We are already mourning the impending end of Summer along with our Summer dresses which will be put back into hibernation for another year, but Autumn gives us high hopes for fashion with the arrival of the Autumn Racing Carnival season!
The Autumn Racing Carnival spans over six separate weekends and features the worlds finest thoroughbred racing. But the real draw-card is when horse racing and fashion collide in a show of style and flair and a parade of fashions finest fillies!
Autumn Stakes Day
The fascinators, the dresses, the shoes, the bag; we love every aspect of the racing season! But where do you begin if you want to create a look perfect for one of the biggest events of them all – Autumn Stakes Day?
Unlike the Spring carnival season, the Autumn Racing Carnival traditionally calls for more elegant, structured silhouettes and sturdier fabrics. The cooler weather is a factor when choosing your perfect dress, so stick to styles that suit. Forget the floatier, feminine styles and opt for more streamlined cuts and neutral tones.
Here’s our top 5 picks of dresses for Autumn Stakes Day, including the perfect fascinator to complete your look.
1. MINISTRY OF STYLE ‘Azzedine Dress – Navy’
Size: 6-14
We are totally crushing on blue hues right now, and what makes this colour even better is that it is the perfect transeasonal tone for the cooler months when you aren’t quite ready to go back into black! This navy blue textured crepe dress by Ministry of Style features long sleeves in the on-trend bell sleeve style and embroidered teardrop lace at the waist which reveals only the slightest hint of skin for that added style and sass. Pair this dress with a complementing navy fascinator such as this gorgeous Lavina fascinator by Morgan and Taylor for a race day ready look!
2. ALICE MCCALL ‘Senorita Dress – Peppermint Black’
Size: 8
This bold New Arrival by fashion-forward label Alice McCall combines head-turning style with feminine flair. For those of us who want to turn heads on race day, the Senorita dress is just the ticket. We love the sheer overlay which is embroidered with peppermint polka dots, and the long sleeves instantly makes this dress an Autumn appropriate outfit. It also features a subtle share of this season’s ruffle trend along the hemlines of the dress. Top this dress off with a fascinator that ties in your look, such as this lace Florence Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor. It features a delicate floral leaf pattern with cut-out details which catches the light, making your overall look dazzle.
3.MINISTRY OF STYLE ‘Campbell Playsuit – Ivory’
Size: 8-12
A playsuit is always a fun alternative to the traditional style of dress. This ivory Campbell Playsuit by Ministry of Style is a chic, contemporary style featuring floral embroidery, this seasons off-the-shoulder sleeves and shorts with elegant scalloped hems. The key hole detailing in the sleeves are really what makes this playsuit stand out, and is an overall flattering look. Ivory is a nice neutral tone, and is great for the Autumn Racing Carnival as its elegance, understated. To top this outfit off, pair with a floral white headpiece like this Mae Floral Headband by Olga Berg for a sweet and romantic finishing touch to your race day outfit.
4. BACKSTAGE ‘Metallic Lace Dress’
Size: 8
Autumn is all about lace. This lace dress by Backstage is a stunner, featuring floral lace woven with gold metallic thread for a gorgeous sheen. This dress is fitted and hugs the curves perfectly, and also features long sleeves which is great for the cooler weather. This dress would work wonders with a metallic fascinator or headpiece, and what can be more fitting than this Gold Filagree Leaf Metal Headband by Olga Berg? A gold headpiece such as this will pick up the metallic detail of the dress, while the leaf detail just screams Autumn style!
5. TALULAH ‘Blind Love Midi Dress’
Size: 10-14
A beautiful way to incorporate the femininity of Spring/Summer into the Autumn season is with a structured dress with romantic lace detail. This midi dress by Talulah features delicate Chantilly lace in a beautiful dusty rose colour which is a more ‘grown-up’ shade of classic pink. The midi sleeves cascade beautifully and gives the entire look a very classic feel. Try a contrasting fascinator such as this black paisley floral lace fascinator with veil by Morgan and Taylor. The veil piece drapes elegantly over the face and adds a Parisian feel to the outfit – a gorgeous alternative to the classic headpiece.
