Coming in at number two on the racing calendar, just behind the Melbourne Cup, the Cox Plate has become one of the important race days in Australia. With big events such as Mooney Valley’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival to the William Hill for the racing purists, it’s about the horses as much as the fashions on the field!
The Spring racing season is officially in swing, meaning dress codes are officially in place. If you’ve attended a racing carnival before or preparing for your first experience trackside, dressing for one thing is never as easy as buying the ticket. From dress codes to fascinator tricks and tips, kick off with highlighting what your personal style is. Next is to key in your favourite seasonal pieces that catch your eye!
Get the insight track for what styles to wear this coming racing carnival. Made up of both day to night festivities, dressing is both traditional and relaxed in their new era status. Look for a mix of modern to classic remixes of tradition, as come race day in the Springtime it’s time to revitalise your race wardrobe, add a twist and make something interesting. Read on to start collecting your racing points to a complete look and see a mixed bag of daytime to evening wear.
Experimental Escape \\ DAY
Ever had a moment when you’ve had to outfit repeat sooner rather than later? Why not wear it again… but in a different way. If you’re for the more classic styles with the high waisted a-line skirts or tailored proportions, try your hand at enhancing one particular area for a more subtle twist. Whether it be by paring back it back and highlighting a bold makeup look, or opting to experiment from the neckline up, with a flirty hedonistic headpiece or art deco accessories, the key is to build a sense of fun to your ensemble. For a more ankle down approach, bare the toes with an avant-garde pvc heel for a futuristic finish.
There is no end in exploring different head trips. Headwear continually defies our expectations. With the classic comeback of pill box shapes to turban headbands, we see an elevated range of headscarves, contemporary oversized fedoras and hair clips trendsetting the track scene. No matter which way your head turns, there’s a different scene to see. Where will your head trip take you? Browse our range of fascinators here.
Longer Lengths \\ DAY
Considering race days can be pretty lengthy, you’d want to be comfortable for the entirety of it. It’s time to go long! For daytime dressing, midi lengths to snug tea lengths are the vibe right now. Style your streamlined silhouettes with a blazer jacket separate for a more fitted upper or give it more elongated look with a pinstripe print. The oh-so-trendy trench coats are another great way to not only keep you warm, but adds a layered and oversized finish for the cooler change in weather.
Opt for greater lengths, and let your fabric glide over your silhouette. Whether it’s in super draped skirts or free-spirited tassel decorations, to sleeves that slide below your fingertips, longer, more fluid lengths are on the move to replace heavy sculptural shapes. Use accessories to play on your length even more! Keychain straps are a cool way to add a streetwear, urban feel or loose end ribbons used to replace a fascinator is a sure-fire way to level up your race game.
Wild Moments \\ NIGHT
Go head-to-toe in print novelty. For the more stylish, animal prints have not only taken over our fall season, but Spring as well. Get ready for this roaring trend to take over your key pieces. With a warm sun-kissed hue, dress for maximum impact in a power suit detailing a bright crimson leopard print, or pare it back with more subdued tones of black or white lace for a feminine touch.
From leopard to tiger, try a more mix-match option! Try remixing a leopard spotty print with a houndstooth or zebra upper in a bolder, primary colour. Or opt for a sense of classicism meets animal moment in a super versatile leopard drawstring dress. For the perfect stand out daywear, feel like a 90’s queen in a printed co-ord option. Basically, what we’re trying to say, it’s a jungle out there. Be prepared to make a roaring entrance!
Feminine Masculine \\ NIGHT
Our favourite, everlasting twist of the 21st century. When the right feminine silhouette meets a masculine edge, it’s a perfect harmony. Whether your choosing to suit up a dress in a mini skirt suit rendition or blaze up a satin dress option with a double breasted blazer separate, it’s all about the effortless edginess. Add a pair of leather brogues with your skirts for a footwear spin on things.
Keep it ladylike, but tough, and turn the volume all the way up. Take feminine colours, shapes and details that are undeniably sweet, and give it a commander’s touch. From camouflage colours to black silk neckerchiefs. Subvert your hourglass shapes with more slouchy trousers or jumpsuits with a ruffled oversized bustier for blended body effect. Infuse the fella with the femme with solid, strong colours of white or black for those after a minimalist androgyny to take you into the night.
DAY TO NIGHT
Forget dressing to impress. Dress for success. With the races being an over saturation of colours and flavours, it’s a long day ahead to make your presence known. Everything you need to know about for Cox Plate is it’s subtle freedom of formality. With no strict general dress code, here’s the chance to think a little bit more abstract. As highlighted by The Valley as the ‘race where legends are made’, we believe this event will be a big moment from dusk till dawn.
Fore more, read our blog for some race day makeup to compliment your look!
Read Also The History of the Midi Skirt
SHOP OUR COX PLATE COLLECTION
