If you're into floral patterns, floaty fabrics, delicate lace or bright spring colours, consider Oaks Day as the Spring Racing Carnival fashion event for you! Oaks Day (aka Ladies’ Day), celebrates femininity with a dress code that’s gloriously girl-glamour.
The Ladies’ Day theme was introduced in 1962 in an attempt to attract more women to the track – and it succeeded spectacularly. Drawing a crowd of over 70,000 people each year; Oaks Day features the annual Fashions On The Field competition. Oaks Day is the event where you'll want to stand out from the crowd!
Oaks Day Dress Codes Do’s and Don’ts
As with all Spring Carnival races, the Oaks Day dress code requires that you dress to a high standard. In the members’ areas, it is important that you AVOID wearing any of the following:
• Casual footwear, including anything with a strap between the first two toes
• Untailored pants of any kind, including leather
• Pants tucked into socks or footwear
• Shorts, or short jumpsuits/playsuits
• Clothing with tears or rips
• Midriff-revealing tops or dresses
• Leggings, unless underneath an acceptable dress
• Casual or untailored jackets of any kind, including rainwear
• Denim
You are expected to wear a fascinator or hat to the event. Oaks Day fashion rules are a little more relaxed in corporate hospitality and general admission areas, but it’s also a good idea to keep your outfit tasteful and elegant.
Fashion Inspiration for Oaks Day
Let’s take a closer look at the styles that are going to be hot for Oaks Day fashion in 2019.
Spring florals
Nothing says spring like flowers! Florals are on-trend for 2019 and a perfect choice for your Oaks Day look. An important rule to remember when wearing floral is to pick the right pattern size for your body shape. If you’re tall, large florals will look great. Petite? Opt for a more delicate print as a big pattern will overwhelm you.
Two-tone floral midi dress
Florals don’t have to be pastel! This vibrant, lightweight midi dress will stand out with a combo of vivid colour, frill sleeves and a fitted waist.
Exaggerated sleeve floral sleeve mini
Zimmermann - Verity Rouleau Short Dress
Add some drama with a large floral, a high neckline and blouson sleeves. Perfect for a day at the races.
Flared lace midi dress
Moss and Spy - Fleur Dress - White
Go for a romantic combination of floral and lace. This elegant fit and flare dress would look amazing with a gold fascinator and sandals.
Ruffles galore
Ruffles are back in a big way in 2019, and you can expect them to make an impression at Flemington racecourse on Oaks Day. Think about where the frills will sit on your body and you'll know they will add volume to your silhouette. You can use them to create shape if you have an athletic build.
Strapless ruffle dress
By Johnny - Delphinium Strapless Dress
Ruffles add extra shape and movement to this pretty fitted floral in bubble crepe.
Pink lace ruffle mini dress
This mini pairs ruffles and amazing hand appliqued cornelli work for a corset-like effect that’s bound to turn heads.
Statement one-shoulder mini dress
Make a fun and flirty Oaks Day statement in this one-shouldered mini with oversized ruffle.
Pops of Colour
What better way to stand out in the Oaks Day crowd than with a bold pop of colour? Choose a solid shade or shake things up with a vivid accent. Or go for bright colours which will work best if they complement your skin tone.
Fun colour block dress
Rebecca Vallance - Ruby Ruffle Dress
Have fun with a playful combination of colour, pattern and ruffles. It fits the Oaks Day dress code perfectly while being something a bit different!
Fitted fuschia midi dress
By Johnny - V Neck Bow Shoulder Dress
Sizzle in hot pink. This fitted dress puts a modern twist on a formal shape by being made from bonded scuba fabric! So comfortable and flattering to wear.
Statement red floaty midi dress
Talulah - Sugar And Spice Midi Dress
If the vivid red of this floaty midi dress doesn’t turn heads, the deep v-neckline and layered skirt will!
Floaty fabrics
There is something so feminine and romantic about a sheer, ethereal fabric. It’s a fantastic way to soften a bold colour, add movement and drape to a skirt or sleeve, or create visual interest with multiple layers.
Yellow ruffle dress
Welcome spring in this sunny midi dress. A wonderful choice for Oaks Day with feminine ruffles and a floaty skirt.
Pastel floral dress
Zimmermann - Corsage Pleat Mini Dress
This eye-catching mini is sure to grab attention with its asymmetrical hemline, tie-effect bodice and blouson sleeves.
Pastel floral dress
Keepsake the Label - Charmed LS Midi Dress
Gorgeous georgette and an asymmetrical hem soften this dramatic black floral midi.
Oaks Day headwear
Your Oaks Day look isn’t complete without a hat or fascinator. If you’re not sure what headpiece will work best with your favourite dress, check out our Guide to Choosing the Perfect Headpiece or Fascinator for Race Day.
Ivory straw boater
Heather McDowall - Rikki Pearl And Straw Boater
This dainty straw hat with a wide brim, white ribbon with a back bow and scattered pearls is the ideal match for a colourful floral mini dress.
Statement straw brow fascinator
Morgan and Taylor - Tamia Fascinator
Stand out from the crowd in this elegant fascinator, which will accompany a light-coloured or midi dress beautifully.
Colourful hairclips
If you want your dress to do the talking, swap your fascinator for some glamorous jewelled hairpins.
The perfect handbag for Oaks Day
You’re going to need somewhere to keep your race day essentials like your ticket, credit card, phone, touch-up makeup and sunscreen. Choose a bag that’s big enough to fit everything and pulls your whole look together.
Funky coral clutch
Olga Berg - Niki Rafia Top Handle – Coral
Ideal for race day, this super cute piece has raffia pom-poms woven diagonally into the bag, a top handle and a funky rectangle shape.
Geometric bag
Olga Berg - Louisa Laser Cut Acrylic Top Handle
Make a statement with your bag! The geometric laser-cut tortoiseshell is an eye-catching stand-out and will look great with gold accessories.
Rainbow fringe clutch
Olga Berg - Carlita Carnivale Fringed Shoulder Bag
The multicoloured fringe makes this bag perfect to pair with a block-coloured dress.
Looking for more Oaks Day fashion inspiration? Head over to our hand-picked selection of Oaks Day designer dresses and headwear.
Now that you have your Oaks Day outfit sorted, check out our post on races hairstyle video tutorials by Natalie Anne!