Hit the track running this Autumn Racing Carnival season in a gorgeous Stakes Day-ready dress sure to turn heads and have you feeling race day ready. Prepare your race day outfit by browsing our New Arrivals and rent a dress along with statement accessories suitable for the racing season! Be sure to share your GlamCorner race day outfit with us on our Facebook or Instagram page!
Autumn Golden Slipper Day
Another day steeped in Autumn Racing Carnival tradition, Golden Slipper Day, is coveted by racegoers and track-side fashionistas alike! Golden Slipper Day always attracts celebrities and styles elite, as it’s Sydney’s best known Autumn race day known for prestige and elegant fashion. Dressing up for this glamorous day requires some *golden* tips! Namely, make sure that your choice of dress fits in with race day etiquette, along with the season change of weather. Shoestring straps and fake tan is out! Autumn race day is all about tailored dresses, elegant lines and polished makeup.
1. TALULAH ‘My Way Dress’
Size: 8-14
A little black dress with a modern, Autumnal edge, The My Way Dress by Talulah fits the bill for Golden Slipper Day just perfectly. In a never-fail black, this midi dress is crafted out of delicate Chantilly lace with the seasons bell sleeves and ruffle detail. The fun part about black dresses is that you can go for the wow factor with contrasting brights when it comes to your fascinator or headpiece. Our choice for this dress is the Caroline Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor.
2. ZIMMERMANN ‘Winsome Flounce Dress’
Size: 14
If the traditional little black dress is more your thing, look no further than this voluminous Winsome Flounce Dress by Zimmermann. Featuring romantic ruffles in sueded silk, this little fit and flare number is a luxurious number and one which will look right at home at the Golden Slipper fashions on the field. Why not try a monochrome headpiece for some modern style? Black and white always looks uber sophisticated, and pairs well with a polished makeup look and a red lip. Rent this striped beret with coque feather by Morgan and Taylor for a classic race day look.
3. TALULAH ‘Stole The Show Gown’
Size: 8-12
Steal the show and the fashions on the field with this stunning Stole the Show Gown by Talulah! In a timeless and universally flattering black and white, this full-length gown features an abstract lace pattern with splashes of lilac and blush pastels for a unique eye-catching look. The off-the-shoulder neckline is very now, and the voluminous sleeves are balanced perfectly with the fitted silhouette. Style this gown with a complementing black and white fascinator with the Cheryl Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor.
4. GRACE & HART ‘Scandal Gown – Teal’
Size: 8-14
We are loving lace and long sleeves this Autumn season! A perfect race gown, this Scandal Gown by Grace & Hart is a striking teal colour and features webbed lace which trails into a sophisticated flute skirt for a touch of sophistication. This gown would look perfect for Golden Slipper day paired with a metallic headpiece such as this rose gold Reyna Floral Metal Headband by Olga Berg.
5. TALULAH ‘Lace Me Midi’
Size: 6-12
Another statement black dress made for the Autumn Racing Carnival Season, this stunning Lace Me Midi by Talulah features a sexy lace up detail at the waist balanced with a wide structural off-the-shoulder sleeves, in a tried and true shape flattering on most body shapes. Top this race day outfit off with this Morgan and Taylor fascinator featuring yellow sinamay beret covered in black lace with feather flower and curved stick for a bold and show-stopping look.
Golden Slipper Day is on March 18, 2017 at the Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney. Judges of the anticipated Fashions on the Field competition generally look for these key things:
Best Dressed Female
- Style and Originality
- Appropriateness of the outfit for Autumn Racing, Sydney Carnival, Rosehill Gardens and the individual
- Attention to detail with all aspects of the outfit such as shoes, handbag and accessories
- Understanding and interpretation of racewear and current trends
- Grooming and deportment
- Suitability of the outfit for the climate of the season and of the day
Best Dressed Male
- Suit, jacket and tie essential
- Attention to detail with all aspects of accessories such as gentlemen’s hat and or lapel flower
- Understanding and interpretation of racewear and current trends
- Grooming and deportment
- Suitability of the outfit for the climate of the season and of the day
Among past notable judges, global fashionista Nicole Richie offered her advice for a winning Golden Slipper outfit; “Have fun with your look – add a splash of color, a fun hat or a great piece of jewellery”. Take heed and your sure to turn heads on the field!
