With the 2017 Spring Racing Carnival just around the corner, it’s time to start having a think about your race day outfits – no harm in being extra prepared, right?! As someone who moved to Sydney well in their twenties, I’ve spent the last four years decoding the Spring Racing style rules, and given the competition trackside is almost as fierce as it is on the track, I’m dissecting the dress code for each event on the Spring Racing calendar, in addition to sharing shoppable carousels featuring some of my favourite looks for each event.
There’s four key Spring Racing events you need to mark down in your calendar, each with a very distinct theme, starting with Derby Day.
DERBY DAY
Saturday 4 November
When it comes to Derby Day, there’s only two colours you’re going to be seeing trackside: black and white. Perhaps the most iconic racing event on the calendar, the traditional monochrome dress code calls for elegance, amped up a notch with an ornate headpiece. The key to keeping things interesting is to opt for an unusual silhouette or some texture.
MELBOURNE CUP
Tuesday 7 November
Perhaps the most anticipated date in the racing schedule is the Melbourne Cup, and if you live in Australia, it’s not unusual to find yourself at the pub from lunchtime, dressed up to the nines to celebrate this prestigious racing event. The theme is generally interpreted as ‘bold and bright’, so while there’s no colour rule, you’re definitely required to bring your a-game when it comes to your outfit. This is the perfect opportunity to pull out an incredible fascinator that looks more like a piece of art than a headpiece, or a more fashion forward dress – just remember, it’s all about proportion.
OAKS DAY
Thursday 9 November
The key to a winning outfit for the Crown Oaks Day is to express your femininity through your own unique style. Think silks, lace, chiffons and soft florals – but don’t be afraid to make this ladylike look your own. While the Melbourne Cup offers relatively free reign over the colour of your outfit, soft pastels are the colour palette du jour for Oaks Day, so keep the overall tone of your outfit muted.
STAKES DAY
Saturday 11 November
The final event of the Spring Racing calendar is the Emirates Stakes Day, traditionally also known as ‘family day’. Stakes Day has the least formal dress code, so ensure you reflect this in your outfit with some much more relaxed – whether that’s a jumpsuit or separates. Rather than structured silhouettes, opt for dresses that have movement and flow and for headwear, a simple straw hat or a hair pin will do the trick!
all images sourced via thetrendspotter
