35 dresses: Fashion form guide for Kembla Grange

Wollongong women have a fashionable track record at the races.

We have the picture proof.

Kembla Grange on the first Tuesday of November has been well covered by Mercury photographers over the years, and we're happy to report there's scant evidence of bad taste. 

No hats better suited to an Easter bonnet parade, no-one channelling Katie Price. Certainly there's not enough style misses in our picture archive to make a Worst Dressed List. 

However, it’s what happens when the camera isn't pointed our way that may be letting some of us down in the style stakes.

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For Rhianna Sattinsmith, co-owner of Envy Boutique in Fairy Meadow, the biggest offence at the races happens on the home stretch. 

‘‘Don’t take your shoes off ever,’’ she insists. ‘‘Can we have that in capital letters? DON’T TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF EVER. 

‘‘No matter how much your feet hurt, shoes stay on until you’re in the car or at home.’’

Here are five more race-day rules by Rhianna:

• Go easy on the fake tan. If it's a professional spray, opt for a light one. If it's a DIY job, ensure there's no streaks. 

• For me, the races is a day to be feminine and ladylike, so watch the length of the dress. 

• I’m a big fan of millinery. You don’t have to spend a fortune - make it yourself, even if it’s a little flower tucked into the hair.

• Don’t drink too much. Even in the most amazing outfit, women don't look classy when they're trashed. 

• Stand out at the races for all the right reasons - with bright colours and daring prints. Be bold and wear a dress with confidence. That means no slouching or constantly pulling up a strapless number.

1 Country Road, $179, Stockland Shellharbour 2 Events, $179, Stockland Shellharbour 3 Jacqui E, $149.95, Wollongong Central 4 Manning Cartell, $649, Plume at Thirroul 5 Country Road, $129, Stockland Shellharbour 6 Cooper St, $180, Babes 7 Natasha Gan, $350, Envy 8 Country Road, $149, Stockland Shellharbour 9 Cooper St, $140, Babes 10 All Things Beautiful, $119, Envy 11 Anna & Boy, $295, Plume at Thirroul 12 Natasha Gan, $140, Envy 13 Cotton On, $39.95, Wollongong Central 14 Milk From A Thistle, $295, Plume at Thirroul 15 Noni B, $199.95, Wollongong Central 16 City Chic, $159.95, Wollongong Central 17 Jacqui E, $169.95, Wollongong Central 18 City Chic, $159.95, Wollongong Central 19 Voodoo, $59.95, Wollongong Central 20 Cooper St, $159, Babes 21 Bloch, $69.95, Wollongong Central  22 Review @ Myer, $259.95, Wollongong Central 23 Review @ Myer, $279.95, Wollongong Central 24 Review @ Myer, $279.95, Wollongong Central 25 Bloch, $59.95, Wollongong Central 26 Valleygirl, $34.95, Wollongong Central 27 Dotti, $79.95, Wollongong Central 28 Portmans, $129.95, Wollongong Central 29 Portmans, $99.95, Wollongong Central 30 Noni B, $199.95, Wollongong Central 31 Portmans, $119.95, Wollongong Central 32 Temt, $34.95, Wollongong Central 33 Natasha Gan, $281, Envy 34 Just Jeans, $89.95, Wollongong Central 35 Designer Remix, $605, Plume at Thirroul

Stockists

Babes in Wollongong, Crown St Mall, phone 4229 5353

Envy Boutique at Fairy Meadow, phone 4283 8237, visit www.envyboutique.com.au or like www.facebook.com/envyboutique.fairymeadow

Plume at Thirroul, Anita's Theatre, phone 4268 5691 or like https://www.facebook.com/pages/PLUME-AT-THIRROUL/142138228241

Wollongong Central, phone 4228 5999 or visit www.wollongongcentral.com.au/

Stockland Shellharbour, phone 4296 8266 or visit www.stockland.com.au/shopping-centres/nsw/stockland-shellharbour.htm