What Are You Wearing To The Cup?

March 26, 2015

MidlandsLife

By Brian Maynor

 

That is one of the most asked questions I’ve heard this week, as it should be. This weekend is the 83rd Annual Carolina Cup and it will be the place to be seen.

The Carolina Cup has always been a social event, but it’s also a fashion show of sorts. Along with a huge tailgate and horserace, everyone seems to buy a new outfit specifically for the occasion and they are usually over-the-top-spring. It’s common to see colorful dresses, pants, ties and blazers along with classic southern styles no matter what the weather dictates.

While this year should be rain free, it will be chilly. So, if you haven’t found your perfect outfit yet, here are a few suggestions that are fashionable as well as practical:

1.    No one wants to cover an awesome outfit with a boring coat. Luckily colorful statement coats are ‘in’ for spring, so it’s the perfect time to invest in one for your wardrobe. For elegance personified look for a cropped, oversized collarless coat with an embroidered print in a light hue or if sophisticated chic is more your speed a solid pastel classic overcoat will work perfectly.

2.    Not only are they a classical spring staple, dresses are practical for this event. It’s an outdoor event, in a field with lots of mud and muck. Dragging hemlines though that would be a travesty. So leave the long, flowing dresses at home and opt for a shorter version. Whether you choose to just show your ankles or your knees is up to you.

3.    For the Guys. While it may not be warm enough for colorful shorts, you can always choose colorful, ankle-length chinos to complement your colorful shirt & tie combo. Bow ties are the most popular, but more important are the coordinated patterns and palettes. If you feel your look is a bit too colorful you can always try adding a navy blazer. Chances are it will work.

4.    Remember the outdoor field full of mud and muck? That’s not the ideal place for heels or any delicate shoe. Sandals, wedges, boots and loafers are practical and fashionable choices. Also I recommend leather over cloth since it will be easier to clean. Otherwise your shoes may be one-time-wear.

5.    Other Accessories. Along with the horserace and fashion a key component of the event is the tailgate, but one major rule is in place: no glass. Luckily acrylic, plastic and paper tableware has come a long way. Just keep your table coordinated with a planned color scheme.

Whether you go for the food, drinks and fashion, or the actual horses doesn’t really matter. Just be sure to wear your seasonal best.

For more information on the Carolina Cup check out their website. Tickets are still available.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Female.Cup

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Male.Cup

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of thesestoryboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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