Spring Racing Carnival: What not to wear

Spring racing season has arrived — but there’s a major faux pas you should never commit, Channel 7 presenter Abbey Gelmi warns.

The Australian spring racing season has officially begun and with it comes an endless rack of stunning outfits.

The world famous Melbourne Cup has given us iconic looks from the Victorian racing community — who can forget Bec Hewitt’s gorgeous red floral dress and matching bomber jacket by Christah Lea back in 2016?

While over in NSW the Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day never disappoints in the style stakes as Sydney’s elite slip into their finest outfits for the official ladies day of the Everest Carnival.

Bec Hewitt’s red floral Christah Lea dress with matching bomber jacket that she wore to the Melbourne Cup in 2016 has gone down in race day history. Picture: Jason Edwards

But while the spring racing carnivals can bring some unforgettable outfits, the sporting occasion has some deep rooted traditions, making some modern fashion choices big no no’s.

Abbey Gelmi, the official 2019 ambassador of the Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, told news.com.au there’s a racy dress trend that should never make an appearance trackside.

“Cut-out dresses and showing too much exposed skin is a major faux pas,” she said.

“Racing fashion is all about elegance and glamour. Embrace it.”

Abbey Gelmi looking chic AF at the inaugural Everest Carnival Fashion Lunch at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 10, 2019 in Sydney. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Australian Turf Club

However that’s not the only thing you should avoid Abbey said, explaining that make-up should be kept “light” — no smokey eyes or heavy winged eyeliner here.

“Keeping your makeup light ensures you’ll look just as fresh leaving the track as you did arriving,” she advises.

Paris Hilton’s 2003 Melbourne Cup outfit is remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Another big mistake people make is inappropriate shoes Abbey added. It’s one that always happens with the granddaughter of Olympic Gold Medallist Herb Elliott sharing her top tip when it comes to footwear.

“If you can’t last in them all day, leave them at home,” she said.

Erin Holland proving elegant is the way to dress at the 2018 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day. Picture: Christian Gilles

Anna Heinrich stuns in a white ensemble. Picture: Christian Gilles

ABBEY’S TOP SPRING RACING FASHION TIPS

“It’s all about planning ahead. It’s often the little details that can really elevate a racing outfit,” the Channel 7 sports presenter said. “Being organised with your look and accessories makes the lead up to a race day fun, as it should be.”

While the style stakes are high, she suggests not compromising on comfort as you’re out all day.

“Know the fashion conventions for each season. For spring it’s all about lighter materials like lace, silk and straw,” she adds.

Style predictions for 2019

“We’re seeing a lot of colour and pinks in particular this spring racing season which I love,” Abbey said. “I think statement sleeves are having a moment and I’m expecting headwear will be more pared-back, but personally I love a bold piece of millinery.

“The wonderful thing about racing fashion is you can keep your look as classic or as on trend as you like — it’s completely up to you and your personal style.”

BIG RACE DAY EVENTS

Amy Pejkovic attends the Everest Carnival Fashion Lunch at Royal Randwick Racecourse on October 10 rocking an on trend pink suit. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Australian Turf Club

Sarah Roberts proving bold headbands are a thing this season. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for Australian Turf Club

MELBOURNE CUP — Tuesday November 5

Australia’s most famous race is sponsored by Lexus and was first run in 1861. It’s known as the race that stops the nation and has had some major fashion moments since it begun.

CAULFIELD CUP — Saturday October 19

The $5 million Stella Artois Caulfield Cup attracts some of the biggest celebs and this year the three-day event has a New York theme. They follow strict dress codes where ladies are not allowed to wear anything that flashes their midriffs.

MOET & CHANDON SPRING CHAMPION STAKES DAY — Saturday October 12

The official ladies day of the Sydney carnival which often follows a theme — this year it is “a touch of pink”.

VICTORIA DERBY DAY — Saturday November 2

Arguably one of the greatest race days in the world, Victoria Derby Day is held at fabulous Flemington and includes the renowned Myer Fashions on the Field competition. Derby Day’s dress code is conservative-yet-suave black and white.

THE EVEREST — Saturday October 19

Sydney takes on the Victorian racing events with The Everest, where attendees are recommended to wear “fine fashion”. Fancy!

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