Power of Colour
2026 Cup Day Fashion Competition
Power of Colour Category.
Sponsored by Abby Button Styling and Stephanie Rumble from Bright Red Styling.
Colour has the power to transform a look. It can enhance your natural features, elevate an outfit, create impact and express personality. When colour is used well, it can be the most powerful accessory of all.
The use of colour in your outfit is the foundation in which Abby Button and Stephanie Rumble's businesses are built.
The Power of Colour celebrates entrants who understand how to use colour smartly, strategically and stylishly to create a head-to-toe look that is considered, fun and fabulous.
This year's Power of Colour prizes
Bright Red & Abby Button
Colour Analysis and Shopping Experience
Queenstown Park Hotel
2 nights accommodation
Touchdown Car Rentals
3 day car hire
Bouquet of Flowers
Thanks to The Forage
Plus, more to be announced in the coming weeks...
Judging Criteria:
Entrants will be judged on the following criteria, as interpreted by the judges in their absolute discretion:
Colour that enhances you
Does the chosen colour palette for your outfit complement your natural features? We’re looking for entrants whose outfits make them look their personal best.
Clever use of colour
Has colour been used intentionally throughout the outfit? This could be through a striking print, considered colour blocking, unexpected colour combinations, tonal dressing or the confident pairing of complementary and contrasting shades.
A cohesive head-to-toe look
Does the colour story flow effortlessly from outfit to shoes, bag and accessories? We’ll be looking for a sense of harmony, with every element contributing to the overall look rather than competing with it.
Confidence and individuality
Colour is about having fun and making a statement. We want to see personality, creativity and confidence. We are looking for someone who owns their colour choices and makes trends their own rather than simply just following a trend.
Attention to detail
The winning look will feel intentional from head to toe. We’ll be looking for those extra details that demonstrate thought, styling ability and an understanding of how to pull a complete look together. Grooming and hair and make up makes a difference to an overall look.
Our judges will be asking:
Does this person understand the power of colour and have they used it to make themselves look and feel incredible?
We encourage entrants to step away from the safety of neutrals, black and white and embrace colour with confidence. This does not mean it has to be bright and bold, as sophisticated, unexpected and beautifully coordinated colour can be just as powerful.
Is this outfit appropriate for a day at the races?
Has millinery or headwear been used and clothing suitable for the daytime races? Please note that the Power of colour category welcomes suits and dresses.
Entrant Criteria:
In order to participate in the Power of Colour Category for The Fashion Competition 2026, entrants must fulfil the criteria and acknowledge that they understand and agree to abide by the criteria to enter the competition. These include (but are not limited to):
Entrants must be at least 18 years of age.
Entrants must be a NZ resident and living in NZ during the competition period.
Each entrant can enter once for either Best Dressed OR Best Suited.
Each entrant can enter Power of Colour as well as Best Dressed or Best Suited.
Entrants and/or their outfits are not permitted to promote commercially a brand, store, or designer.
Entrants must not receive any compensation from a third party for participating in this competition.
Entrants are not permitted to alter or add to their outfit in any way once they have entered it into the competition.
All prizes awarded to the entrant must remain the property of the entrant and are not transferable, exchangeable, or redeemable for cash.
This year's categories
Power of Colour
Celebrates smart, stylish use of colour to create a considered, fabulous look.
For full Cup Day Fashion Competition terms and conditions
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