Heather Pack, a co-owner of the Clothes Cottage, models some of the fashions that would fit in with this year's Triple Crown. Ron Cockerille/Staff

Races provide a chance to strut your stuff

AIKEN - Fashion is as big of a part of the Aiken Triple Crown as swift horses.

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This purse, wooden bracelet and sandal, all available at the Clothes Cottage, would be appropriate for a day at the races. Rob Carr/Staff Inez Willis, who works at the Clothes Cottage on Chesterfield Street in Aiken, holds a silk rose that could be a hit at this year's Triple Crown. Many people like to dress up for the events. Ron Cockerille/Staff

For Heather Pack, a co-owner of the Clothes Cottage, a day at the Aiken Steeplechase means going all out - donning a multicolored sundress and a big straw hat covered with white bows.

"It's fun. Everybody likes to dress up and the girls like to show off for each other," Mrs. Pack said. "It's the day that you don't dress up for your husband or boyfriend - you dress for other women."

The Aiken Steeplechase is the pinnacle fashion event of the Aiken Triple Crown with Aiken Trials being the most casual and polo falling somewhere in between, Mrs. Pack said. Though dresses and plain straw hats for women and khakis for men are the typical garb for the Aiken Trials, people kick it up several notches for the Aiken Steeplechase.

Depending on where a spectator sits at the race determines what they will be wearing, said Mia Miller, the event coordinator of the Aiken Steeplechase.

"Some people are dressed to the nines, wearing spring dresses or coats and ties," Ms. Miller said. "All people tend to dress on the nicer side, in spring khakis or dresses."

At the Guarantor Tent Party during the steeplechase, women usually wear spring dresses and hats (although heels are not recommended because of the soft soil). Men wear lightweight sport coats and ties, Ms. Miller said. Shorts and jeans are not appropriate for the party, but attire on the rails is more relaxed. The Aiken Steeplechase Association recommends a sportswear look for women and khakis for men.

When it comes to hats for the big steeplechase, Mrs. Pack, 30, prefers wide-brimmed ones, and the bigger and fancier they are, the better.

"I've seen hats with flamingoes on them, I've seen it all," Mrs. Pack said. "The men will wear their seersucker pants with bow ties and blue blazers. It's a good old Southern event."

Inez Willis, who also helps people find their horse race attire at the Clothes Cottage, has been going to the Triple Crown events since she was 16. Mrs. Willis, 69, said that although fashion trends have changed, people tend to stick with traditional Southern belle style for the races.

"The colors are always very bright and pretty like the beginning of spring," Mrs. Willis said. "It's a new thing to start the new season and all of the neighbors have to go see each other."

Accessories such as a colorful silk flower pinned to a shirt or hat can dress up an outfit. When it comes to letting passion for fashion show, however, no rule is the rule, Mrs. Pack said.

"As long as you know your body type and stick with what looks good on your own body, it's what you want to wear," Mrs. Pack said. "It's an opportunity to show your own personal fashion attitude, and that means any age women."

Reach Karen Ethridge at (803) 648-1395, ext. 109, or karen.ethridge@augustachronicle.com.

What to Wear Here are some fashion suggestions from Aiken Triple Crown attendees: Aiken Trials Women: Sundress or pants suit and straw hat Men: Khakis and a dress shirt Aiken Steeplechase In the tent Women: Sundress or dressy pants suit and hat, but no heels Men: Lightweight sport coat and ties Railside Women: Sportswear Men: Khakis Polo Women: Sundress or pants suit and a straw hat Men: Khakis and a dress shirt Fashion Tip: Always dress for the weather. Bring sunscreen, coat or raingear, depending on conditions. Source: Clothes Cottage and Aiken Steeplechase Association

--From the Thursday, March 17, 2005 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle