Bri Mott Hosts Queen’s Plate Fashion Contest

Bri Mott Hosts Queen’s Plate Fashion Contest by Reinier Macatangay: Fashion at Woodbine steps up a level this Sunday, when the historic racetrack plays host to the 157th Queen’s Plate for 3-year-old horses bred in Canada. Picking the right horse is important, but thinking of what to wear on such a day and giving compliments to other attendees on their fabulous outfits is part of the festivities as well.

In the racing world, there are few better fashion experts than Bri Mott, who runs the 4-year-old website Fashion at the Races. She will host the Queen’s Plate Fashion Contest, scheduled on the same day as the race. The contest is open to legal adult residents of Canada, except for Quebec, and offers great prizes for men and women.

Mott offered her thoughts on Queen’s Plate fashion in general and the contest. People can expect some differences between the fashion found in the Triple Crown series compared to the Queen’s Plate.

“Queen’s Plate really brings out the unique fashion of Toronto. The Hats and Horseshoes Party has given such a fun vibe to the actual raceday where people of all ages come to experience racing, food trucks, cocktails and of course fashion,” Mott explained. “There isn’t a ‘trend’ per se as there is with the Triple Crown races.”

“Dress your best in whatever way your personality shines and compete for the big prize. We have both men and women divisions this year and over $4,000 worth of prizes at stake!”

Prizes include expensive gift cards to Pink Tartan, Vaughan Mills and a VIP Racing Experience for four fans at the Woodbine Mile (GI) on Sept. 17.

Even with the differences between the Queen’s Plate and other fashionable racing days, color is still an important factor to consider and stylish racegoers will want to be conscious of their choices.

“Whenever I think of the ‘colors’ for Queen’s Plate, I think of blue and white that corresponds with the logo. I actually will be wearing blue and white, which actually was more coincidence than anything, but I am excited to align it with the actual title,” she mentioned. “I hope to see some bright colors on track and bold statements. I’ve always thought of Toronto as a ‘trendy city’ and I’d love to see that vibe on track.”

Mott also gave advice to anyone wishing to enter the contest, encouraging hopeful entrants to think about the purpose of each clothing and accessory. These words might be helpful for future fashion events.

“Be sassy. Be comfortable. Be You! Spend time organizing your outfit and make sure that all pieces really go together somehow,” the Lexington-based fashion guru persuaded. “You don’t need to be matchy matchy, but have a reason for each piece. A bright-colored outfit paired with nude shoes isn’t going to cut it!”

“Be confident when you are up there and have fun!”

Mott’s guidance matches the contest page, which states “Guests are encouraged to wear a matching or complementary hat or head piece” and “matching or complementary accessories.”

The description also instructs contestants to show up at the Hats and Horseshoes Party between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Furthermore, “judges will be selecting finalists who show sophisticated style, and an interpretation of the season’s fashion direction.” A complete contest timeline is shown on the page.

Admission information is found on the official website for the Queen’s Plate, and there is a helpful FAQ.

For those who cannot make it to Toronto, there will be more opportunities to show off “fashion at the races” competitively (or for fun) this year. Keep checking with Fashion at the Races for future announcements.