Melbourne Cup Carnival racegoers encouraged to think big and be bold in the fashion stakes

Experts share their top tips on how to look the part this spring racing season and the main mistakes you need to avoid.

What are you wearing to the races?

It’s the perennial question this time of year as the Melbourne Cup Carnival cantors closer. After two years away from the track, racegoers are being encouraged to think big and be bold when it comes to their Cup Carnival spring racing season attire.

The Herald Sun went to the experts to get their top tips for dressing the part, with the overriding message to take some sartorial risks and forget about following the crowd.

Choosing colour, this goes for both men and women, is this racing season’s dominant trend, and expect to see a lot of ladies in pant suits which works perfectly if in colder climates.

VRC and Myer’s Fashion on the Field ambassadors Mahishee Oogathoo, Tim Kano, Tayla Damir, Christian Wilkins and Demi Brereton. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

Try and take a leaf out of racing’s original influencer, the dearly departed Lillian Frank and wear a statement headpiece, preferably a hat, all while still being familiar with the traditional dress codes of the day.

VRC chairman Neil Wilson always dresses the part and said being prepared and shopping in your closet to accessorise from head-to-toe was a good starting point.

“I’m always well prepared over the four days and know what I’m wearing even incorporating if it might be wet. It’s not a decision to make on the day, the only adjustment I might make is to the temperature,” Wilson said.

“And don’t go out and buy a whole lot necessarily, invariably you have got stuff in your wardrobe, you just have to put it together in a different way.”

Vogue’s editor in chief Edwina McCann said embracing vibrant hues, or colour blocking in primary colours can prove a standout. But it was getting the millinery right which she says will elevate any racewear look.

“Statement headwear is perennially on-trend for racing but is set to experience an uptake this racing season with an array of headpieces showcased on runways internationally. Give your look a spring-feel in a woven straw hat with oversized brim.”

Crystal Kimber. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Tayla Damir. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Aaron Mitchell. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Christian Wilkins and Demi Brereton. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

McCann added to make sure when choosing your hat or headpiece to steer clear of wool felt, which is reserved traditionally for autumn racing.

There were of course the time honoured don’ts, like not wearing black and white to Derby Day. And please leave the midriff, or worse lower cutouts at home.

“Leave those sheer and ‘naked’ dresses we’ve been seeing on celebrities for another occasion; dress codes that don’t allow too much skin are enforced on race day,” McCann said.

Bolder is better this spring

If an enduring fashion lesson has emerged from the past two years, it’s to not waste too much time wondering if an outfit is “too much”.

This year marks a return to spring racing style in all its glory, and a spirit of “bolder is better” is captivating the style set, culminating in looks that are individual and expressive.

The standout style of the season can be defined by an emboldened, festive mood; think Valentino’s eye-catching PP Pink collection that dominated red carpets and social media feeds, or Australian brand Aje’s voluminous dresses in bright colours that command attention.

VRC ambassador and stylist Aaron Mitchell with his dad, clerk of the course Peter Patterson. Picture: Jason Edwards

Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann.

This year, embracing vibrant or unexpected hues is key for Melbourne Cup dressing, whether in a dress or suit, or in a contrasting vibrant accessory or hat choice to enliven an otherwise monochromatic look.

When it comes to choosing your silhouette, consider ways to push the fashion envelope.

Cast your mind to Jean Shrimpton’s famous visit to the Melbourne Cup in 1965 – where the English supermodel wore a white short-hem shift dress that instantly made headlines – when devising ways to stand out.

For a modern reference, see Vogue’s November cover star Catherine McNeil in a puffed-sleeve Schiaparelli blouse dotted with black feather accents – a perfect example of how to elevate a look through a striking silhouette and embellishments.

Of course, 2022 has been marked by unpredictable weather and factoring practicality into outfits is a must.

Instead of open-toed shoes, try a pair of on-trend closed-toe platforms that are apt for wet terrain, and prioritise comfortable clothes that allow movement.

For those worried about wet weather spoiling an outfit, a failsafe is a patterned fabric, which insiders know make rain droplets and splashes harder to notice.

With Melbourne preparing for a return to spring racing in pre-pandemic form, it’s time to dress to match that excited energy, and incorporating going bold will ensure you’re ticking the box.

– Edwina McCann, Vogue Australia editor-in-chief