I first met Kate Waterhouse back when I was Editor of Cleo magazine and we had invited Kate to be a part of our first ever celebrity judging panel for Cleo Bachelor of the Year. I still remember her outfit (floaty maxi skirt, hat, Christian Dior shoes). She was quite young at the time, but held her own amongst the other, let’s say, rather boisterous members of the panel (Bianca Dye and Alex Zabotto-Bentley, I’m talking to you).
A daughter of Australia’s racing royalty; Kate has grown up in the media spotlight as the daughter of leading thoroughbred trainer Gai Waterhouse and grand-daughter of racing legend Tommy “TJ” Smith. Over the years I’ve watched Kate grow into a beautiful, clever, iconic woman of style, not just amongst the racing set, but across the entire Australian fashion landscape. So it’s no wonder that Sally Hansen have chosen her to represent their first ever Spring Racing nail collection, full of fun and colour.
“Dressing for the races is all about the complete look,” Waterhouse says when we chat just four months after having her first baby, Sophia, with husband Luke Rickettson. “Nails are a big part of that. I’ve picked my favourite colours to go with different looks and different days.”
Image courtesy of Instagram
The nail colours are all in line with this season’s pastels (which, coincidentally, Kate suggest wearing on Oaks Day), and come in a range of sorbet hues – light blues, pinks and apricots, with a glitter polish to either be worn on it’s own or over the top of another colour.
“My favourite colours have to be the nudes – you can’t go wrong with a nude. I tend to wear a brighter colour on my toes and then a nude on my hands. But sometimes I do go matchy-matchy.”
“It’s all about the detail on Races Day,” Kate emphasizes, “everything from your headpiece down to your shoes has to be immaculate. Especially because it’s a daytime affair, it’s not like you’re out at a nightclub and people won’t notice your shoes or something, everything has to be perfect, including your nails.”
Image courtesy of Instagram
Kate’s Hot Favourites For This Spring Racing Season
On Derby day:
“We’ve seen a new white on white trend come through. Derby Day is traditionally a monotone day, and people usually go all in black, but I really love the idea of head to toe white. It’s really elegant and it will make you stand out from the sea of black. It’s just a really fresh look for spring.”
On Melbourne Cup:
“This year it’s all about colour, and being bright and out there. You never know what you’re going to get on Cup Day!” You heard her ladies, keep it fun and exciting.
Image courtesy of Instagram
On Oaks Day:
“It’s Ladies Day and a bit more laid back. This year I think it’s all about pastel colours.”
On What Shapes Work Best:
“I think a pencil skirt style is the most elegant, it suits all shapes and sizes and is always a classic fitting look. But you know it’s all about feeling ultra comfortable on the day. It’s a long day out on the track. If you put something on and it’s uncomfortable, that’s not really an option on race day. You want to feel great and look your best.”
On Footwear
“I always say to people, don’t wear too high a heel, and then it gets to race day and I pick out my biggest pair! If you’re used to wearing really high heels just go for it. I wear heels day in, day out so I’m fine. If I buy a new pair of shoes I make sure that I’ve worn them in before race day. You can’t risk blisters on race day, so try and wear something you’ve worn before. A thicker heel is always better, or a wedge so you don’t get stuck in the grass.
Have you ever worn a wedge?
“I don’t really wear wedges. I prefer a stiletto, I’m not really a wedge person. Some girls really love it, I have a best friend that loves wedges and wears them every time to the races, as that’s what she feels most comfortable in. Wedges are a great option.
Image courtesy of Instagram
Whatever You Do, Don’t …
“Just don’t wear those things that people wear on the end of their stilettos to stop their heels digging into the grass. And taking your shoes off at the end of the day is not an option.
“Take a pair of ballet flats in your bag if you know you are going to be uncomfortable by the end of the day. I do that! Especially out at Flemington when I have a car that’s miles away to walk to, or I’ve caught the train out there before. You don’t want to be stuck in your stilettos at the end of the day. Buy those ballet flats you can fold up and pop in your clutch. Take them regardless, whether you’re going to wear them or not.
On Coverups
“You never know what the weather is going to be like, it might be hot, it might be freezing. On the days I think it’s going to be cold, I’ll wear a long sleeved dress and it ends up being stinking hot. So you really never know! Just go with the dress you love. I really love capes for this season, I think they’re really elegant. And then if you’re in the bar or in a marquee, you can slip it off and you have your amazing dress underneath. Or a beautiful blazer just over your shoulders, everyone has a blazer so that’s a really easy option. A pashmina will keep you warm and you can just take it off when you’re taking photos, if you don’t want to be unbuttoning a coat each time!
Image courtesy of Instagram
Most Exciting Style On The Racing Circuit
I always love seeing what Jennifer Hawkins is wearing and Rebecca Judd and Lara Bingle. They’re the kind of girls I love to look at, they push the boundaries a little bit and I always love to see what they’re wearing.
What are you planning to wear to the Spring races this year? Tell us in the comments below!
