Steal the star's style for Melbourne Cup

AS the nation grinds to a well-dressed halt on the first Tuesday in November, these fashion tipsters describe their race-day style.

Melbourne cup

AS the nation grinds to a well-dressed halt on the first Tuesday in November, these fashion tipsters describe their race-day style.

Melbourne Cup is the "race that stops the nation". Over the years, I’ve celebrated this annual event in various locations. Each year the lead-up to the race has been ridiculously contagious. And the race itself? A national heart-stopper. I always end up having more fun than expected.

Perfect make-up for spring racing

For this Spy Style segment I asked some of my favourite Australians to share their plans for the big day. Gai Waterhouse will have the favourite Glencadam Gold racing, (which of course we all have to place a bet on); Ann Peacock will also be at the race in Melbourne; so, too, will Hoda Waterhouse working with her husband, Tom.

Deborah Sams will be in Palm Beach, Sydney, watching the race with her Bassike team; and Genevieve and Alexandra Smart will be watching and celebrating the race with champagne in hand. Over in Los Angeles, Julia Fitzroy will be watching the race by live stream from Melbourne.

Here, the stars reveal their personal racing season style - so put your betting skills into action and get ready to steal their tips!

Gai Waterhouse, horse trainer and David Jones ambassador

Young, classic, stylish, edgy and sometimes off-beat.

Hoda Waterhouse, wife of Tom

I love tradition at the race - you can be conservative and sexy at the same time. For me it’s all about classic cuts and fabulous hats. I cringe when I see dresses that are too short and too tight. Comfortable shoes are a must; bare feet are never a good look. I also love colour for the Melbourne Cup - save the blacks and greys for Derby!

Deborah Sams, Bassike co-founder

It doesn’t usually change that much because I only get involved on Cup day. Then I usually wear a nice frock.

Genevieve and Alexandra Smart, Ginger & Smart co-founders

Our style for the races is polished but also playful. There will be another major race on Melbourne Cup day to see which of us can get into the Neonature dress first!

Jesinta Campbell races

Julia Fitzroy, Moët & Chandon/Dom Pérignon

My style is classic with a little edge, feminine, slightly embellished and you simply cannot keep me away from an extraordinarily big hat! I love form-fitting dresses of an appropriate length for daytime. My most adored designers for racewear are J’Aton Couture, along with Alexander McQueen and Martin Grant Paris.

I usually decide upon the dress first and then Neil of Neil Grigg Millinery steps in to create something extraordinary. I love how much interest a hat can bring to an outfit, and really enjoy the creative and collaborative process of bringing an idea to life in the form of a unique and spectacular headpiece. I always get my hair done up for a more polished look.

Ann Peacock, Crown Limited

I like to be comfortable. I try to dress for the weather, so I need a cooler racing outfit as well as an outfit if the weather is warmer. The Thursday before Derby is the timeline for my wardrobe choices as this is the day when the week’s forecast is announced. Once I have that, I start to line up the dresses and get organised.

How to choose the BEST spring racing headwear

Hair-spiration

If you're stuck for ideas on how to do your hair for the races, Herbal Essences has produced a guide detailing three stylish looks: The Wavy Braid, The Bun, and The Chignon.

The Wavy Braid:
Feminine, fun and fuss-free The Wavy Braid is the perfect hair-down look to carry you into the night. Best complemented by a hat or fascinator worn to the side. To complete the look you will need a hair straightener, hairspray and bobby pins.

The Bun:
Allow a statement outfit and flawless make-up to shine by sweeping your hair into a voluminous up-do with The Bun. Simple and wearable throughout the day, this look is best worn with a fascinator at an angle, or with a dainty headband or flower. To complete the look you will need: elastic band, comb, brush and bobby pins.

The Chignon:
The beautiful elegance of The Chignon is the perfect style to set you apart from the crowd and automatically adds a touch of chic to any outfit. The style works well with most headpieces, but to show the detail of the low bun, choose a smaller headpiece that sits slightly to the front or side. To complete the look you will need: elastic band, comb, hairspray and bobby pins.

hair