City Chic in the Fast Lane
Porsche Carrera Cup Race Car
There’s something electric about race weekend in Melbourne: the sound of engines roaring across Albert Park, the palpable buzz of the crowd, the way the city transforms into a playground for motorsport lovers, fashion girls, and everything in between.
Race weekend in Melbourne is one of those “cancel everything else” kind of events. The air gets louder, the energy shifts, and for four days straight, the city turns into a high-octane, high-drama, high-fashion moment. And this year? Girls in the Fast Lane was in the thick of it, and I had the absolute privilege of partnering with City Chic to bring all the trackside glam to life. As a plus-size woman who lives and breathes motorsport, being dressed by a brand that gets both fashion and fit made this entire experience feel even more powerful.
Here’s how the weekend played out… one look (and one tyre strategy) at a time.
Thursday: Media Day
Golden hour at the Aus Grand Prix.
The calm before the chaos. City Chic came through Thursday’s outfit was giving “garage chic” a full City Chic Karsyn Boiler Suit that had just the right amount of attitude. I paired it with chunky sneakers, a signature lune croissant, and I was good to go. A functional, flattering, and made me feel like I should be changing brake fluid yet, here we were running around media zones, snapping content, meeting creators, and clocking tyre compounds like it was our job. It held up across a full day of filming, walking, and last-minute schedule changes (classic GP energy).
The look was effortlessly street but still pulled together, exactly the kind of vibe I love to go for.
Friday: Free Practice & QuadLock
Friday was special. I wore the Kyra Print Skirt in Leopard Print, which honestly became my favourite piece. I wore it multiple times that week at different events (confirmed serial outfit repeater). I paired it with a crop top and sneakers; it had just enough personality to match the vibe of the day.
We spent time at the Quad Lock Box, soaking in incredible views of the lake and chatting about everything from quali setups to tyre strategy. I also had the chance to meet Oscar Piastri, Australia’s golden boy. Watching him navigate media and fan interactions with so much grace (while prepping for a huge home race) was inspiring.
It was one of those days that reminded me why I love this space. Yes, the fashion and content creation, but also the stories, the tension, and the technical layers behind the scenes.
Saturday: Qualifying Heat
Ash seeking shade at the Ferrari Hospitality
Saturday was that girl. The sun was out for revenge, the paddock was packed, and quali drama was brewing. I pulled up in Sylvie Linen Magenta Shorts (yes, City Chic ate with these) and paired them with a tucked-in baby tee, slick bun, and a hat to hide my frizzy hair. One minute I was discussing race predictions, the next I was scouting shade as if my life depended on it.
The outfit was breathable, easy to move in, and surprisingly versatile. Between the paddock chaos and the heat, I needed something cute and breathable, and these shorts came through. More importantly, they are the perfect length to prevent chub rub. Plus, I felt powerful in pink.
Sunday: Rain Delay, Still Slayed
Soggy Ash and Angel are not letting the rain ruin race day.
Race day was meant to be my moment. I had the dream dress, the Abbigail Split Dress in Rose. But in true Melbourne fashion, the weather said, “Actually, babe… how about sideways rain, emotional damage and a temperature drop?” Classic Melbourne. One second it’s giving heatstroke, the next it’s giving moody British GP.
So instead, I pulled off a wet-weather pivot: a dusty pink raincoat, a clear plastic poncho, and my McLaren cap (because if Oscar’s putting in work at his home race, so am I). Honestly? It kinda worked. There was something iconic about standing in the rain, wrapped in plastic like a high-fashion bin chicken, still chatting tyre strategy and soaking up every second of the energy.
Despite the rain, it was still magic. You could feel the tension, the nerves, and the home crowd's love. The energy, the stakes, the sound of cars hitting turn one while fans yelled at the top of their lungs, it reminded me why I love this sport. Even soggy and sleep-deprived.
And don’t worry, the pink dress is waiting. She didn’t get her race day moment, but she’s not forgotten. She’s just saving herself for clearer skies… or Monaco. Whichever comes first.
Beyond the Fits
Previous City Chic look at Glamour on the Grid, 2023
Teaming up with City Chic wasn’t just about looking good (although… let’s be real, I did). It was about showing up as a plus-size woman in motorsport with zero compromise. It was about showing up in a space that hasn’t always made room for bodies like mine and doing it without dimming, adjusting, or squeezing into something that doesn’t feel like me.
Every outfit made sense. It moved with me, held me, and let me focus on what I was there to do: tell stories, connect with people, and live the weekend fully.
City Chic didn’t just get me dressed. They let me take up space comfortably, confidently, and on my terms. That’s what it’s really about.
