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Where to buy fabulous Melbourne Cup dresses2021

Don't get caught out by Melbourne Cup fashion. Here's where to buy the perfect dress, just in time for the races.

Sarah Neate
Sarah Neate

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Melbourne Cup – the race that stops a nation – is coming up on the 5 November 2019. And it doesn't matter if you find yourself trackside or bar-side, there's every excuse to get dressed up in a gorgeous dress and fascinator. Racing fashion is a little bit in it's own league to regular fashion. It's elegant, it's on point, and it doesn't quite follow conventional fashion rules. Think bright and bubbly for Melbourne Cup (save your monochromes for Derby Day). Getting stuck? Throw on a statement headpiece and you're halfway there. But let's start with the dress...

Where to buy your Melbourne Cup dress from:

Image: Instagram

1. THE ICONIC

THE ICONIC stocks all the leading fashion brands, offering a multitude of race day dress options. Plu, it has (quite frankly, life-saving) 3-hour delivery to the Sydney and Melbourne metro areas. What more could you ask for?

  • Free delivery on orders over $50
  • Free and easy returns
  • Afterpay is available

Race day looks from THE ICONIC

Image: Instagram davidjonesstore

2. David Jones

David Jones is one of the biggest stockists of high-end designers in Australia, including plenty of home-grown and international collections. You can order online and pick up in store or get super-fast delivery, all in time for the Melbourne Cup.

  • Free delivery on orders over $100
  • Click and Collect is available
  • You can pay with Afterpay

Race day looks from David Jones

Image: Instagram user sheinau

3. SheIn

Shein has a wide range of dresses that could potentially be your perfect race day look. With a dedicated spring section and affordable styles, this online retailer has something for every taste and budget.

  • Australian orders over $75 are standard shipped for free, and orders over AU$125 are express shipped for free.
  • Browse for a bargain in the dedicated sale section.
  • Sign up as a new customer and get $4 off your first order.

Race day looks from SheIn

Laser Cut Asymmetrical Hem Bardot Belted Dress
Laser Cut Asymmetrical Hem Bardot Belted Dress

SHEIN

View details

Image: Instagram user asos

4. ASOS

ASOS is one of the largest online shopping websites, with dresses to suit every size and budget. The retailer stocks Australian and international brands so you'll be sure to find something perfect for you.

  • Afterpay is available
  • Free shipping on orders over $50
  • 45 day return policy

Race day looks from ASOS

ASOS DESIGN floral asymmetric bubble sleeve midi dress
ASOS DESIGN floral asymmetric bubble sleeve midi dress

ASOS

View details
ASOS DESIGN square neck linen midi sundress with wooden buckle & contrast stitch in squiggle print
ASOS DESIGN square neck linen midi sundress with wooden buckle & contrast stitch in squiggle print

ASOS

View details

Image: Instagram user missguided

5. Missguided

Looking for a race-day dress on a budget? Missguided is the place to go. The online fast-fashion retailer offers stylish and affordable dresses that belong in your shopping cart immediately.

  • Affordable price range, with hundreds of styles on offer
  • Standard shipping rate on all Australian orders
  • 24/7 customer service team

Race day looks from Missguided

Rose Puff Sleeve Sweetheart Neck Midi Dress
Rose Puff Sleeve Sweetheart Neck Midi Dress

Missguided

View details

Image: Instagram user forevernew

6. Forever New

Known for its fresh, on-trend and girly pieces - you will never be short of dress options at Forever New. With hundreds of feminine styles, this is the place to go for classic, pastel or floral race day outfits.

  • You can pay with Afterpay
  • Sign up to the newsletter and receive exclusive member benefits
  • Free standard delivery on all orders over $75

Race day looks from Forever New

Image: Instagram user boohoo

7. Boohoo

Fashion powerhouse Boohoo offers a huge dress selections, from floral numbers to bright midi dresses, peplum styles and pastel swing dresses - all suitable for the Melbourne Cup.

  • Affordable price range, with sales and discounts always on offer
  • Dedicated plus size section
  • Afterpay is available

Race day looks from Boohoo

Image: Instagram user prettylittlething

8. PrettyLittleThing

Young, sassy and girlie - PrettyLittleThing means you never have to compromise on style, even if you've only got 50 bucks to spend. With fresh styles arriving every week, there's always something new and stylish to add to your cart.

  • 28 day return policy
  • Australian express shipping orders in metro areas can arrive within five working days
  • You can pay with Afterpay

Race day looks from PrettyLittleThing

White Lace Crochet High Neck Midi Dress
White Lace Crochet High Neck Midi Dress

PrettyLittleThing

View details
Red Leopard Print Frill Hem Midi Dress
Red Leopard Print Frill Hem Midi Dress

PrettyLittleThing

View details
Navy Floral Print Frill Detail Wrap Maxi Dress
Navy Floral Print Frill Detail Wrap Maxi Dress

PrettyLittleThing

View details

Image: Instagram user fshnbnkr

9. BNKR

Aussie-label-packed store BNKR offers some great, classy options for the Melbourne Cup. Go bright, bold and sophisticated with nipped-in waists, floaty spring styles or lace numbers.

  • Express shipping is available for all orers
  • 14 day return policy
  • Free shipping on orders over $75

Race-day looks from BNKR

Image: Instagram user citychiconline

10. City Chic

City Chic has some of the prettiest dresses on the high street. As one of Australia's most loved plus size stores, you'll be able to find the perfect spring racing dress among the fun and feminine designs in store and online.

  • Free shipping on orders over $150
  • Extended sizes available online
  • Click and Collect is available

Race day looks from City Chic

Image: Instagram user showpo

11. Showpo

Showpo is one of Australia's largest online fashion retailers. There are hundreds of styles on offer, at a range of fabulous prices. No matter what your taste or budget it, Showpo will have the perfect race day outfit for you.

  • Free express shipping for orders over $50
  • 14 day return policy
  • Same-day delivery available

Race day looks from Showpo

Image: Instagram user tedbaker

12. Ted Baker

Ted Baker is all about classic style and clean cuts. If you're after a fancy frocks that just screams out for spring, Ted Baker should surely be your first stop.

  • Standard orders can be delivered within 1 to 3 business days
  • Subscribe to the newsletter and receive exclusive offers

Race day looks from Ted Baker

What is acceptable race wear?

  • Dresses – but not overly short and tight. Leave the thigh-skimming bandeau dress at home.
  • Heels – closed or open-toe is fine. Remember you'll be on your feet all day, so (if you can) find a pair that's comfortable.
  • A fascinator or hat – anything from a little headband to a face full of lace, a flower in your hair, or something much larger. Anything goes.
  • Clutches – not your everyday shoulder bag.
  • Something to keep warm – think tailored jackets or elegant shawls.

What is not acceptable race wear?

  • Sneakers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, thongs, dilapidated footwear, scuffs, gumboots, or slippers. (A thong is defined as a shoe where two straps connect in-between the first and second toes.)
  • Jeans, tracksuits, leather pants, or untailored pants.
  • Shorts, short jumpsuits, or short playsuits.
  • Strapless dresses are traditionally not worn.
  • Pants tucked into socks or footwear.
  • Torn or ripped clothing (even if you bought it that way).
  • Garments which show midriff. It's currently in fashion to show a (tasteful) midriff, so you might see a few of these at the races this year, but if you're heading to the Member's stand, cover-up.
  • Leggings worn as pants.
  • Casual jackets such as parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, denim jackets, or casual or tailored leather jackets.
  • Denim.

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