Catching a case of outfit paralysis ahead of the races is easier – hopefully – than bringing the flu home from the Birdcage. Thinking about the weather, the trends, an outfit’s staying power and the rules. Oh, the rules!
The good news is that rules were made to be bent – up to a point. So, consider this your unstuffy guide to dressing for this year’s carnival, without falling foul of the fashion police.
Models Luke Daniels, in Arthur Galan, and Anna Lynn, in an Alex Perry dress from rental business Style Theory, and Lana Wilkinson flats.Credit: Simon Schluter
You can wear flat shoes … if they’re fancy
There are few sights less beguiling than women walking barefoot, shoes in hand, at the end of a race day. But there is good news: flats are not only acceptable in all zones at the track, they are in fashion.
There aren’t too many styles in Lana Wilkinson’s shoe range that keep one’s soles close to the ground, but if you’re going to wear flats, the stylist recommends pairing them with tailored separates, such as suiting, or a maxi dress. “It’s a fantastic way to elevate your look without the added height,” Wilkinson says. But leave the loafers for the office. “Consider metallic finishes and premium hardware accents for an elevated look.”
Don’t let this be you after the races. Consider the flat.Credit: 2005
You can bend the rules … to a point
Fortunately, the racing clubs have moved with the times – some would argue too much – when it comes to race-day dress codes (see helpful tips, below).
If there’s one celebrity who epitomises modern twists on racewear, it’s Dessert Masters host and Lexus Melbourne Cup ambassador Melissa Leong, whose repertoire at recent outings at Flemington has included an oversized Gucci suit that got tongues wagging. “I know it wasn’t a crowd favourite, but I loved [it],” Leong says. “While I appreciate that people have come to know and love a feminine, fitted and floral version of me, this was a way of subverting expectations and doing something just for me.”
Leong’s advice to those seeking to emulate her subversive take on racewear is to be yourself. “While pushing the fashion envelope is fun, it must be on your terms,” she says.
Melissa Leong in some of her most memorable – and controversial – racewear looks.Credit: Eddie Jim/Justin McManus/Getty
You can have a one-night stand… with your dress
The Melbourne Racing Club has partnered with dress-hire business Style Theory to encourage people to choose a dress they’d only wear once, without the guilt, by renting. Founder Kelly Cooke suggests getting in early to secure the most popular looks from Australian brands. “A great option is to book a ‘back-up dress’, then you can decide on which one to wear once your package arrives,” she says.
Kellie Hush, chief strategy and brand officer of The Volte, says popular trends this season include length and volume, including bubble skirts. “The mini is still popular, but we’re also expecting to see more demure looks this season,” she says. Her best advice: avoid any twinning moments by focusing on rentals from emerging designers.
Cooke’s other tips for taking care of a rental include waiting 48 hours after applying fake tan before wearing, and having a silk scarf to cover your head as you’re putting the dress on, to avoid make-up stains.
It’s bow-kay not to wear a hat. Lana Wilkinson at the Caulfield Guineas.Credit: Melbourne Racing Club/Fresh Photography
You don’t need to wear a hat … but it’s great if you do
Headbands, scarves and turbans are all acceptable headwear, but the purists can’t go past a hat for spring racing. If you can’t spend a bucket, why not take a simple straw hat and ask a florist to create a little flourish to complement your outfit? Then, you’ll have a hat to wear all summer long, too.
Milliner Ezara Jennings says those looking for a simple solution should look for a bow. “From small little leather bows to long flowing silk bows, they are absolutely the on-trend millinery piece,” she says.
You don’t need to wear a tie or socks … depending on where you are
No suit? No worries, if you’re in general admission, says menswear designer Arthur Galan. He suggests pairing fresh tones, including beige, tan or dove grey – or all three – with pastel shades of sky blue, lemon, lilac and salmon. “Add a little bit of glam to your look, even if you are not in a suit and tie,” he says.
Examples include adding an accessory, such as a brooch, hat or statement bag to elevate a look, even if the base is casual.
Stylist Abby Bennett, who is working with Mumm over the Melbourne Cup Carnival, says everyone – men included – can draw inspiration from runway images and videos.
“These [details] might inspire your vibe or a colour palette or even an accessory style. It’s OK to mix inspiration from a few designers into your look.”
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