New Zealand Cup and Show week is nearly upon us and that can mean only one thing; beautiful dresses, amazing fascinators and a long hot summer of outdoor events and special occasion dressing.

The fashion stakes run almost as high as the horse racing during Cup Week with standalone events making it the perfect opportunity to wear your most fabulous outfit.

British aristocrats and royalty were among the first to make going to the races a sophisticated, fashionable and glamorous affair and today is no different. There is no doubt that fashion and the races are intertwined and with fashion trends changing every season it is essential to stay on the cutting edge. To prevent the inevitable “what should I wear?” dilemma, I have put together five key style ideas to help you make the dress circle at this seasons’ races.

J Mendel and DKNY are only few of the designers to pick pastels as a must have for the upcoming season. The favourite colours range from baby blue, pastel pink, pale yellow and softest lilac – spring’s prettiest palette is mesmerising.

A well-made neoprene skirt can do wonders for your outfit, adding texture to your look and a voluminous silhouette. I would recommend a pastel coloured neoprene skirt to add a soft touch to your ensemble.

Large floral prints have been seen across the runways of Anna Sui, Schumacher and Marcel Ostertag making this flowery statement a must have for your outfit this year. Go bold when picking your floral prints; do not shy away from a bit of colour!

Accessories can be a girls best friends but an outfits worse nightmare if done wrong, while I believe accessories can take an outfit to a whole new level it is important to select the right pieces. A small fascinator can complement an outfit and add colour. Alternatively an oversized clutch or belt can simply do wonders. I recommend being brave and choosing a contrasting colour. The perfect contrast can make an outfit ‘pop’.

Bright and patterned socks are in, try blue with white polka dots to add some edge or as an alternative pocket squares to add character and colour to an outfit. Who says it only has to be black, brown and grey!

Lastly, keep your outfit well-structured and tailored for a sleek and tidy finish, there is nothing more flattering than a well fitted garment. Above all have fun and pick an outfit that best represents your personality. When you wear something, remember to wear it proudly. Good luck!