What to Wear to Packwood Grand (And Other Summer Parties)

Stylish summer events can be tricky to dress for, so we teamed up with friends of Packwood Grand, Calgary’s swish day at the races taking place on July 1, to show you how to do it right.

On July 1, Packwood Grand will gather Calgary’s most fashionable crowd for a day at the races at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. But even the most well-heeled can find dressing for a summer event challenging. In collaboration with Packwood Grand, we asked several Calgary residents to show off some of the city’s best fashions for any summer event you might be attending.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

photo by Phil crozier; model nicolette freele

Jacket, $218, from Brooks Brothers; dress, $60, from Winners. All at CrossIron Mills. Headpiece, $200, from Lollipop Girl Accessories; “The Scholar” bow tie, $425, from Kat Marks.

A headpiece fit for royalty is an essential for a day at the races, a summer wedding, or any number of upscale outdoor events. But you don’t have to go to Britain to find a stunning piece. Lollipop Girl Accessories makes headpieces right here in Calgary.

Further enhance your look with a one-of-a-kind piece like this bow tie by Calgary-based leather worker, Kat Marks.

Don’t Forget About the Details

photo by phil crozier; model Dustin Cossaboom

Jacket, $275, pants, $142, bow tie, $58, belt, $58, and watch, $115, all from Brooks Brothers; shirt, $70, from Calvin Klein. All at CrossIron Mills.

Get a truly dapper look by paying attention to the details. A pocket square, ribbon belt and matching bow tie firmly establish your place at the top of the fashion food chain at any event you attend this summer.

When Grass is Involved, Opt for Flats or Wedges

Photo by Phil Crozier; model marissa schenn

Shirt, $19, and skirt, $59, both from Joe Fresh at CrossIron Mills; shoes, $450 US, from Jimmy Choo; headpiece, $125, from Lollipop Girl Accessories; “Carp Amour” ring in black, $75, from Kat Marks.

A rookie mistake at a party hosted on a lawn is wearing high heels. Avoid the frustration and “sinking feeling” you’ve overdressed by wearing fashionable flats or wedges.

Men, Cotton is Your Best Friend

Photo by Phil Crozier; model casey wager

Pant, $70, and shirt, $70, from Calvin Klein at CrossIron Mills; bow tie, $325, and bracelet, $20, both from Kat Marks.

Leave heavy fabrics at home and opt instead for light, breathable cotton pants and shirts. You’ll be comfortable all day long, and look good too.

Pay Attention to Your Hair and Nails

Photo by Phil Crozier; model ashley quan

Dress, $30, from Coco & tashi; shoes, $79, from Winners; pearl necklace, $38, from Brooks Brothers. All at CrossIron Mills. headpiece, $200, from Lollipop Girl Accessories.

Summer heat (and any trace of humidity) is your hair’s sworn enemy at any summer event. Pamper yourself and leave it to the pros. Book yourself in for a visit to the salon – like Shag, who did the hair and makeup at this fashion shoot – and enter the day confident your hair will look great into the wee hours of the night.

And don’t forget your nails. Finely manicured hands are having their own day in the sun right now, and Beach beauty bar is literally at the cutting edge in Calgary. Head down to the 17th Avenue S.W. beauty bar for some pampering before you head out to your summer soire.

Embrace Colour

photo by Phil Crozier; model Shane Love

Jacket, $385, pocket square, $35, and bow tie, $49, all from Brooks Brothers; pants, $70, and shirt, $70, both from Calvin Klein; shoes, $70, from Winners. All at CrossIron Mills.

This is your chance to fully embrace colour. Salmon, pink, mint green, baby blue – it’s all fair game this summer. Have fun with it.

Photography by Phil Crozier
Styling by Phaedra Godchild and Brenna Hardy (Styleista)
Hair by Meaghan Cameron (Shag Salon)
Makeup by Kira Decoste (Shag Salon)
Nails by Beach Beauty