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Autumn Oaks Day
Traditionally known as ‘Ladies Day’ among the Autumn Racing Carnival scene, Oaks Day falls on Saturday the 8th of April as part of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival at Royal Randwick. Oaks Day is all about feminine, lady-like style and encourages women to dress up in their finest attire. There is no set dress-code for Oaks Day, but we encourage you to make the most of this season’s elegant trends and incorporate long hemlines, off-the-shoulder sleeves and rich hues.
1. MINISTRY OF STYLE ‘Azzedine Dress – Wine’
Size: 8-12
Wine, plum & burgundy are all colour favourites for Autumn. The luxurious colour oozes elegance and suits every skin tone making it the perfect go-to hue. This rich wine dress by Ministry of Style flaunts this on-trend colour with flair and looks amazing with full-length bell sleeves and embroidered tear drop trim. What makes wine an Autumn Racing Carnival winner is that it pairs brilliantly with everyday colours and easily blend-able neutral tones such as black, grey and white. So when choosing a fascinator for this gorgeous crepe dress, try a black statement headpiece and match it with black strappy heels for a classic look.
2. GUESS ‘Sunset Geo Lace Maxi Dress’
Size: 10
Long hemlines have never looked so classy! This beautiful geometric lace maxi dress by GUESS is an eye-catching outfit for Oaks Day. In a sophisticated neutral tone, the feminine lines of this dress, including a high halter neckline that ties up at the back with hanging tassels and sexy thigh-high split in the skirt, mixes elegance with fashion-forward style. This dress would look complete with a classic black fascinator such as this black Morgan and Taylor fascinator crafted out of complimenting lace.
3. TALULAH ‘Without You Midi’
Size: 8-10
Despite the cooler weather, a little skin can look subtly sexy. Balance out a longer hemline with a shoulder-less style for an elegant way of creating intrigue to your outfit as well as highlighting the part of your body which is the most understated, yet the most classy! In this seasons divine off-the-shoulder style, this classy Talulah midi dress in one of the hottest colours this season, rosewood, takes lady-like Oaks Day style to a new level. The cascading detail of the off-shoulder overlay creates such a flattering, feminine appearance and the sweet burnt pink tone pretty’s up any skin tone. A ruffled off-the-shoulder sleeve is particularly flattering on ladies with a larger bust, but also looks amazing on those with a smaller bust too. Perfect the look by complementing this pretty dress with a white contrast headpiece, like this Sheridan Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor.
4. MAJE ‘Russe Honeycomb Knit and Guipure Dress’
Size: 8
We are completely crushing on all things blue this Autumn season, and what better way to incorporate this shade but in a timeless navy? Oaks Day is ladies day, and this knit & lace Maje dress gives lady-like style a modern twist. Darker, neutral tones like this are perfect for the cooler months, and architectural lines and sturdier fabrics instantly create a classic, wearable look. To perfectly balance the voluminous skirt of this dress, try a fascinator with a little height like this black beret feathered headpiece by Morgan and Taylor and pair with a swept back hairstyle.
5. THURLEY ‘Hybrid Dress – Daffodil’
Size: 8-12
While we love the more ‘grown-up’ shades of the cooler season, it’s hard to part with the tones of Spring/Summer completely. This Thurley dress in a cheerful daffodil yellow is bright and sunny, but still conforms with the Autumn style guide because the vibrant colour is offset by the thicker, more structured layers of crosshatched open weave lace. The cut out details of the dress shows just the right amount of skin too, and the lattice sleeves provides a tasteful appearance. Have fun with your fascinator by pairing this yellow dress with a matching yellow fascinator like this gorgeous Nina Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor.
