image via rescu.com.au
A rise in temperature and longer, lighter evenings means only one thing, Melbourne’s spring racing carnival is almost upon us. Melbourne’s famous spring racing carnival is the perfect time to fully embrace your sense of personal style and release your inner fashionista. For many of us, the races are the first chance to get into our glad rags and experiment with this season’s latest trends whilst making the most of a series of exciting daytime events, after what seems like months of endless cold weather. But before you get carried away planning what to wear for this years racing carnival, there are a few cardinal rules that you may need to be reminded of. Whether you’re enlisting the help of a professional personal styling service such as Style With Cindy or are going to attempt to find the perfect outfit independently, the rules listed below should make planning what to wear a whole lot easier.
Before you start to frantically search for the perfect ensemble, it’s important that you know the dress code for the day you’re attending. Some race days have a specific fashion focus that you should try to adhere to. Below is a list of some of our favourite days over spring racing carnival and what dress code you can expect to see on these days.
BMW Caulfield Cup Day
The Caulfield Cup if often the first major race event for many of Melbourne’s socialites. As the day’s fashion theme has a more relaxed feel, it is the perfect opportunity to really experiment with spring’s most wearable fashion trends. We’re expecting so see playful two-pieces, bold patterns and prints and fun, interesting accessories.
William Hill Cox Plate Day
With this race day often being bang in the middle of spring, it’s essential that you take the opportunity to experiment with the season’s most fashionable colour palettes. As with all events throughout the spring racing carnival, headwear is a must. Make sure that your headwear is not overshadowed by other items such as shoes or jewellery and that each accessory you choose to wear complements the overall outfit.
AAMI Victoria Derby Day
Derby Day’s monochromatic colour scheme is traditional, stylish and anything but lacklustre. Play around with different textures and fabrics to give a black and white outfit depth and added interest. Expect to see many sharply dressed individuals donning beautifully timeless pieces. Experiment with shapes and silhouettes, keeping outfit choices chic and elegant.
Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
The Melbourne Cup is one of the real highlights of the spring racing carnival. Opt for a show-stopping dress to really make a statement. Consider bold and beautiful prints and modern silhouettes in all the colours of the rainbow.
Crown Oaks Day (aka ladies day)
Ladies day is one of our favourite days in the racing calendar. Think soft pastel tones, intricate, feminine fabrics and floral themed fashion. Expect to see more conservative styles being mixed with marvellous metallics as well as plenty of lace and silk.
Emirates Stakes Day
Emirate Stakes day has an altogether more relaxed dress code. Stay cool and comfortable in a long, flowing maxi dress for a chic and effortless look. Instead of fancy millinery, opt for a more casual wide brimmed hat and stylish sunnies.
Whichever race dates you choose to attend this year, ensure you stay safe and don’t forget to properly protect your skin if the sun makes an appearance. When considering the perfect outfit, try to remember that although you want to stand out from the crowd this year, race days can be long and tiring so try to avoid uncomfortable shoes and tight, unforgiving clothing.