40 degrees, January 4 2015, Magic Millions, Gold Coast Turf Club. There I was, in the searing heat of a Gold Coast summer, dressed in a suit, judging Fashions on the Field. Oh the martyrdom we perform in the name of fashion.
It was the most extreme heat imaginable. I began to sweat and then the panic that accompanies sweating in a suit ensured I then sweated even more. I could feel my suit sticking to my back.
I then looked to my fellow judge, Charli Robinson (Getaway, Hi5) to find the poor girl, in her crisp white shift dress and white flop hat, frantically patting herself with clumps of tissues. She was in a mad frenzy to stop the drips of perspiration mixed with fake tan, from hitting the fine fabric of her starch white frock.
It is the perennial problem we non-olive skinned Queenslanders face; how do we make it successfully through the all-white trend when we can not possibly step outside without a splash self-tanner.
And this year will be the battle of all battles because white is BIG! White lace, white fringing, white broderie anglaise.
If you are planning on a day or two out during the Spring Racing Carnival, be on trend with a sharp white or off white suit that features a bold neckline of waist detail.
Remember, some fabrics absorb perspiration and colouration more than others. You are more likely to see a smear of fake tan on cotton than you would on georgette, mainly because georgette is so porous. So one way to avoid the ‘fake tan vs white’ war is to make sure your neckline or arm hole is bordered or even better, if the garment is lined.
You also need to have a battle plan for this war with white. Plan, plan, plan! Have that tan the day before you will be wearing white. If possible, be ultra conspicuous as to where that tan line ends and the outfit begins. Collars, light scarves and hats can help. Also, pack your blotting papers and never top up the tan before you head out the door.
And of course, stay cool. So if you need to break the budget and hire some handsome man to walk around fanning you with a palm frond, just do it.
(Brisbane designer Pia du Pradal features some very stylish all white pieces in her upcoming summer range. As you can see from the accompanying image, in true Pia style, this suit is perfect for a special occasion during our summer or a walk down the Champs Elysee next year.)