A leading personal fashion stylist has stopped short of calling for a stricter Dally M dress code but told Yahoo Sport Australia guests should aim for a more balanced look to celebrate the NRL’s biggest awards night. Days on from this year’s Dally M medal presentation, debate still rages over the choice of “barely-there” outfits worn by some female players and guests.
More than 3000 fans have had their say on the Yahoo Facebook page, with opinion divided over whether some of the attire was appropriate for such a prestigious event. Although there were plenty of praise for the outfits with one user claiming: “The girls rock those outfits, they have the right physique for it! They look amazing.”
A leading personal fashion stylist believes guests should aim for a more balanced look to celebrate the NRL’s biggest awards night. (Images: AAP/Getty Images)
In response to our story on the issue, Sydney-based fashion style guru Josephine Eve has suggested guests pull back a touch on the revealing outfits without compromising on the look they desire. Eve – whose website www.josephineeve.com states “your wardrobe is one of the most powerful part of your brand” – believes a middle ground can be met when it comes to dressing for certain events.
“Fashion should always allow for individuality and self-expression, but there’s also something to be said for dressing with the occasion in mind,” she told Yahoo. “At times, some of the looks at the Dally M felt more suited to an after-party than to an awards ceremony celebrating sporting achievements.
“I don’t believe a stricter dress code is the answer, but true style is about striking a balance, showing confidence and personality in a way that also honours the formality of the event, while still allowing women to feel empowered in their choices.”
The biggest names in the NRL and NRLW walked the red carpet at the Dally M awards. Image: Getty
Dally M set for changes – but not the dress code
Roosters skipper James Tedesco was a runway winner of the Dally M medal but most of the post-ceremony talk centred on the event itself and how it could be improved in the future. Former Dally M halfback-of-the-year Brett Kimmorley described the mood as “flat” and called for a revamp of the entire proceedings.
Only five NRL coaches and a smattering of leading players bothered to turn up, further robbing the night of star value. The NRL is considering a number of changes to the next year’s awards night, but a stricter dress code is not understood to be on the agenda. The NRLW may be afforded its own stand-alone awards night next year in recognition of the growing profile of the women’s game and its players.