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Spring Racing Carnival: Your ultimate guide on what to wear in 2024

Femme frocks and fancy fascinators, a day at the races is on every stylish woman’s calendar. This is your comprehensive guide to what to wear this Spring Racing Carnival, along with trackside tips and tricks.

Spring racing fashion sales

Achieve IT-girl status during this year's Spring Racing Carnival by taking your outfit to new lengths.

Go from head-to-toe floral to blushing dusky tones, experiment with shoulders and stylish sleeves or fast-track through all this season’s trends and shoot straight for powerful prints. Yes, we approve!


Editors’ top 4 looks for the 2024 Spring Racing Carnival

Here’s your shortcut to spring racing chic. Add to your basket immediately.

Romantic


Bohemian

Loeffler Randall - Reed Pleat Sandals ($599)
Loeffler Randall - Reed Pleat Sandals ($599)

David Jones


Sophisticated

Mossman - The Introspect Midi Dress ($269.95)
Mossman - The Introspect Midi Dress ($269.95)

THE ICONIC

Fillies Collection - Bespoke Derby Day Racing Fascinator ($149.95)
Fillies Collection - Bespoke Derby Day Racing Fascinator ($149.95)

THE ICONIC


Colour blocked

Max Alexander - Multi Tone Blue Flower Headband Fascinator ($129.95)
Max Alexander - Multi Tone Blue Flower Headband Fascinator ($129.95)

THE ICONIC


Race day etiquette

Make your Spring Racing Carnival the best yet with these pointers:

The weather

Keep an eye on the weather report. Consider a light jacket or a silk scarf to wrap around your shoulders.

SILK SCARF

The fascinator

Hold your head high. Traditionally women wear the fascinator to the right of the head but in recent years this tradition has been relaxed.

fascinator shot

The shoes

Fall head-over-heels in love with thick heels and wedges as there’s nothing ladylike about sinking into the grass.

shoes shot for SRC

The makeup

Remember that race day is a daytime affair, so keep your makeup clean and fresh. A bright-coloured lipstick has our tick of approval.

djsinsta2

The finer details

Complete your look with killer accessories. Choose a clutch with a strap so you can be hands-free for drinks and the form guide. Jewellery is always a plus.

Accessories image for SRC

The style

The spring races are all daytime affairs and the style is similar to that of a wedding or cocktail party. Don’t go overboard showing too much skin.

STYLE shot for SRC


Dress-code details for members’ reserve ticket holders*

What not to wear based on which race day you’re attending and which ticket you have.

  • It’s a strict no-midriff policy in members' reserve areas.
  • Adhere to a daytime dress code: this means avoiding sequins and short skirts or shorts.
  • Stilettos will be your worst nightmare, believe me. A thick heel or wedges will be your saviour come 5pm.
  • Sneakers. (Did we even have to say it?) Or anything that resembles fitness attire full stop.
  • Torn or ripped clothing – but we trust you knew that one on your own.

*We recommend following these guidelines in general.


Spring Racing Carnival dates and race day information

Everything you need to know for the race day calendar, from when to wear black to when you can flirt with colour.

Caulfield Cup: Saturday 15 October

Trackside fashion at the Caulfield Cup is full of contrasting colours and bright hues. In recent years this soiree has seen a clash of colour blocking among the who’s who on the scene.

Betts - Millie Satin Block Heel Sandals ($119.99)
Betts - Millie Satin Block Heel Sandals ($119.99)

THE ICONIC


Victoria Derby Day: Saturday 29 October

It’s a black and white dress code and a classic one at that. Wearing colour on Derby Day is a big no-no and it’s not the time to break any rules. Think sharp tailoring and structured pieces, pinstripes and polka dots. A day of sophisticated glamour.

Steve Madden - Reformed Dress Sandals ($139.95)
Steve Madden - Reformed Dress Sandals ($139.95)

David Jones


Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday 1 November

It might be the race that stops the nation but it doesn’t stop fashion’s elite from going all out on the fashion front. Expect bright colour pops and stunning stand-out pieces. Hot tip: a fascinator is key to ticking the boxes at the Melbourne Cup.

Only - Lesley Smock Midi Dress ($94.95)
Only - Lesley Smock Midi Dress ($94.95)

THE ICONIC

Sempre Di - Levana Heeled Sandals ($175)
Sempre Di - Levana Heeled Sandals ($175)

THE ICONIC


Oaks Day: Thursday 3 November

Better known as Ladies Day, Crown Oaks Day is your chance to dress feminine and elegant in soft sweet shades. Insert delicate lace and dainty florals, this is always one of the prettiest days in the Spring Racing Carnival.


Stakes Day: Saturday 5 November

Stakes Day is also known as a family affair. It’s the more casual day on the calendar with women opting for bright colours and floaty dresses.

Tommy Hilfiger - Th Textured High Wedge Sandal ($159)
Tommy Hilfiger - Th Textured High Wedge Sandal ($159)

THE ICONIC

Faithfull The Brand - Bellavista Midi Dress ($219)
Faithfull The Brand - Bellavista Midi Dress ($219)

David Jones


1. Pant suits

The streets of MBFWA were filled with coloured pant suits so we're not suprised that this is one of the biggest trends for spring.

Opt for a soft pastel variety if you're planning on sporting one of these outfits at the Spring Racing Carnival this year.

Source

2. Puffy sleeves

One of the biggest trends from MBFWA, it's no surprise that puffy sleeves are front and centre on race day.

This flattering trend is one that looks great on everyone, so why not give it a go?

Source

3. Pink, blush and rose

Pink is certainly the trending colour this year. All major Australian designers have released spring collections showing this colour en masse. Follow suit and start blushing head to toe.

Source

4. Fancy florals

We know – florals for spring, groundbreaking. But trust us, this look is everywhere. Flower crown fascinators with a flirty floral print will make a major statement come race day.

Source

The best stores to shop your race day essentials


More spring racing fashion advice


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