This Vodacom Durban July don’t get caught with your fashion blinkers on! Read our style guide supplement for style tips to turn heads. With a few days to go to this year’s Vodacom Durban July, we are most definitely Greyville bound. With the months of preparation, weeks of sharpening, days of fine tuning, and hours of tension all set to lead to this!

This year’s conceptual theme is ‘ it is time’. This theme was unveiled earlier in the year to the delight of all those in the fashion fraternity as well as those in the fashion and social circles. The element of theme is an important one as it sets the tone for the style and design aesthetic for the day and ultimately dictate even the style and look of the garments worn on the day.

The concept of theme is VDJ heritage and has been around for a number of years. It is vital that you don’t get caught with your blinkers on by sticking to some simple Raceday appropriate Guidelines:

Whatever the theme, remember that this is not a costume party and sophisticated elegance always wins the day.

Ladies – a flattering dress and a stand-out hat is most definitely a winner. But be careful emphasis is on stand-out, and not over the top – so keep it simple and classy!

Another must for all ladies are comfortable heels. With a number of marquees and entertainment areas – attendees are usually spoiled for choice so comfort is key – no one wants to see someone walking like they stepped on hot coals.

Beat the winter chill – Don’t get caught out in the cold – shivering is not a good look, and even though it might be coastal Durban – winter is winter and the evenings can get rather chilly so a jacket for the gents and a shawl for the ladies is not a bad idea.

Don’t look like a Christmas tree or a disco ball – avoid loud sequins or flashy colours – remember the after parties are later in the evening!

Unless your name is Zodwa Wabantu – avoid revealing too much by wearing badly made outfits that leave you exposed.

Don’t over accessorise – remember less is more, so let the outfit make the statement.

 

Remember to put your own unique stamp on whatever you choose.

It is undeniable that fashion makes up an important part of the day with established and upcoming designers, fashionistas, and socialites all embracing the theme and translating it into extravagant head turning garments. That are worn on the day or are showcased in a number of fashion shows in the lead-up to as well as on race day.

Simtholile Mnisi, GQ Best dressed 2016 nominee, fashionista and well – networked socialite says. “For me an event like the Vodacom Durban July is more than just a day at the races. It is a day of catching up with old acquaintances and networking and meeting new people. So it’s always important to look your best.” Mnisi continued, “It is vital to be both comfortable and fashionable and the theme gives us a concept to play with and it is always exciting to see the different ways that people try and interpret the theme in their ensembles.”

With this year’s thematic concept being ‘it is time’ three words stand out: timeless, elegance and classic, So to assist all our readers with a style tutorial we went to International Turkish menswear brand, Ramsey’s South African store to fashion and style a few looks for the Durban July, both for day and evening wear.

Ramsey price list:

Suit R7499,                                             Cufflink shirt   R1599,                              Bow tie          R299,

Shoes      R4999.                                    Pocket square.  R429,                           Red tie.           R1199.

 

Second look

Black shoe   R4499.                              Pants.        R799. 50,                               Golf tee.    R 599.50,

Leather jacket.  R16999.                       Suit bag.  R2999

Stylists: Mthobisi Dladla & Reuben Modiba             Writer: Mthobisi Dladla