It's said that one should never wear black shoes with a brown belt, that stripes and checks should never be seen together, and vertical and horizontal stripes are an optical illusion best avoided. Still, rules are made to be broken. And as the keen fashion eye of Newcastle Jockey Club explains, if you have the chutzpah to carry off the look, anything is possible.
Spring racing fashion is famously vibrant; after the traditional and elegant monochromatism of Darby Day, Melbourne Cup has radiantly set the theme of seasonal florals, colour and a turn to the modern that spills into the regional meets around the country.
The region's richest horse race, The Hunter, is no exception - if with a nod to the traditional - as fashion hawks expect to see some of the dowdier rules bent in the name of style and unconventional respect for convention.
"We see a lot of very personal touches to the outfits," Club administration operations manager Jane Wood said on Friday. "There are a lot of entrants who will be wearing something bespoke or that they have put together themselves."
Still, Ms Wood said a nod to the conventions and history of race-day style would not go unnoticed. A well-styled hat or fascinator would be essential for The Hunter's Fashions in the Field winner, with points surely awarded for thoughtfully modest accessories and careful coordination for couples and partners.
Registrations for the Fashions on the Field will close at midday on Saturday, as gates open at 11am for the 10-race program offering more than $2.5 million in prize money. With grey themes in the forecast and possible showers in the morning, a wet weather plan would be wisely considered.
Ticket sales for the annual marquee event have been selling fast and have already exceeded last year's numbers, promising a champagne regional race day.
There is an "Australian feel" to race day fashions on this side of the equator, Ms Wood explains. Some of the more old-fashioned themes that linger in Europe are done away with, particularly in men's style, where the turn to the modern has seen unconventional twists on the classic suit.
Judges will be looking for a best-dressed duo on Saturday, awarding points for stylish coordination and complementary looks among couples and partners.
Aside from the racing calendar, Sydney galloper Briasa has emerged as an early favourite, having won five of his six starts, despite drawing a potentially tricky barrier position. Trainer Joe Pride's storybook winner from last year, Coal Crusher, will try to make it two in a row despite a similarly challenging barrier draw. Still, Mr Pride - who is also running seven-year-old Gelding Private Eye - told industry media this week he was confident Coal Crusher could make a significant inquiry.
The Screaming Jets are booked to headline the event, supported by Hot Potato Band, rounding out the region's million-dollar feature race set to jump at 4.45pm.
