Shoppers Guide To Spring Racing Part One: The Dress

Deciding what to wear to the races from head to toe can be a daunting task at best. To lighten the load for all our lovely BWA readers we thought we would put together a comprehensive shopping guide to all things racewear in two parts; dresses and accessories.

Shop the trends for Spring racewear dresses for 2011 below!

1. White Out

The little white dress is an emerging must have in every girls closet, and what better way to dress for the track than a crisp white dress to celebrate the sunny season.

There are a huge variety of styles available so make sure you choose a cut that flatters your body type. Our picks are lace, pleating or ruffles for a flirty and feminine look.

You can go bold and team a white dress with colour blocked accessories or opt for muted tones such as nude in your accessories for a more traditional look.

[nggallery id=820]

Left to right: 1. Minty Meets Munt Lace Me Up Dress $153.00 at TheGrandSocial.com 2. Tali Roth Malbro Pleated Dress $310.00 at TheGrandSocial.com  3. LIPSY Frill dress $139.00 at Myer.com.au 4. Rare Lace high Neck Dress $29.75 at ASOS.com.au 5. Tokito Lace Dress $69.95 at Myer.com.au

2. Flirty Florals

Florals are back for spring and summer this year. With such a huge variety of prints to choose from, go crazy! We recommend toned down accessories so your outfit doesn’t become too busy.

[nggallery id=821]

Left to right: 1. La De Da Tea Party Dress $79.95 at Myer.com.au 2. FullCircle Coral Floral Zambia Sketch Dress $219.00 at Frockaholics.com  3. Elise Floral Dress $169.95 at Birdsnest.com 4. Warehouse Dip Dye Floral Shift $74.36 at ASOS.com 5. ASOS Floral Dress $57.84 at ASOS.com

3. Lace Me Up

One of the biggest trends to filter off the runways and onto high street is ladylike lace. It has an old school charm and elegance that is revamped for modern use with clever cuts and colours.

Depending on your colour and cut choice, opt for a ladylike heel and matching fascinator to keep the look classic.

[nggallery id=822]

Left to Right: 1. ASOS Pearl Lace Dress $46.27 at ASOS.com 2. Lace Dress with Applique $107.41 at ASOS.com 3. Oasis Cap Sleeve dress $99.15 at ASOS.com 4. Lace Skater Dress $74.36 at ASOS.com 5. Jane Lamerton Scalloped Lace Dress $159.00 at Myer.com.au

4. Colour, Colour Everywhere!

We all know that colour is back in a big way for summer, so why not be daring for your races outfit and try a little colour blocking? Accessorize a bold coloured dress with contrasting accessories.

[nggallery id=823]

Left to right: 1. Seduce Chiquita Dress $199.95 at Paya.com 2. Nicola Finetti Yellow Knotted Bodice Dress $269.00 at Frockaholics.com 3. Howard Showers Drape Front Dress $259.00 at Birdsnest.com 4. Mini Dress With Frill Detail $57.84 at ASOS.com 5. Wrap Dress With Tie Waist $57.84 at ASOS.com

5. Graphic Prints

Graphic prints are another strong trend to have hit stores off the runways. Be bold and layer prints creatively or stick to basics and make your dress the focal piece.

[nggallery id=824]

Left to right: 1. Josh Goot For ASOS Digital Print Dress $90.89 at ASOS.com 2.  Leona Edmiston Alice Dress $445.00 at Leonaedmiston.com  3. LIFEwithBIRD All At Once Dress $385.00 at Lifewithbird.com  4. Manning Cartell Snake Charmer Dress $449.00 at Myer.com.au 5. Sass & Bide Dream State Dress $590.00 at Ausmode.com

6. Black & White

Black and white is the perfect pairing that will never go out of style. There are plenty of fascinators, shoes and clutches that utilize the black and white colour scheme so you will have plenty to choose from. If all else fails opt for a nude shoe and either black or white accessories.

[nggallery id=826]

Left to right: 1. Contony Black and White Dress $159.00 at Sweetalma.com.au 2. Cooper St Old Harlem Dress $189.95 at Igedo.com 3. Shift Dress $57.84 at ASOS.com 4. CiCi Lace Dress $52.88 at ASOS.com 5. Bodycon Dress in Dogtooth Print $49.58 at ASOS.com

Image via Paperplanes from Harpers Bazaar Booklet 09