Because all eyes are on the fashion and not just the races during the Autumn Racing Carnival, make sure your race outfit is track-side ready by planning in advance everything from the dress to the accessories. Thankfully we have all of your race day and Oaks Day styling solutions sorted with our range of Autumn race day-ready New Arrivals and gorgeous selection of accessories, including fascinators!
Lets face it, nobody wants to spend hundreds on dresses and millinery, especially if they only make a presence once a year! So take the hassle out of race day shopping by renting a dress. Simply browse our selection and select the dress best fitting to your mood and your particular race day fancy!
Easter Cup Day
A notable day in the Autumn Carnival racing Season is Easter Cup Day held at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Saturday 15th April 2017.
Easter Cup Day is seen as the family day of the Autumn carnival, as it features many fun events for kids and adults alike including an Easter egg hunt, food stalls, amusement rides and face painting.
Easter Cup Day is far more relaxed, and also encourages children to get dressed up too! So this makes outfit planning extra fun! Easter to us is all about fun colours and pastels; embracing the festive vibe of Easter whilst maintaining that elegant race-wear approved attire. Because it’s Autumn, extra layers may need to be applied and factoring in the weather is essential to successful race day dressing. Look to tran-seasonal pieces or dresses which feature sleeves for that extra warmth. Or simply add a classy jacket from our line to accompany with your race day dress!
1. THURLEY ‘Marigold Mini Dress’
Size: 8-10
Nothing screams Easter Cup more than this gorgeous marigold yellow lace mini dress by Thurley! This playful dress is the perfect pop of colour and features this season’s lust-worthy off-the-shoulder neckline with long bell sleeves. Match this gorgeous outfit with a complementing lace fascinator in yellow like this bright and beautiful headpiece by Morgan and Taylor. Read our customer Rebecca’s story for more ideas on how to wear yellow for the races!
2. THURLEY ‘Snap Dragon Print Dress’
Size: 8-14
Beautiful bold print dresses are great for the Autumn Racing Carnival, as they add that extra bit of brightness and intrigue one gets in the colourful Summery styles of the Spring Racing Carnival, but are refined enough and suitable for the cooler months. This print dress by Thurley features tangling snapdragon flowers upon a delicate silk which is a dream against the skin! The Georgette style also features an elegant high neckline and full-length sleeves, great for the Autumn weather. Match this dress with a dusty pink fascinator for a nice contrast.
3. THE JETSET DIARIES ‘Primavera Maxi Dress’
Size: 6-12
Maxi dresses are one of our top picks for the Autumn Racing Carnival, as they can still be sexy while protective from the elements (we can never be too sure about Melbourne’s four seasons in one day!) This maxi dress by The Jetset Diaries takes the cake. In a luxurious high-shine satin, it features pleating, a faux wrap style and the on-trend fitted long sleeves. This dusty pink dream would look amazing with a contrast black lace fascinator such as this Valencia Lace Fascinator by Morgan and Taylor.
4. ZIMMERMANN ‘Winsome Sphere Dress’
Size:10
Another devastatingly beautiful Georgette dress, this Winsome Sphere dress by Zimmermann is a wonderfully feminine choice of outfit for the Easter Day Races. Crafted out of silk crinkle georgette, this dress features a bright and cheerful sun-drenched print with contrasting deep pinks. Pair with a pink statement fascinator like this Georgina Fascinator for a gorgeous look.
5. THURLEY ‘Sonnet Strapless Dress’
Size: 6-14
If you adore your timeless black, then you are really going to love this black Thurley strapless dress! Classic black is always a safe go-to, and can look beautifully sophisticated especially for race day. In the gorgeous off-the-shoulder style, this dress also features bell sleeves and a column skirt. Structured styles such as this midi dress are a fantastic choice for the Autumn Racing Carnival season and look super classy with a complementing architectural headpiece. Try this Morgan and Taylor Kaisha Black Fascinator for a head-turning outfit this Easter Cup Day.
