Melbourne Cup: Dress code and what to wear on racing’s biggest day

When it comes to Melbourne Cup fashion, the bolder the better — but there’s one rule you should definitely be following.

When it comes to your Melbourne Cup day outfit there is one fashion rule you shouldn’t follow.

“A thing for me, almost a don’t, is playing it safe,” Myer Fashions On The Field ambassador Crystal Kimber said.

“Especially with the Melbourne Cup Carnival, it’s your opportunity to really push yourself in terms of fashion trends and being a little bit more adventurous than what you would normally wear.”

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Melbourne Cup Carnival fashionista Crystal Kimber has got all your outfit queries sorted. Picture: Mark Stewart

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Crowned Fashions On The Field National Final winner in 2017, Ms Kimber says another mistake people often make is wearing the wrong type of footwear.

“Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes because there’s nothing more unattractive than someone hobbling around a racecourse with their shoes off or just being really uncomfortable,” she said.

Here’s everything else you need to know about what to wear for the Melbourne Cup.

2017 Myer Fashions on the Field winners Crystal Kimber and Alexander Jordan. Picture: Mark Stewart

EMBRACE COLOUR AND SLEEVES

Ms Kimber, who is judging this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions On The Field, said racegoers should embrace colour.

The racing fashionista predicted we would see plenty of hot pink, red, yellow and tonal looks on Melbourne Cup day.

“I would always recommend to pick two colours, three at most,” Ms Kimber said. “You might have two different colours in a print and then choose two different colours of accessories in the footwear, the bag and the hat.

“I think it’s pulling out those few colours and just trying to keep to a three-colour palette, otherwise it ends up just looking too busy, too many colours.”

Ms Kimber also recommended Cup attendees opt for outfits with sleeves not just because it was on-trend but also because of Melbourne’s famously inconsistent weather.

“Sleeves for me are a big do because the ’80s are really coming through at the moment … the sleeve details, puff sleeves, they’re a big trend at the moment,” she said.

“But what is so great about them is that it really accounts for Melbourne weather; you might have two seasons in a day.

“By having that sleeve detail it accounts for the seasons and also means you’re not going to be in a small strappy dress and it’s suddenly going to be a 14 degrees Melbourne day.”

Lindy Rama-Ellis (right) and her daughter Stella Klim at the launch event of the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse on Monday. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

CELEBRITY INSPIRATION

For those looking for some race-day outfit inspiration, Ms Kimber says you can’t go past the classic style of model Lindy Klim.

“Lindy Klim is just flawless, she really pushes the boundaries with the racing fashion style. She is number one, I always think of her for my inspiration,” she said.

“At the Melbourne Cup Carnival launch she was there with her daughter Stella and the two of them just looked incredible, great colours in the pinks and green.”

The model consistently serves up stunning Melbourne Cup looks. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Also great for inspiration is Melbourne-based stylist Lana Wilkinson, who is behind many celebrity race-day outfits.

“You can’t go wrong with Lana Wilkinson, she always steps out in her best,” Ms Kimber said.

“And considering she’s dressing so many people throughout the carnival and she still manages to pull the most epic look for herself, I think that’s pretty amazing.”

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Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro.

DRESS CODE

For the members’ area

Women: No runners, thongs, slippers, gumboots or “dilapidated” footwear. Jeans, leggings, tracksuits, leather or “untailored” pants are also banned. In addition, shorts, playsuits, pants tucked into socks, midriff-baring outfits.

Also vetoed are casual outwear such as denim jackets, duffle coats, windbreakers, sports jackets, anoraks and oilskin jackets.

Men: Male attendees are requited to wear either talored slacks with a sports coat or blazer, or a suit. They must wear a jacket at all times, except between December 1 and March 31.

Same footwear rules as women apply and denim, tracksuits, leggings, casual outwear are also banned. Also not allowed are torn or ripped clothing (even if they’re “designer tears”), cardigans, caps, beanies, cravats, safari suits, bright suits and no-collar or open-neck T-shirts.

General admission

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to general admission, Ms Kimber recommends women choose a hemline that’s going to be comfortable.

“If you’re going to go short do something at the mid-thigh at the shortest, otherwise there’s so many beautiful midi-length options,” she said.

“It allows you to be comfortable and wherever you are sitting throughout the carnival or throughout the days, a midi length really allows for sitting down and being comfortable.”

No matter what part of Flemington you are in “millinery is a must”, even if it’s just a fun hairclip or headband.