I’ve never considered myself a style expert because fashion means different things to different people.

Instead, I prefer to share what appeals to me. On July 26th I attended the 6th Annual Deighton Cup at Hastings Race Track.

The event is a fashion oasis where men dress nice, women smoke cigars and everyone stops to watch the horse races.

The vast majority of guests did a wonderful job of dressing the part. However, I did see a few body con night club dresses and crafty decorations added to floppy sun hats.

Outside of Vancouver Fashion Week or Christmas parties this is one of the few times you can unleash your inner diva without feeling self-conscious. If you plan to attend next year’s event here’s a few style tips to consider.

Men’s and women’s hats can be found at the Goorin Bros. retail store. However, local hat makers such as: Hive Mind Millinery, the Saucy Milliner and Milliness are also popular options.

Dress shorts are popular for men. If you’re in the mood for a pair of women’s gloves check the vintage shops. Instead of short and tight, consider something classy and elegant. Try to limit your outfit to 2 - 3 colors (including the color of your heels, purse and accessories).

Lastly, challenge yourself to edit, edit and edit.

The best outfits I saw were coordinated, fit well and were minimalistic in terms of overall appearance.

Be sure to visit www.SidewalkRunway.com for expanded 2014 coverage (50+ photos) as well as photos from 2013.

Photo caption: 1. Stacey’s pants suit is from Giles and her fascinator is from the Saucy Milliner 2. Praise’s dress is from local Designer Show Off 3. Praise wore gloves as well. Her fascinator is from Show Off 4. Designer Carly Wong created her own fascinator to match her heels (shown below) 5. Chad's wearing a Coppley blazer with a Indochino vest & shorts and a Hugo Boss tie 6. Natalie’s dress is from local Designer 6. Malene Grotrianis wearing a coral color suit with matching shorts 7. Carly designed her heels to match her fascinator (shown above)