Jason Dundas’s advice to blokes for Melbourne Cup

It’s not all about the ladies on Cup Day, says TV host Jason Dundas, with Australian men increasingly holding their own in the style stakes.

Jason Dundas credits social media for a shift in men’s attitudes towards fashion. Pictures: Max Doyle

IF there’s one place Jason Dundas feels at home, it’s trackside. The David Jones menswear ambassador and TV presenter has been part of the racing world for almost a decade and once co-owned a horse with bookmaker Tom Waterhouse. “I love getting down on the track, standing on the grass and watching the horses fly by,” the LA-based Aussie tells Stellar. “It’s kind of powerful and that, juxtaposed with the elegant fashion, makes a really beautiful day.”

When it comes to the fashion stakes, men are certainly taking it up a notch this season. While women tend to steal the spotlight in the latest styles of headwear – red and magenta flower crowns are a top trend for Melbourne Cup, according to Myra Perez of Sydney-based floristry My Violet – Dundas says men are increasingly coming into their own. “If a guy can look poised, confident and be really proud of what he’s wearing, then he can stand next to beautiful women dressed very elegantly and be in the same field,” he says.

Jason wears Studio W jacket, $200, waistcoat, $100, pants, $120, tie, $25, and shoes, $169; Witchery shirt, $100; Ted Baker pocket square, $70. Astrid wears Proenza Schouler dress, POA; Hatmaker headband (worn at back), $1090; turban, stylist’s own.

Jason wears Jack London jacket, $379, waistcoat, $129, and pants, $169; Ted Baker shirt, $199; Reiss tie, $145; Geoffrey Beene pocket square, $25 (for pack of 2); Christian Louboutin shoes, $1225.

Jason wears Studio W coat, $270, and shoes, $140; Reiss jacket, $640, shirt, $160, and pants, $250; Jack London neckerchief, $59; David Jones pocket square, $20. Astrid wears Ellery dress, $1790; Mimco hat, $130, and shoes, $299; Witchery scarf (worn under hat), $70.

The quintessential Aussie bloke may not have been comfortable being part of the style set in the past, but Dundas credits social media for a shift in men’s attitudes. “I think guys are really aware of fashion in Australia,” he says. “[Instagram] allows guys to be exposed to what dudes are doing in fashion and they can follow and get behind it.”

Ahead of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, Dundas advises suits be kept masculine and classic, predicts navy as the colour of the season and insists accessories are essential for the boys. “It’s about rocking cuff links, a tie pin, a beautiful tie that matches your pocket square, and great shoes that match your belt,” he says.

Astrid wears Carla Zampatti dress, $899; Manning Cartell playsuit (worn underneath), $449; Mimco headpiece, $70, and shoes, $299; Voodoo socks, $12 (for 2 pairs).

Astrid wears Manning Cartell dress, $649; David Jones camisole (worn underneath), $50; Jack London scarf, $59; Mimco necklace, $199; Wittner shoes, $230, Ginger & Smart x Hatmaker hat, PO, Coach bag, $450,

Away from the track, Dundas graces our screens as the newest recruit on The X Factor, a dream gig for the presenter. “I’ve wanted to host that show for the longest time,” he enthuses. That, along with designing his activewear brand DundasFit and owning his own production company, makes Dundas our odds-on favourite for big things to come.

Photography: Max Doyle

Styling: Gemma Keil

Originally published as Jason Dundas’s advice to blokes for Melbourne Cup