Women’s Race Wear

The Melbourne Cup is a spectacle of colour, design and unique fashion with women’s race wear becoming as important as the race itself. Combining the classic looks of the 1950s and 60s with today’s modern designs is what makes this race wear so unique and highly regarded in the fashion industry. This season, women’s race wear is all about fresh, vibrant dresses mixed with unique and playful fascinators.

The demure look of the 1950s is an excellent base for women who are unsure where to start. This classic style with well-cut dresses just below the knee is the basis for many of today’s leading dresses available in store. Although many women tend to believe that less is more, the Melbourne Cup is the one event where covering up is preferred. Remember that you are dressing for the daytime, so anything that looks like it could be worn to a nightclub should be left at home. Low cut tops and short dresses are frowned upon.

Getting the Classic Look Right

For those worried that their race wear will be too outdated if they stick to a classic look, add modern touches to your outfit. More and more shops are recognising the increasing demand for unique and classy race wear, so finding something which fits the events should not be a problem. However, remember to wear something that suites you, not just something that is in fashion. Emma Freedman, daughter of renowned trainer Lee Freedman, is one of the best dressed women on the racecourse and this is because she sticks to designs which suit her age and her body. As a young woman, Emma looks fantastic is soft pastels with flowing chiffon dresses.

Picking for your size is the first step in putting together your outfit. Voluminous dresses tend to suit taller slim figures whereas classic black and white dresses are excellent for women with a fuller figure. Bored of the black and white look? Why not try a cream and navy dress instead! Black dresses are a fantastic option for women on a budget. They can be worn again and you can make them look fabulous by accessorising with bright shoes, bags and headpieces.

Don’t be scared to combine colours. Many people tend to stick with one other colour when wearing black but why not combine yellow shoes and fascinator with a nice bright green or orange bag? Another trend which will be huge this spring season will be reds and pinks. Combining the two colours is a risky but often very rewarding decision if you find the perfect hues. Finding cool combinations is easy if you think outside the square. Don’t purchase your entire Spring Carnival outfit from one store. Purchase a couture dress and mix it with opshop and chain-store finds which add colour and uniqueness to your outfit.

Dressing For Spring Racing

Dressing for the season is also an important aspect of women’s race wear. Winter and autumn races call for more dark and neutral tones with stockings and closed toe shoes. Spring and summer on the other hand allow bright tones and prints with heels and detailed sandals as footwear. But remember not to wear stilettos as they can sink into the grass so opt for thicker heels instead. Floral dresses are always a safe and beautiful option for spring. Prints with peonies, roses, hydrangeas and bouquets of colours look fantastic against the track lawn and will make your dress standout.

The one thing missing from this list is headwear! Whether you want a hat or a fascinator your outfit is incomplete without some sort of fancy headwear design. Straw hats are extremely popular in summer and spring and provide more coverage from the intense sun. If you are opting for a fascinator, try to combine the colours or theme of the headpiece with your dress. This gives the entire outfit more impact. For more information on headwear visit our Melbourne Cup hats and Melbourne Cup fascinators pages.

Whatever you decide to wear, make sure you prepare well in advance, play with colours and textures and try to add your own spin on things for a unique touch!

For more fashion advice for the Spring Racing Carnival, head to The Cut & Paste which is run by Lauren Brain.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

Imperatriz Defends Title in 20...

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

Imperatriz made history celebrating her 10th Group 1 when going back-to-back...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off