You’ve got your Melbourne Cup day ticket – and if you haven’t here’s where you need to go – but have you got your outfit sorted? There might be horses running around a track, but we all know the real race is the fashions on the field.
Race day is one of the few occasions left in modern society where it’s not just ok to leave the house in fabulous frocks, gloves, heels and eye catching, architectural headwear, it’s absolutely expected. It’s an occasion to be creative and make a style statement against a backdrop of colour and celebratory atmosphere.
To guide you through the style etiquette of spring racing is Grand Central stylist and designer Carolyn Taylor-Smith.
She shared with Toowoomba Living the trends and timeless looks you can find at Grand Central this season.
Style rules
For race day dresses you can go classic elegance or contemporary and edgy. This year 70s prints and strong silhouettes are in, but ladylike never goes out of style – think Peter Pan collars, Parisian and vintage style frocks with pastels, lace and the addition of stockings and little gloves for ultimate ladylike glamour.
Ladylike never goes out of style…
However, whichever style you choose, there are few etiquette tips Carolyn says we should all follow at the track.
1. Race style is always elegant. No sequins, no satin, and less skin. Anything too shiny or revealing should only come out after the sun goes down or in a nightclub – not at the track.
2. In keeping with the theme of decorum, your outfit should be balanced. If you’re going to show leg, cover up on top; if your neckline is plunging ensure your hemline isn’t too short.
3. And always wear some kind of headpiece to the Melbourne Cup – even if it’s just a flower in your hair – it’s a nod to a classic tradition.
This lovely Piper dress from Myer is how ladylike race day style is done. The strapless neckline is balanced by the mid length hem.
What to look for this season
This year it’s all about colour – more than ever before! Pastels, block colours, and bright prints are in. And of course classic black and white is always a chic choice.
Cue, in Myer, is a great brand for contemporary style dresses with a strong silhouette. Look for digital prints with a 70s vibe and express your own style by adding a bold shoe, hat or fascinator in not-quite-matching colours.
Carolyn holds a floral print dress with a flared skirt. She recommends pairing this with a bold purple heel to playfully highlight the colours of the dress.
Another trend to look for this spring racing season is texture. Look for fabrics like lace and Milano knit – materials you just have to touch and that beautifully highlights pattern.
Pair a white lace with a different coloured background for extra interest.
And for girls who don’t like dresses we’ve got good news for you. This season separates are in.
Pair a shell top with pants or a skirt or play with a jumpsuit for a more daring, less traditional race day look.
Veronika Maine has a gorgeous selection of separates in luxe fabrics.
Shoes, shoes, shoes
If you’re heading trackside Carolyn recommends wedges – they provide support for your feet and you won’t sink into the turf. Try Novo or Mathers.
On a budget
For budget, but stylish, race day dresses there’s nowhere like Target. You can pick up a classic strapless dress for only $69! And Target offers a range of fascinators, floral pieces and hats for a complete spring racing look.
Age appropriate
Noni B has lovely looks for a more mature lady, Portmans works for the younger crowd, Jacqui E has something for everyone, as does Myer, which also has the largest range of millinery in the centre.
For the boys
Guys, race day is a chance to inject some personality into those suits. Add colour, pattern and texture but stay away from novelty to keep things classy.
Carolyn predicts this year you’ll see navy on men as opposed to the grey suits of previous years. Guys should mix and match patterns – try a floral tie and checked shirt combo like this look from Roger David.
Tarocash and yd. are great options for affordable, yet quality suiting. Boys – don’t forget your pocket square and this year when it comes to your feet the trend is for socks, not the more casual slip-on shoe sockless look.
Still stuck on what to wear?
Carolyn offers personal styling sessions for individuals and groups, and will open your eyes to the infinite style possibilities you can find in Grand Central for Melbourne Cup.
