An Unofficial Fashion Guide To Spring Racing Carnival 2015

Style – 9 October 2015

Ted Baker for Spring Racing Carnival 2015

By: Jane Rocca

Spring Racing Carnival 2015 is upon us! It is time to put your most gracious fashion foot forward in daywear that is elegant, edgy and glamorous. The keys to looking chic are to wear fabrics that will stand the test of time, secure your millinery, keep footwear practical and get your spray tan well in ahead of your trackside debut. To set you off, woman with drive speaks to the experts on what you need to know before this year’s carnival.

Fashion Etiquette

Spring Carnival 2015 Ted Baker — Ted Baker

Lauren Nichols, Owner of Fillys Stable and Le Hoof

1. Structured knits are a must. They are a perfect balance of daytime cool and nod to racing etiquette while being fashionably on-trend.

2. This season, go for wedges or mini-heels. They look great with a pantsuit and will spare you the foot pain at the end of a long day.

3. Colour blocking is popular this season. Separates can look chic and be reworked throughout the racing season.

4. Melbourne Cup Day is all about big bold colours. Check out international brands like Tibi and Malene Birger, and consider Zilla clutches, especially the lunch bag design which fits in everything you need.

5. Danica Erard millinery delivers modern cuts so head her way for the laser cut pieces that are making a comeback this season. She is a cult favourite at the track.

Spring Racing Carnival 2015 Moss and Spy Luella Dress — Moss and Spy

Lia Tsimos, Designer at Moss and Spy

1. Ladies should choose classic fitted shift dresses for maximum chic. Think A-line with intricate detail and paneling.

2. Multi-coloured floral embroidery on tulle teamed with black and a hint of tangerine makes a fun combination for dress wear.

3. Add pops of colour to your millinery and accessories.

4. For Derby Day take your black and white dress code a little further by wearing fabrics with texture and embellishment. This will make the classic look stand out in the crowd.

Spring Racing Carnival Peter Pilotto Nova Dress — Peter Pilotto

Emma Notarfrancesco, The Face Of Caulfield 2015

1. Embrace the 70s. Choose from flared jackets and pants in crisp white for a chic look. Think Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender.

2. Dare to wear an elegant jumpsuit.

3. Metallics are big this season from dresses to millinery, with metallic crowns in rose gold a hot item at the track for a modern touch.

4. The theme at Caulfield is ‘Passion Wears Many Colours’ so go the extra mile and add colour to your outfits with millinery and accessories if you are not going to go bright with your outfit.

5. Choose your dress and then match your millinery to it.

Millinery

woman with drive’s hot picks this season:

1. The classic Chanel boater hat is back and many other brands have introduced this shape for spring.

2. Gladiator style crowns are for those who want minimalist pieces.

3. Vintage hats but only those in mint condition.

4. Statement hats – find unique one-offs for a fabulous wow factor. We cannot go past Philip Treacy’s SS15 collection. Look for the new apple mint green shade.

5. Veils and ears – they are back and here to stay.

What You Should Know About Each Race Day

Caulfield Cup

The Caulfield Cup is where relaxed chic takes over trackside. It is where you will find edgy looks with a daring element. It is the perfection intersection of glam and cool – where the stiff dress code of racing culture is slightly more relaxed – usually known to attract a younger crowd with a hip, sartorial style.

Derby Day

This is the racing calendar’s most elegant day. Derby Day is all about embracing black and white for the ladies, while men will often wear a grey morning suit. Stick to this rule or you will look like you were not paying attention. Mixing and matching is the key here. You can embrace the black and white code with polka dots, geometric prints and colour blocking.

Knee length dresses are always preferred. Remember, it is not a nightclub. If you need some tips on style, hit up Google for Myer Fashions On The Field entrants to see the way fashionistas reinterpret the tradition year in and year out. When it comes to millinery, go for straw and fabric. Felt is a winter accessory so avoid at all costs.

Melbourne Cup

The most popular day at the track is Melbourne Cup and this is your chance to raise the fashion stakes with some bold fashion moves. It is all about colour and know-how – you do not have to be a match made in tonal heaven – so think outside the square and clash prints or opt for splashes of colour when it comes to millinery, bags and shoes.

Oaks Day

Traditionally known as the Ladies Day at Flemington, Oaks Day is your opportunity to turn up the feminine dial. Think floral, go bright and choose millinery that makes a bold statement. Hats still dominate the track, but understated millinery is also popular this season. We are talking crowns, laser cuts, metallic shades and plenty of black ears rear their head. Most important is to look ladylike – the day is all about putting your prettiest foot forward.

Stakes Day

This is family day at the track and looks can be a little more relaxed. Millinery need not be bold and outfits are less intense. There is a softer mood all round and plenty of kids to add colour and noise to the day. A fun family gathering to end the four-day carnival.