Easter Cup Day is a memorable event in the Autumn Racing Carnival Season schedule and is perfect for those who are attending their first ever race or who want to experiment with their dress styles. The family-fun atmosphere adds a special touch, and fashion mixed with food and fun activities is a perfect excuse for a day at the races, don’t you think?! Find your perfect race day outfit by browsing our huge range of designer dresses for rent and combine with some statement accessories to perfect your look!
Autumn Racing Carnival Hairstyles
For any race-goer, the outfit is the top priority of preparation. But what about the finer details which often go unnoticed? Your hairstyle can make a big difference in your overall appearance and race day look, and depending on what type of dress or fascinator you’re wearing, it can be styled in a way to complement and even make a statement to your overall outfit.
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To prepare for the upcoming Autumn Racing Carnival Season, we have chosen our top winning hairstyles to wear to the races! These do’s are not too involved, because we know the importance of being time-savvy, but they are stylish enough to make the crowd go ‘wow’. Fascinators at the ready ladies!
1. Fish Tail Braid
Fishtail braids look time consuming but they really are quite simple to achieve. What makes this hairstyle brilliant for the races is that it is easily accommodating for a fascinator or headpiece, as you can sweep your braid to the side. It is also a classy and sophisticated look which would pair well with an elegant off-the-shoulder dress.
To achieve this look, follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Part the hair and sweep to one side, brushing out the lengths to get ride of any knots or lumps.
2. Divide the hair into two sections. Do this by taking your hair in both your hands, pulling it apart and splitting into two sections.
3. Begin the fishtail braid by taking a small section of hair from the edge of one of the outside strands, temporarily making a third strand. Cross the third, smaller strand over to the inside of the other strand. This third strand now becomes part of the other section. You should now have two sections again. Repeat this step with the other strand. Take a small section of hair from the edge of section you haven’t taken hair from, which creates a third strand. Cross this third strand over to the inside of the first strand. The third strand now becomes part of the first section. You have two sections again.
4. Continue adding hair in the same manner by adding a small section of hair from the outside of the strands and cross them over to the inside of the other strands.
5. To finish off the look, secure your braid with a hair tie and loosen the finished braid to achieve a more ‘worn-in’ messy look. Add your headpiece and your good to go!
2. Side chignon
Another great hairstyle that looks more intricate than it actually is. The chignon is a timeless classic, it always looks tasteful yet chic. French for ‘nape of the neck’, the chignon has been a hairstyle favourite for red carpet events. But we think it will look just right track-side, too! This hairstyle would be great with an outfit that is high necked or has a square neckline, as it softens the frame of the body and face. It also works well with a fascinator.
1. Part your hair down the center. Section hair into two pieces, just as if you were making piggy tails. Then pull them to the side of where you want your chignon to sit.
2. Smooth out the hair, getting rid of any bumps or flyaways. Take the two ‘piggytail’ sections and tie them into a knot.
3. Once you have knotted the hair, take the end of each section and wrap them in opposite directions around the knot that you’ve just made. Once you have them wrapped, secure the hair with as many bobby pins as needed. Don’t forget to spray with a good holding hairspray, and add your headpiece carefully to avoid tugging your hair-do.
3. Beachy Waves
Long, wavy hairstyles always pair well with a race day outfit and facsinator. The beauty of this look is that its classically feminine and simple to achieve. It also compliments a statement headpiece, and looks great with more delicate fascinators and dresses.
1. You will need a curling wand or a straightener for this look. Begin by brushing freshly washed and dried hair until its smooth. Spritz a heat protector spray to prevent damage and to smooth out flyaways.
2. Separate two sections of hair, as this makes it more manageable to style. tart with a small section from one of the sections of hair and curl your hair using a wand or straightener. Repeat this process until you have curled your entire head (it’s worth it!)
3. Once curled, take a hairspray and lightly spray to keep the curls in place. Finish the look by adding a statement headband.
