We’re almost off and racing! And the race that stops a nation (and half of NZ) is just around the corner, so I thought it was time to talk all things Spring Racing style!

I LOVE going to the races! I’m not a gambler at all (in fact I despise it) BUT I do love any excuse to get frocked up! (I mean, who doesn’t?!!?) So whether you are mingling with the celebs at Flemington, hitting your local race-track, lunching with friends at a flash restaurant or just hanging at work to watch the race, here are my tips for winning the ‘best-dressed filly’ this racing season.

If you are lucky enough to be attending the Melbourne Cup in the city itself, each day of racing has a slightly different dress code, and most people around Aus (and NZ) tend to stick to that too – so here are the three main days of The Melbourne Cup Carnival (but you can definitely apply the same looks to any Spring Racing event!)

What to wear when….

Derby Day kicks off the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a black and white theme. This years Monochrome trend fits in nicely with this theme don’t you think?

Dress: David Lawrence $279 AUS (buy it here) Fascinator: Forever New $39.99 (buy it here) Shoes: Styletread $154.50 (buy them here)

 Fashions for The Melbourne Cup itself tend to lean towards bright and bold! This is the day that anything goes really – big, bright colours and prints will get you across the line!

Dress: Cue dress $229 AUS (buy here) Fascinator: Forever New $39.99 AUS (buy here) Clutch: Portmans $24.95 AUS (buy here) and Shoes: Novo shoes $59.95 AUS (buy here)

Oaks DAy, or Ladies Day as it’s otherwise known, is traditionally all about the ladies (isn’t it always?) Florals and pastels are the way to go. There are so many beautiful botanical prints around at the moment so have fun with it!

Dress: Sacha Drake $499 AUS (buy here) Fascinator: Equip Accessories $22.49 AUS (buy here) and Shoes: boohoo.com $75 NZ (buy here)

The other bits and pieces

Traditionally race-wear is on the conservative side – no nightclub frocks here please ladies! If in doubt, go on (or below) the knee, and avoid strapless or shoestring straps, a little bit more fabric is better. Think MadMen 50’s style frocks, or gorgeous 40’s style peplum shapes for your race-day dress, add personal flare with your choice of colour and print.

Some sort of headwear is also advisable (and this doesn’t mean just shoving your sunnies on your head people!). Finding a hat or fascinator that matches, or compliments, your dress is half the fun!

You could make like Carrie and wear a bird on your head….

Think about footwear

How long are you going to be standing? Are you on grass or hard floors? And for goodness sake, KEEP YOUR SHOES ON!! (a lady never takes her shoes off in public – it’s almost as bad as wearing ugg boots outside)

At the start of the day……

Of if you MUST take them off (like, if there is blood pooling in them and your Achilles is about to snap) then invest in a pair of disposable ballet flats like these from www.afterheel.com that you can slip on to walk in.

…..then pop these on at the end of the day

So now that you have worked out the important things like what to wear this Spring Racing Carnival, you only have to worry about the little things like which horse to take a punt on…. does anyone else pick their horse of the colours the jockey is wearing? ……no? …… just me then…….

Love & style always

Cait xoxo

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