Fashion tips to stay on trend at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July

THE day of the iconic Hollywoodbets Durban July is fast approaching, a day popularly known for bringing fashionistas from around the country to the city to showcase their takes on the theme for the annual occasion.

The South African thoroughbred horse racing event is held annually on the first Saturday of July since 1897 at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This year the Hollywoodbets Durban July will take place on July 2, with a theme that is sure to have the crowds on the Greyville Racecourse popping with colour.

This year’s exciting theme is Show Me The Honey, attendees are encouraged to use black, white, and yellow as their primary colour palettes for their outfit choices, and with South Africans’ track record for showing up with eccentric, eye-catching, and over-the-top fashion ensembles, we are all in for a treat!

Local fashion influencer and one of the six winners of the 2022 Gateway Famous Influencer Search, Muhammed ‘Mo J’ Timol spoke to the Berea Mail and offered his fashion tips for Durban July attendees to adhere to this year’s theme.

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Born and raised in Overport, Timol has always been passionate about fashion and self-presentation, “I’ve always liked to look good and feel good, and that’s the amazing thing about fashion and clothing, it can improve how you feel about yourself,” he said.

Timol expects a great turn-out and spectacular outfits at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, saying that, especially this year, people need the July to come together, “It’s been a rough two years and I think people are excited.”

Advice for first-timers

For those attending the Hollywoodbets Durban July for the first time, Timol says to keep it minimal. “Go for a classic, simple look. The minimalistic look is trendy at the moment. So keep it elegant, simple, and minimal. Don’t try too hard,” he said.

“To stay on par with the theme wear a classic black or white ensemble, a dress or a suit, and add a hint of yellow,” advises Timol.

He says that accessories like watches, rings, chains, or sunglasses could provide that pop of colour that you will need.

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Sticking with the theme

To stick with this year’s theme, Timol says to keep your colour combinations to a minimum, “You can mix neutral colours like white with earthy tones. And yellow and black also complement each other.”

“Play around with colours. You can pair a blazer with Chino pants and combine two complimenting colours. Knitwear is on-trend at the moment, you can pair a great knitwear outfit with some chunky sneakers and you have a look!” said Timol.

Formal or Casual

Timol says that between formal and casual wear, one is no better than the other for the Durban July. He advises, however, that if you are going with casual wear, keep it smart casual.

Accessories

If you are going for the formal look there are a few ways Timol suggests to look dapper or elegant, “Cufflinks, tie accessories, sunglasses, hats all of these small accessories can add to the formal look. When wearing sunglasses, don’t go overboard and keep it clean. Regarding hats, you can wear a fedora or go with a wide-brimmed hat with a suit or dress. Even sock play is an option, a good pair of socks can really add to an outfit.” he said.

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If you are headed the smart-casual route Timol suggests Chinos paired with a great blazer for men and colorful sundresses for ladies. He also recommends wearing knitwear, “A nice knitted sweater can go with formal pants or jeans with a great pair of Chelsea boots.”

Timol recommends that Durban July attendees take advantage of wearing winter fashion outfits, due to the cold weather in Durban. His final bit of advice for those hoping to attend the July this year, “Wear the look, never let the look wear you,” he concluded.

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