3 spring racing outfit ideas

… that you’ll actually wear again.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is just around the bend (see what I did there?!) and I’m getting excited.

It’s one of the few occasions each year that still calls-for getting all dressed-up, and while this can be both fun and frightening, I personally get equally (if not more!) excited about the fashion trackside as the main event. But there’s no doubt that the specific dress codes for each day can be confusing, and finding the appropriate pieces that you’ll actually be able to wear again isn’t easy.

So I’ve teamed-up with Myer to share some of my go-to outfit options below.

I’m heading to AAMI Victoria Derby Day, so I decided to keep with the black and white theme for this post, but the other events on the calendar welcome colours and prints. As a general rule, go for brighter shades (e.g. red, pink, yellow, green or floral) during spring carnival, and more subdued hues (e.g. maroon, navy, emerald etc) in autumn.

By Carmen Hamilton.

Up next: WHAT TO SHOP – Work to Weekend

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1

The dress

A dress is always a good choice. Opt for knee-length or below, and seek-out simple styles with a point of difference – like the graphic shoulders on this one. Bonus points if you can wear the dress again to work events and cocktail parties (like this LBD!).

Acler Dress, Morgan & Taylor Veiling Headband, Chloe Gosselin Shoes (available at Myer)

1

The dress

A dress is always a good choice. Opt for knee-length or below, and seek-out simple styles with a point of difference – like the graphic shoulders on this one. Bonus points if you can wear the dress again to work events and cocktail parties (like this LBD!).

2

The headpiece

Choosing the right headpiece is all about balance. If your dress is soft and feminine, go for something more structured on top like an architectural headband. But if your dress speaks for itself, the understated elegance of a veil will make the perfect pairing.

Acler Dress, Morgan & Taylor Veiling Headband

2

The headpiece

Choosing the right headpiece is all about balance. If your dress is soft and feminine, go for something more structured on top like an architectural headband. But if your dress speaks for itself, the understated elegance of a veil will make the perfect pairing.

3

The hair

A low bun helps to showcase the shoulder detail and the loose pieces soften the strong shapes.

Acler Dress, Morgan & Taylor Veiling Headband

3

The hair

A low bun helps to showcase the shoulder detail and the loose pieces soften the strong shapes.

4

The suit

It’s no secret that I’m all about a good suit, and wearing one to the races is a surefire way to make a statement. You’ll stand-out in the sea of dresses and also be able to wear it time and time again = winning all ’round!

Daniel Avakian Blazer, Daniel Avakian Trousers (available at Myer), Collection Veiling Headband

4

The suit

It’s no secret that I’m all about a good suit, and wearing one to the races is a surefire way to make a statement. You’ll stand-out in the sea of dresses and also be able to wear it time and time again = winning all ’round!

5

The beauty look

Be sure to add a feminine touch with your beauty look by keeping it soft and natural. Radiant skin, flushed cheeks and subtly defined eyes is my go-to look – it wears well in the heat and is easy to touch-up throughout the day.

Daniel Avakian Blazer, Collection Veiling Headband

5

The beauty look

Be sure to add a feminine touch with your beauty look by keeping it soft and natural. Radiant skin, flushed cheeks and subtly defined eyes is my go-to look – it wears well in the heat and is easy to touch-up throughout the day.

6

The co-ord

Mix and match a skirt and top if you’re in the mood to experiment. These pieces are so versatile – you could wear the top again with almost anything, and the skirt could be dressed down with a plain tee and sneakers.

Georgia Alice Top, Georgia Alice Skirt, Luciano Padovan Shoes (available at Myer)

6

The co-ord

Mix and match a skirt and top if you’re in the mood to experiment. These pieces are so versatile – you could wear the top again with almost anything, and the skirt could be dressed down with a plain tee and sneakers.

7

The hat

A chic black hat is a fail-safe option if headbands and fascinators aren’t your thing. You should opt for straw in spring and felt in autumn (but the rules were made to be broken!).

Gregory Ladner Hat, Georgia Alice Top

7

The hat

A chic black hat is a fail-safe option if headbands and fascinators aren’t your thing. You should opt for straw in spring and felt in autumn (but the rules were made to be broken!).

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