What you need to be wearing this Spring Carnival

FROM neutral to nautical, florals and fascinators, the quest to find that perfect race day outfit can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice from the A-list.

Vanessa Brown

@vanessajbrown

3 min read

October 24, 2015 - 1:30PM

Melbourne Cup celebrations at Wrest Point. L-R Kellie Thomas of Howrah, Jenny Sparks of Kingston Beach, Debbie Nowacki of Bellerive, Kara Evans of Blackmans Bay.

CAN YOU hear those hoofs beating? The smell of champagne and canapés in the air? Gear up ladies, because the fashion stakes are high. The Spring Carnival is well and truly here — and you have just one week to get races ready for the biggest races week of the year.

DERBY DAY:

With just a week until D-Day, it’s time to get out your best shades of black and white — because aside from a little lipstick and jockey silks, there shouldn’t be any other colour on the track.

Derby Day is the perfect event to test fashion boundaries, such as a tuxedo or jumpsuit. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s strictly black and white and is the only day of the carnival that has a code. Its sacrilegious to break that,” David Jones racewear ambassador Emma Freedman said.

“The only way to break it is grey. I know a lot of guys that wear grey suits or pocket squares. Girls, a red lip if you want a bit of colour. People can be more boundary pressing because of the colour code. A tuxedo is a shiek way of interpreting that, or try longer hems and have fun with dresses,” Emma said.

“I love the fashion on Derby Day,” said Myer ambassador Rachael Finch. “I love going with one colour — either all black or all white.”

Rachael Finch displays a perfect look for Derby Day. Picture: Tim Carrafa

MELBOURNE CUP:

Think big, think bright and be bold — because the race shouldn’t be the only thing stopping the nation on Melbourne Cup. Calling for colour, the Cup is the perfect opportunity for women to play with patterns and clash a few colours.

“Be as colourful as you can. I think it’s a day to experiment with colour and clashing prints. I am going very bold this year. Hopefully it will be a real fashion feast!” Emma said.

Have fun with colour at the Cup Picture: SDP Media

But when it comes to the biggest race day of the year, women often make mistakes when it comes to milinary.

“There’s a fine line between sophistication and too much [when it comes to headwear]. There’s nothing worse than an afterthought hat — they just don’t work,” Emma said.

“If you’re strapped for time, the best thing is go and buy a simple wide brimmed straw hat, something like Jessica Gomes wore [at the Caulfield Cup].”

Jessica Gomes keeps it simple with a wide brimmed hat at the Caulfield Cup. Picture: AAP/Julian Smith.

“If you do have a bit of time on the day, go to a florist and get fresh flowers on a headband. Bright colours do really — just don’t do a craft box raids!” she said.

Fresh floral headbands are a bright look if you’re stuck for time on Cup Day. Picture: Supplied.

“There really is no other day like the Melbourne Cup on the racing calendar,” Rachael said.

“There’s nothing that compares to the atmosphere at Flemington. My husband comes down that day so its extra special,” she said.

Rachael Finch: Cup is all about colour Picture: Tim Carrafa

OAKS DAY:

Florals and lace, frills and pastels — Oaks day is all about the ladies, so embrace your femininity when dressing for the trackside. Keeping your overall look clean and fresh for this day is key, including hair and makeup.

Keep your look relaxed and comfortable for the day. Drink enough water, pace yourself and don’t go too hard too fast,” Rachael said.

“Try and take blotting paper for touch ups for sweat and oil. I’ve got a few mineral powders with SPF that I put over foundation, so I get protection and a matte finish. If I want that glow look, I’ll use a foundation with SPF in it.”

Rachael Finch and Ashley Hart keep their look natural at Oaks Day 2014 in Melbourne. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Men should also embrace their feminie side, opting for mauves, pinks and purples when accessorising their suit.

“At the Cup you can go wild with colour, but blokes should live up to their feminie side [on Oaks Day]. Buy the flower of the day for the lapel of you suit, which is the pink rose,” Emma said.

Men should try an include a flash of floral on Oaks Day. Picture: Andrew Tauber

STAKES DAY:

The last day of the carnival, Stakes Day is about enjoying the atmosphere with family and friends. A day on the track with the kids calls for a little less formality, and a little more flexibility when it comes to fashion.

“Printed cottons are a good staple and place to start,” Emma said.

“Nautical stripes and block colours are good too. It’s an easy breezy vibe. You don’t have to be pushing fashion boundaries on this day. You might wear something that’s too dressy for a BBQ, but might work for a garden type wedding.”