Autumn Racing Carnival Makeup
Sometimes in the midst of choosing an outfit for something as special as the races we forget about the dressing that ties it all together; Makeup, ladies! Makeup does wonders, it can literally take your look to another level and not only that, but make you feel good and look polished, too. I like to look at makeup as an extension of my outfit and not just something I slap. When deciding on the shades and techniques for your makeup look it’s important to make it compliment your dress. Because its Autumn, our minds instantly flit towards more darker hues as well as metallics. Bronze, copper, gold and brown are all perfect shades for an Autumn Racing Carnival look.
Metallic Eyes
Bronze, coppers, browns and golds make for a sultry formal look. It is also one of the most versatile makeup looks, easily carrying from day to night. For this Autumn Racing Carnival Season we are loving bronze & gold eyes to perfectly complement the cooler season and heavier fabrics. Metallic eyeshadow works for everyone, no matter your eye colour. But for a universally flattering shade, opt for a medium bronze shade for this look.
1. Prep eyes with a primer to ensure your eyeshadow stays in place throughout the day. Next, take your bronze eyeshadow and press it against your lids from lash line to crease, softly blending it out. Take the same shadow and line your bottom lash line.
2. Line your eyes with a dark brown eyeliner, staying close to the lash line. Next, go over your line with a dark matte brown shadow, softly smudging the edges for a smokey effect.
3. Dab a shimmery bronze, gold or copper shadow that is slightly lighter than your bronze shadow onto the center of your lids to add dimension and a bit of ‘pop’.
4. Highlight the inner corner of the eye with a gold shadow or pencil liner and finish with black mascara or false lashes for more va-va voom!
Plum Lips
I’m loving this new ombre lip technique for applying lipstick, especially for darker shades such as reds and plums. It creates a lot more fullness and intrigue and adds that extra ‘x-factor’ to your overall makeup look. Plum is the lip colour of Autumn/Fall; it’s not as showy as a classic red and is a much more refined and wearable shade for a bold makeup look.
1. Before anything, make sure you properly prep the lip by exfoliating with a sugar scrub or toothbrush and applying a lip balm or lip primer.
2. Ombre means having two different colours that are monochromatic. So start with selecting two plum shades which complement and blend together, with one shade slightly lighter than your main shade.
3. Line your lips with a dark plum lipliner. The lipliner should be even darker than your main shade.
4. Keep the line thicker along the corners of your lips. Apply your main lipstick shade, leaving the inner most part of the lip bare. Then, apply your lightest shade at the inner most part or center of your top and lower lip. You can use a concealer to further lighten the middle of your lip. Use a lip brush and blend, blend, blend.
5. Finish by blotting lips with a tissue and use a clear gloss to apply in the center. To further create fullness, add a shimmer eyeshadow to the center of the lips.
Burnt Orange
Orange is becoming the new brown. Once the most unused shade in your eyeshadow palette, this warm citrus-y look is replacing matte brown as the crease colour of choice. We are not talking neon orange here, so don’t fret! The orange we’ve seen is all about a deeper, bold yet flattering shade that adds just a touch more warmth than brown. When wearing this look, keep your lips neutral in a warm nude for an all-over flattering appearance.
1. Prep eyelid with a makeup primer or concealer.
2. Take a burnt orange eye shadow, what is classically known as ‘burnt sienna’ – a reddish, orangey brown shade. Apply your shadow with a crease brush and apply to the crease of the eyes in a windshield wiper motion. Make sure to use a little each time and slowly build up the colour as opposed to applying a lot right off the bat, as this will ensure an even and more blended look.
3. Take the shadow and apply it to the lower lash line, slightly extending past the lashes to form a more sultry smoked-out look.
4. Line the top lash lines with a black gel liner, creating a wing suitable to your eye shape.
5. Finish with mascara or falsies.
Remember that your makeup will have to withstand the entire day by the track, so make sure that you use a primer and a setting spray to help keep everything in place. In your purse or clutch, make sure to include your lipstick or a balm, tissues and a small compact for touch-ups if needed.
Happy Autumn Racing! xx
