26 Dec
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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
- 09 524 4069
As Ellerslie Racecourse prepares to host one of the most stylish days on the racing calendar, Fashions in the Field on Boxing Day, racewear is firmly in the spotlight. This season, 3 Wise Men — the New Zealand menswear brand known for making great style feel effortless — is proudly sponsoring the menswear section of the Fashions in the Field competition (and Champions Day), encouraging Kiwi men to have some fun with racewear fashion.
Founded on the belief that dressing well shouldn’t be complicated, 3 Wise Men has built a loyal following by combining quality fabrics, sharp tailoring and relaxed confidence. At the helm is founder Richard Miles, whose approach to menswear is as much about attitude as it is about what you wear.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Races, we caught up with Richard to talk race day style, summer trends, and his advice for men considering entering the 3 Wise Men Menswear Award — from how to elevate a look with minimal effort, to the small details that help catch the judges’ attention on the runway.
What motivated 3 Wise Men to sponsor the menswear competition at the Boxing Day Races (and Champions Day) — and what excites you about the event?
At 3 Wise Men we’ve always believed dressing well should feel good, not complicated. The Boxing Day and Champions Day races are one of those rare moments where Kiwi blokes genuinely want to lift their game and we love being part of that.
Sponsoring the menswear competition lets us champion confidence, colour and a bit of fun. It’s about celebrating men who enjoy looking sharp without taking themselves too seriously. That’s very much our brand DNA.
We’re excited because the event brings together great style, great people and a great day out. Seeing guys step out, back themselves, and enjoy the moment that’s what makes this partnership special.
What’s your advice for men considering entering the racewear competition for the 3 Wise Men Awad this season?
Do it. Honestly, half the battle is just backing yourself. You don’t need to be a model you just need a great outfit, a bit of personality and the confidence to wear it like you mean it.
Think of it as your chance to have fun with fashion. A cracking shirt, a standout blazer, something with texture or colour… and a smile. That’s the winning formula (couple of beers might also help!).
Some men may feel daunted dressing up for a race day. What are the easiest ways to elevate a look to be race day ready and your top 3 styling tips for race wear?
Race day isn’t about being fancy, it’s about being intentional. You can get 80% of the way there with three simple upgrades:
Accessories can elevate a look significantly. Which extras (hats, pocket squares, sunglasses, jewellery/watches etc.) do you think make the biggest difference for men for a sharp race day look?
Accessories are where good outfits become great outfits. The big movers:
– Pocket squares — effortless flair, zero effort.
– Sunglasses — sharp frames instantly lift confidence and the whole look.
– Hats — only if you’re a hat guy. If you’re not, race day isn’t the time to start.
Choose one or two and let them underline your style, not shout over it.
What advice would you give to men hoping to catch the judges’ attention on the runway?
Own your moment but not by having too much Dutch courage. Judges can spot confidence faster than they spot a pocket square. Walk tall, enjoy the experience, and make eye contact.
From an outfit perspective, aim for personality with polish. Colour, texture, strong combinations, but still cohesive. It’s not about being loud, it’s about looking intentional, modern and comfortable in your own skin.
Given the warm summer climate, what fabrics and styles do you think work best for an outdoor race day?
Summer races demand fabrics that breathe. Think linen, cotton, cool wools and unconstructed jackets that give shape without heat.
A light linen shirt, a soft-shoulder blazer, tailored shorts or chinos and you’re away laughing. Comfort isn’t the enemy of style, overheating is.
On that note, what colours, fabrics or silhouettes are popular in men’s fashion this summer?
This summer is all about natural fibres, relaxed tailoring, and sun-kissed colour palettes — greens, sky blues, stone, sand, and the occasional confident punch of colour.
Fit wise, think slightly softer lines, breathable textures and clothes designed to move with you, not against you. Smart but easy.
Do you anticipate any particular trends or styles to stand out at this year’s Boxing Day Fashions in the Field?
Expect to see bolder colour, more linen tailoring and guys mixing classic pieces with modern twists. Patterned shirts, textured jackets, tonal looks, and lightweight suits will all be big.
We’re also seeing men embrace individuality more not just navy-on-navy. Great sneakers will be sneaking around the racecourse.
How does 3 Wise Men balance timeless style with evolving trends?
Our philosophy is simple, build the wardrobe around must haves, then season it with a few well-chosen colour combos.
We always start with great fabrics, classic fits and menswear staples that last. Then we layer in colour, print and contemporary details that keep things feeling current. It’s about staying modern without ditching what works. We call it just the right amount of fashion.
How can men build a versatile wardrobe that works for work, events and race day?
Start with a solid base – couple of great shirts, a versatile blazer, quality chinos, a clean sneaker and a classic dress shoe. Add a statement jacket or shirt for personality, and you’ve suddenly got options for work, dinners, events and race day.
The secret is pieces that mix and match without effort. If you can dress something up or down just by swapping shoes or adding a pocket square, you’re building the right wardrobe.
