Winter is fading, the days are getting longer, and trees are starting to blossom, which can only mean one thing: 2019’s Spring Racing Carnival is fast approaching!
The highlight of Melbourne’s annual racing calendar, the Spring Racing Carnival is not just the pinnacle of thoroughbred horseracing, but also the zenith of race day fashion. Whether you’re planning to attend your first Spring Carnival event, or you’re a Fashions on the Field regular, we’ve put together your ultimate guide to spring racing fashion.
The Spring Racing Carnival features the following spectacular events:
The Melbourne Cup
Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event, the Melbourne cup is all about colour and glamour, sparkles and statement pieces. Check out our full Melbourne Cup fashion and dress code.
Derby Day
The height of elegant sophistication, Derby Day has a strict monochrome dress code. Think crisp whites, inky blacks, and dramatic combinations of both. Check out our full Derby Day guide or seven fashion styles for Derby Day.
Explore Our Derby Day Edit
Oaks Day
Also known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day is a celebration of femininity. Pretty pastels, bright florals, floaty fabrics and delicate lace are your go-to looks. Check out our full Oaks Day guide.
Explore Our Oaks Day Edit
Caulfield Cup
Embrace the tasteful elegance of classic style, bold colours and statement pieces. Check out our full Caulfield Cup guide.
Explore Our Caulfield Day Edit
Stakes Day
A chance to wind down at the end of the season, Stakes Day allows a more relaxed, fun style. Check out our full Stakes Day guide.
Explore Our Stakes Day Edit
How to Pick Your Spring Carnival Outfit
While each event has its own special look and feel, there are a few overarching rules that apply to spring racing fashion in general. It’s an excellent idea to familiarise yourself with them before you begin the exciting process of selecting your perfect race day look. For a full list of essential Spring Fashion Carnival dos and don’ts, see our What To Wear To The Races guide.
Remember to dress for your body style:
- If you have a pear-shaped figure, choose an outfit that accentuates your slim shoulders, like a halter or deep neckline, and a fuller skirt such as an A-line.
- For apple-shaped figures, look for empire waist dresses with v-necks, wrap dresses or A-line dresses.
- If you have an hourglass figure, fitted dresses and pencil skirts are a good choice.
- Triangular body shapes should avoid necklines that highlight a broad shoulder, like boat-neck or Bardot.
- If you are an athletic build, add curves with a sweetheart neckline, or accentuate your waist with a belt. Pleats and asymmetric details help to add contrast.
Looking for inspiration? The GlamCorner stylists have selected some sure-to-wow looks, especially for 2019’s spring racing season.
Florals
Bright, feminine and the epitome of spring racing fashion, florals are hot this season.
Pastels
Soft, pretty pastels are perfect for spring and a big favourite on Oaks Day.
Pops of Colour
Make a statement and stand out from the crowd with bold, colourful pieces.
Frills
Ruffles and frills are 2019’s surprise fashion hit.
For more inspiration, have a look at our Spring Racing Fashion and Trends article. If you’re ready to select your look or keen to start narrowing down some favourites, head over to our special race day collection of dresses, playsuits and jumpsuits.
Must-Have Accessories
A day at the races isn’t all about the dress. No Spring Carnival outfit would be complete without a fascinator or headpiece!
This year’s millinery trends include beautiful bows, wide brims, wispy veils, berets and head accessory styles.
If this is your first time choosing a fascinator, don’t worry! Help is at hand – take a look at our Guide to Choosing the Perfect Headpiece or Fascinator for Race Day. See a style you like? Discover our huge range of fascinators.
Complete your look with a coordinating clutch, shoes and statement jewellery to ensure you turn heads on race day!
GlamCorner Top Tip: Remember, you’re going to be on your feet for a significant proportion of your day, and often on grass, so choose a shoe with a practical heel that’s comfortable enough to wear all day. Block or wedge heels are ideal. If you’ve bought brand new shoes for the occasion, wear them a little beforehand to avoid blisters on the day. Your feet will love you for it.
Race Day Preparation
It’s time to pamper yourself!
Two Weeks Before Race Day
Get your hair cut and refresh your colour. This allows your style to settle in, while still looking fresh and new. For inspiration, check out our blog about fascinator-friendly hairstyles.
One Week Before Race Day
Now’s the time to treat yourself to a facial for radiant Spring Carnival skin. If you’re waxing or threading your eyebrows, do it at least three days in advance to allow any redness to subside. If you’re missing that sun-kissed glow, fake tan can make all the difference, but remember – it will look more intense in the sunlight, so choose a light, natural shade. Applying a few days in advance gives you a chance to fix any issues. Exfoliate well beforehand to avoid a patchy tan!
The Day Before Race Day
It’s manicure and pedicure time. The last thing you want to be doing on race day morning is waiting for your nails to dry! Today’s also the last day you should be washing and conditioning your hair. If it’s squeaky clean on the day, it’ll be harder to style.
On the Day
The big day is here! You’re going to be outside in the elements, so before you get dressed, apply a high-SPF non-greasy sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin. Don’t forget your face! Makeup should be light and natural, so it doesn’t look overdone in the daylight. Make sure your clutch contains all your essentials for the day:
- Your ID and venue ticket
- A credit or debit card and some emergency cash
- Phone and power bank
- Touch-up makeup like lipstick and powder
- Band-aids and shoe gels in case of blisters
- A small tube of sunscreen and some deodorant
- A small sewing kit including bobby pins and fashion tape
- Tissues, mints, boiled sweets
You’re Ready to Go!
Spring Carnival is a fantastic opportunity to express yourself, have fun with your style and try out different looks. Whether you’re a beginner or a racecourse regular, we’re here to help you get race-day ready with everything you need to make your personal fashion statement.
Browse our selection of hand-picked dresses, fascinators, clutches and jewellery to put together a complete look for any Spring Carnival fashion event without the retail price tag. At GlamCorner we ship directly to your door, so why not start auditioning your favourite pieces now?
