Swimwear designer Carena West's top tips for Fashions in the Field

Carena West predicts this year will be all about strong florals, exaggerated ruffles and high fashion. Photo / Doug Sherring

Thousands of race-goers are set to pack Ellerslie on Tuesday for the Boxing Day races - the biggest event on summer's horse racing calendar.

And it won't just be some of the country's finest horses on display - with fashion honours also up for grabs at the race track.

The annual Fashions in the Field competition will be one of the main off-course drawcards, with competitors including former The Bachelor NZ Ceri McVinnie.

It will be her third crack in the fashion competition, making the final in both previous appearances.

"Hopefully this year's going to be my lucky year," she said.

McVinnie will be dressed in orange and turquoise head to toe, including a pair of shoes her dad dyed orange for her.

Ceri McVinnie (centre) at last year's Fashions in The Field event. Photo/Supplied

And it won't just be Fashions in the Field entrants who will dress to impress on Tuesday; with making an impression something many in the stands and in the course's infield now make an annual intention of doing.

Kiwi swimwear designer Carena West - the Auckland Racing Club's fashion ambassador - predicted this year it would be all about strong florals, over-exaggerated ruffles and high fashion.

But, West advised those competing in the fashion event to keep it formal and be a bit different.

"It is a lot more formal than just throwing something on at the last minute and going to the races. People put a lot of time and effort into planning their outfits."

West also recommended competitors wear a "really fabulous" hat or head wear.

"[Fashion] really adds a bit of colour and flair to race day. And, it's just a perfect excuse to get really dressed up. You don't really get that many opportunities anymore to put some thought into an outfit from your head right down to your toes."

The fashionista planned on wearing a floral jumpsuit by Los Angeles-based label Reformation and head wear by Kiwi milliner Claire Hahn.