FASHION Magazine

See the Queen’s Plate Hats & Horseshoes party photos »

Horse races and ladies in fancy hats make for a most stylish pairing. From the Kentucky Derby to the Royal Ascot to Canada’s very own Queen’s Plate, an afternoon at the race track demands a wide-brimmed hat. (Or, in the case of a fascinator, a hat as tall as it could be wide!) This past Sunday saw the 154th running of the Queen’s Plate and many of Toronto’s most fashionable crowd made the journey to Woodbine Racetrack, hats in tow. To celebrate the race, Woodbine’s annual Hats & Horseshoes party took over the grounds around the walking ring, bringing together food trucks, betting stations, a Grey Goose-sponsored VIP lounge and, of course, the aforementioned stylish racing fans. Milliner David Dunkley was also on hand with many of his couture creations available for partygoers to try on—or buy if they happened to arrive sans hat. Compared to previous Queen’s Plate races, this weekend it was quite apparent that fashion has become a huge focus. Yee haw!

See our picks for what to wear to the Queen’s Plate »

Whether you’re equestrian obsessed, enjoy the excitement of racing or just want a reason to wear a Kate Middleton-worthy hat, the Queen’s Plate is where you should be this Sunday. Not only is it Canada’s oldest annual Thoroughbred race, it’s one with royal blessing. Queen Elizabeth has attended a number of times, as part of a tradition started by her father, King George IV. (Considering that you’ll never see the Queen look as happy as she does when she’s at a horse race, you know you’ll be in for a good time at Woodbine on Sunday!)

The other reason the Queen’s Plate is such a big deal is due to it being the first race in Canada’s Triple Crown—putting it on par with the biggest racing event in the United States, the Kentucky Derby. To celebrate, Woodbine is hosting a red carpet Hats & Horseshoes party at the Walking Ring, which is sure to draw Toronto’s most stylish set in their horse racing best. For the Queen’s Plate, this means big hats and fascinators, garden party dresses and prim shoes. To add even further style incentive to Sunday’s event, FashionMagazine.com will be there to crown the best dressed Hats & Horseshoes attendee. If you need some inspiration or are simply wondering what to wear to a horse race, read on to see our top picks for Queen’s Plate style.

They’re at the post! Sunday marks the 153rd running of the Queen’s Plate horse race, the first of three races in Canada’s Triple Crown stakes. Basically, it’s our version of the Kentucky Derby but with regal roots: Queen Victoria founded the race in 1860 and members of the royal family have attended over a dozen times. Unfortunately, Queen Elizabeth won’t be cheering from the stands this weekend (she’s a little busy with her Diamond Jubilee celebrations) but that doesn’t make the day any less prestigious.

Which brings us to the question of what to wear? The all-day festivities require an outfit that will take you from the garden party in the walking ring to cheering in the sun-drenched grandstands. We may not have a Chanel-owned racehorse running, but our bets are on Sunday being quite the to-do. As such, here are our top picks for what to wear. (Also, we’ll put in our official request now for Will and Kate to attend next year!)

And they’re off! Check out our Queen’s Plate picks! »

View every look Kate Middleton has worn since her engagement »

This weekend Kate cheered on William and Harry at a charity polo match while keeping things casual in a silk shirtdress by UK-based label Libélula. The long sleeve, knee-length look is quickly becoming her signature style, and it seems like Kate’s other must-wear item—sheer tights—are on the way out. Perhaps her choice of shoe inspired the need for bare legs? Kate wore a pair of open-toed Stuart Weitzman wedge espadrilles, which allowed her to walk across the grassy polo fields with ease—and right up to the podium where she gave both princes a kiss after their team won. (Not pictured: many other kisses from Kate and Will’s royal pup Lupo, who also adorably attended the event.)

And they’re off! From Hermès’ start as a leather saddlery shop to the pageantry of England’s Royal Ascot, horses and high fashion share a long history together. And this weekend the pairing continues with the running of the Breeder’s Cup races in Kentucky. The favourite to win in tomorrow’s Mile race is Goldikova—a championship Thoroughbred who took first place the last three years, and oh, is owned by Chanel. Well, to be correct, she’s property of Wertheimer et Frère, the horse racing stable of brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, who own the French fashion house. Could couture racing silks be next on the runway?

Dace Moore’s seven-year-old eponymous line, Dace (dace.ca), is an exercise in deceptive simplicity. While no one would call a collection of pencil skirts, silky blouses and slim-cut pants revolutionary, there’s something to be said for chic subtlety–like the cool girl whose outfits never scream, but nevertheless make you ache to know their origin.  For example, the Fall 2009 collection features pleated pants in a just-so shade of grey and a blouse with a neck-tie that sweeps to mid-shin with more drama than all the neon in the world could muster.

See more looks after the jump.