point: the current embellishment trend, which is all about adding extra flair to everyday outfits, making it perfectly acceptable to wear her most stylish pieces as a daytime look.

Pastels, Bold Brights and Metallics

This season’s accessories are a vibrant departure from last year’s lace trend. The bold and eclectic colour palette is sure to make a statement. According to fashion experts, this year’s go-to accessories feature a mix of textures and hues. From simple yet elegant headbands adorned with flowers or velvet bows to more elaborate designs boasting metallic gold flowers, pearls, and coloured stones.

Roman & French’s creative director is particularly fond of combining two bold colours – hot fuschia pink and blood red – for a look that exudes confidence when paired with a gold metallic headband.

Does it Look Too Bridal-ish?

As the wedding season approaches, many brides-to-be may be concerned about their overall aesthetic being perceived as too bridal-chic. However, with a few strategic accessorizing moves, this concern can be alleviated. Maria emphasizes that incorporating sparkling silver accessories and headpieces should not be feared. She points to Wendy from Wedded Wonderland’s stunning look, which featured a silver leaf headband paired with statement earrings and a peach dress.

The silver accents lifted her entire ensemble, proving that it’s possible to strike the right balance between glamour and uniqueness. In terms of traditional wedding colours, Maria suggests that white and ivory can still be incorporated into the overall aesthetic, as long as they’re used in a clean-lined suit or stunningly-cut dress. She recommends complementing these neutral hues with rose gold accents, such as a headband, clutch, or embellished heels.

Alternatively, soft pastels and a soft watercolour silk flower headband can create a romantic and whimsical look. To avoid a bridal look altogether, Maria advises against using clear crystals. Instead, opt for flat or matte textures that add depth and visual interest to the overall ensemble. By incorporating these elements, brides can create a fresh, crisp, and floaty aesthetic that’s uniquely their own.

Clutch-ing at Space

In today’s digitally-driven world, it’s crucial that our go-to clutches can accommodate our trusty smartphones. To ensure a stylish and practical Race Day accessory, Roman & French offers an impressive array of colours and styles to suit every taste. From blush pink to rose gold, black to navy, the brand boasts a diverse range of options, each equipped with either gold or rose gold hardware for added sophistication.

Whether you’re looking for a pop of colour or a timeless classic, Roman & French’s clutches have got you covered.

Less is More and More is More

When it comes to fashion, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you prefer understated elegance or bold statement pieces, both styles are equally welcome. In fact, two distinct aesthetics are currently trending: a rich, textured look reminiscent of Dolce & Gabbana, characterized by baroque elements and opulence; and a minimalist approach featuring clean lines, luxe details, but still exuding sophistication. The key takeaway? There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to styling.

You can incorporate as little or as much visual interest as you like, as long as you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. As Maria emphasizes, the most important thing is that you love how you look and feel great about yourself. In terms of specific advice for creating a stylish Race Day look, Maria recommends against matching too closely with other elements.

Instead, draw inspiration from the dress itself, your natural skin tone, and hair color to create a cohesive, put-together appearance.

Taking the Look from Day to Night

The foundation for a flawless Race Day look is already in place: great hair, the right outfit, and a well-made-up face. However, the experts at Roman & French suggest that all it takes to elevate your night-time style is a simple yet impactful addition – change your earrings! Opt for a statement pair featuring Swarovski stones to add an extra touch of glamour. Alternatively, consider adding a show-stopping embellished belt to emphasize your waist and complete your look.

According to Maria, the key to pulling off any racing-inspired outfit is embracing your personal style. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it shines through in every aspect of your appearance.

To discover Roman & French’s stunning range of bridal jewellery, accessories, veils, and more, follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook. Let yourself be inspired by the unique collections and find that perfect finishing touch to make you feel like royalty.