Women’s guide to spring racing fashion 2019

Spring in Australia can only mean one thing – Spring Racing season is here. Steeped in tradition, the races are known for their strict dress codes and offer the perfect opportunity for racegoers to show off their unique style with flamboyant ladies race day dresses and crisp new suits. Keep it simple with a muted cocktail dress and a well-placed fascinator, or go fun and flirty with long, flowing floral race dresses paired with your favourite heels. From Melbourne Cup to Derby Day, discover how to dress for Spring Racing season and look amazing on the racecourse this year.

5 Tips For Planning The Perfect Race Day Outfit

The tickets are booked and you’re ready to roll, the only question is – what are you going to wear? Typically, women’s race day outfits are more conservative in style, and going to the races is all about looking sophisticated, top of your game and photo-ready. From plus size race day dresses to silky slip dress styles, you’ll find race day dresses to suit every shape and accentuate your best features. So get yourself a hat and enjoy the opportunity to dress up this Spring Racing season! Check out some tips for planning the perfect racing attire for ladies below.

1. Wear heels you can actually walk in

Don’t get caught out wearing bad Spring Racing shoes this year. You know those stilettos will look showstopping with your outfit, but spending all day thinking about taking them off and throwing them across the course is a surefire way to bring your mood down on the day. Racecourse terrain can be hard to navigate at the best of times, so adding statement skyscraper heels to the mix is a recipe for disaster. Choose low, block heels or mules to look stylish and feel comfortable all day.

2. Experiment with co-ords

Race day fashion doesn’t always mean wearing a dress. Experiment with cute co-ord skirts and tops, or make a statement in a block colour suit. There are lots of styles of suits to choose from, from wide leg pant styles to skinny cigarette trousers and tailored blazers. The blazer is a great option for race day, too, offering the ideal balance between sophistication and practicality.

3. To fascinate or not to fascinate?

Fascinators are a Spring Racing fashion staple. Synonymous with race day style, you can’t go wrong with a fascinator on the turf. Refresh this classic look with a beautiful headpiece, or switch out the fascinator for some minimalist gold hair clips for an understated, effortless race day look.

4. Pull focus with your accessories

Accessories complete the look, so be bold with yours this race day. Keep your dress simple and classic, and let your accessories do the talking. Dress up a white races dress with a pair of beautiful statement earrings, muted colour block heels and a wide-brimmed hat.

5. Less is More

Race day style is above all else traditional, so remember less is more wherever possible when planning your Spring Carnival outfit. Keep your makeup dewy and minimal, and aim for at least mid-thigh length when choosing your Spring Racing dress. Choose a structured navy race day dress cut below the knee paired with a dark fascinator and mid-heel shoes for a simple, effortless look.

Spring Racing Dresses for Every Race Day Event

Find fashion inspiration for Spring Carnival 2019 and discover which dresses to wear to the races this year. Each race day event has a slightly different vibe when it comes to dress code, so we have put together some tips for how to dress for Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup and more below.

Derby Day sponsored by AAMI

Kicking off the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Derby Day is one of the most prestigious racing days of Spring Carnival season. Derby Day is best known for its monochromatic dress code, with guests dressing only in black and white on the day. A patterned black and white race dress can look busy and jarring, so it’s often better to choose a black races dress or go all in white for a sophisticated look. Opt for a little black dress for an elegant look, or a lacy white dress perfect for spring. Don’t be afraid to choose a dress with a little flare, textured fabric or standout detailing – black and white doesn’t have to be boring!

Melbourne Cup Day sponsored by Lexus

Arguably the biggest race of Spring Carnival season, The Race That Stops The Nation will hit Flemington Racecourse for another year this November. Melbourne Cup dress code is conservative, and guests are expected to dress appropriately. This means avoid any strapless minidresses and opt instead for a hemline that comes in just above your knee. Although the dress code is traditional, this is the race day to go all out, experimenting with block colours and bold prints. Get creative with your look and make your outfit pop with stand-out pieces and on-trend fascinators. Choose a yellow races dress for a bright spring look, or choose a long sleeve races dress with unique detailing and on-trend bell sleeves.

Oaks Day sponsored by Kennedy

Also known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day is the perfect backdrop for bringing out your best flirty, feminine style. Think pretty pastel pink races dresses with dainty lace embellishment, or choose a muted floral midi dress. Soft floral prints are popular at Oaks Day. Pair yours with ice-cream coloured neutral block heels and an understated crown for a modern twist on a classic Ladies Day look.

Caulfield Cup sponsored by Stella Artois

Caulfield Cup marks the start of the Spring Racing Carnival, offering a first-look at the year’s biggest race day fashion trends. Bright colours are usually popular on the day, and colour-blocking is a must. Choose a one shoulder blue race day dress paired with colourful mules to add a pop of colour to your look.

Stakes Day sponsored by Seppelt Wines

Stakes Day is the least formal day of the Spring Carnival calendar, and is traditionally known as a family day. This is the day where you will see the most variety on the racecourse, and the dress code is slightly more relaxed. Aim to strike a relaxed and sophisticated balance with your look and opt for light prints and softer silhouettes rather than structured dress. Complete the look with a cute straw hat or a simple headband.