Whether you are heading to the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington, Victoria, the Australian Jockey Club at Randwick, Sydney, going to a country racing club or just to a ladies lunch Spring Carnival and the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a great excuse to get dressed up and have fun.
One of the questions on every discerning ladies lips is what to wear. Below is a quick guide to appropriate Spring Carnival attire.
SHOE CARNIVAL
The races are a sophisticated event and getting dressed up is an opportunity to express your individuality. We believe that everyone has their own individual style and when going to the races they should keep their own sense of fashion and wear what makes them feel fabulous when stepping out the front door of the house.
If you haven't been to the races before it might be daunting preparing an outfit. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Your outfit should reflect your individual style, don't be swayed with what's 'in fashion'. Remember that fashion is passing and style is eternal;
Dress for the season; if you are competing in Fashions on the Field you will be marked down for wearing the wrong materials in the wrong season;
Try not to reveal too much skin, remember that the races are meant to be a sophisticated social event, not a night club;
Wear shoes that you can walk in all day long. Try to wear a wide heel so you don't sink into the grass and use 'party feet' to help alleviate any foot pain. Take a pair of flip flops or ballet slippers with you for any after events;
Take a small clutch that has a shoulder or wrist strap, so you can have champagne in one hand and a guide book in the other;
Don't drink too much alcohol;
Wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator. Look for pieces that tie into the colours of your dress or match with your shoes or nails. For example if you have a red hat paint your toe and finger nails the same read and wear a red bangle for added effect.
If you are headed for Flemington, Melbourne and want to compete in Fashions on the Field, here are a few specific pointers about what to wear.
Derby Day, on Saturday 30th October 2011, is all about classic 'black and white' attire so this means putting your best foot forward in an all black, all white or black and white outfit. A touch of colour, adds extra pizzazz.
Melbourne Cup, on Tuesday 1st November 2011, is all about colour. Bright pinks, yellow and red. At the moment there is a lot of talk about colour blocking. It does look fabulous, if you can pull it off, but if it doesn't make your heart-throb, then dress in one colour and accessorise with another to break up the outfit.
Ladies Day, on Thursday 3rd November 2011,is the last day of Fashions on the Field and is all about soft, feminine and pretty attire.
Being Spring all three days call for straw, sinamay, crinoline, feathers and silk flowers. Never felt as this is a winter material.
What to Wear to the Races - A Quick Guide to Spring Carnival Attire SHOE CARNIVAL