CAR SHOW FASHION

This is the worst option to wear at a car show if you want to enjoy yourself and feel great the next day.

Car shows are moving art filled with vehicles of beauty and outlandish design.  As a rule, they are held on beautiful sun blessed days in the great outdoors. The colours of the paint sparkle and dance in the sun beams while chrome glistens and shines.  A car show is a delightful, stylish social event if you have prepared well but heaven help the unprepared.  For those who are unprepared a car show results in sun burn, sore and filthy feet, chapped lips and sore muscles.

The first time I took my fashionable friend Zoe to Summernats (the largest car show in Australia) she was in awe of the fashion sense displayed by most patrons.  Cut off shorts, strapless tops, lycra and thongs were the flavor of the day.  A full throttle display of bogan design on offer.  We marveled at the choices and wished we could follow up days later to check in on their sunburn, heat stroke and sore, aching bodies.
 
As a rule women in the automotive scene are left with just 4 fashion choices. 

1. The “lycra clad, bikini car wash, grid girl” look which also closely resembles the outfit worn by a lady of the night or a professional dancer. 
2. The “everything hot pink or purple, fluffy, stuffed toy, cartoon character inspired, sequins, glitter and all things girly girl” look as favoured by little girls in primary school. 
3. The “I dress like a man” look in a race suit or jeans and t-shirt. 
4. And finally the rockabilly scene has supported women to dress like pin up models from the 50’s in wiggle dresses, platform shoes and a selection of prints with cherries or skulls on them. 

 
To me all of these options are a costume that we don just for car related events.  If you are not interested in playing dress ups then here is my guide to stylish, practical and comfortable fashions in the car field.

• Scratchy chunky bits:  Try to keep any accessories that might scratch or mark a car to a minimum.  Belts, studs, rings and bracelets in particular will easily scratch a car as you move around it.  If you would like some colour added, try a scarf.  Not only will it add style without scratching the vehicle, it will also provide sun protection and can be used as a layer if it should turn cool.
• Sun protection is key.  Car shows are almost always outside in the sun and just an hour of strolling around can result in skin damage.  Try a large floppy hat but remember to keep the underside of the brim a dark colour.  If a hat isn’t your thing, then take a light parasol. The reflection of the cars onto a light coloured underside of the hat or parasol can magnify the light you are trying to avoid.  Avoid dressing in all black as this will make you feel much warmer than you need to.  Good quality sunglasses will reduce glare and protect your eyes.  A collar and sleeves will protect your neck and arms.  Aim for layers of natural fibers that are cool and floaty rather than tight and clingy to stay comfortable in the sun. 
• Shoes are key to your comfort at the show.  The two most common surfaces at a car show are grass and paving such as concrete or bitumen. Thongs and sandals are not advisable as not only will they not provide enough support but they can also expose your feet to sunburn and leave them filthy.  Avoid spiky heels especially on grass as you will spend all day trying not to sink into the turf. Wedges will work if you absolutely must wear heels.  I prefer a pair of sturdy ballet flats or in cooler climates, flat boots.  These are also useful if the weather turns moist and mud abounds.
• Storage in a handbag is essential for your items such sunscreen, phone, water bottle, lip balm and purse.  Make sure the bag is soft and not likely to scratch the vehicles and easy to carry all day and night.  I like to make it large enough to carry my cardigan or wrap through the day and my hat and glasses at night.
• An outfit that will easily transform from day to night is perfect for the after show party.  During the day a hat, sunglasses and light scarf will keep the sun at bay while at night you can add a cardigan, wrap, light jacket or scarf to stay warm. Pants will work well if you are planning to bend over a lot although a skirt will generally be cooler.

Those are my tips for staying simply safe and stylish at the car show but I would be interested to hear if you have anything else to add.  Email me at lara@wildedrive.com