Melbourne Cup Carnival 2013: Race Day Fashion Explained

OCTOBER 31, 2013, 3:59 PM

With Melbourne Cup Carnival just around the corner, it's time to start planning our best race day outfits. We give you some racewear dos and don'ts to help you get by this season fashion faux pas free.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is made up of four key race days at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne.

Each day has its own style with specific days designed to appeal to ladies, racing enthusiasts, socialites, families and more, providing a wide range of hospitality options, exciting entertainment and activities both on and off the track.

Here's a breakdown of each race day. Plus, Melbournian Fashion Blogger Lauren Brain (mastermind behind the fabulous style blog, The Cut & Paste shares her top tips on what to wear, and where to shop for your ultimate racing look.

AAMI Victoria Derby Day – Saturday 2 November

The first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is considered one of the most prestigious days of racing in Australia. It is the oldest classic race on the Victorian calendar – it was first contested in 1855, six years before the Melbourne Cup.

Style: Derby Day fashion calls for classical elegance with a traditional black and white colour scheme.

Flower: Blue cornflower 

"On Derby Day you really want to stick as close to the traditional black and white dress code as you can. This year there’s sure to be plenty of white-on-white looks at Flemington, as it’s one of the biggest overall trends for spring. Hopefully you can keep it looking clean and crisp all day!"

Emirates Melbourne Cup – Tuesday 5 November

Australia’s most famous race is always run on the first Tuesday in November over a distance of 3200m (2 miles) at Flemington Racecourse. It is the Southern Hemisphere’s richest race ($6.2 million) drawing international competition and more than 100,000 people to the track. Australia’s master trainer Bart Cummings holds the record for the number of Melbourne Cup winners currently sitting at 12.

Style: With its celebratory air, Melbourne Cup is the day for a strong fashion statement, from bold colours to striking design and detail. Hats are customary.

Flower: Yellow rose.

Melbourne Cup is one big party. It’s a public holiday in Melbourne, and the celebration mood really carries into the outfits you see at the track. If there’s one day you want to have fun with colour and print, Cup is the day to do it.

Crown Oaks Day – Thursday 7 November

Crown Oaks is Victoria’s premier event for three-year-old fillies. It’s also regarded as ladies day, when women dress in their most feminine ensemble. The winner of Fashions on the Field, the national fashion competition of Australian department store Myer, is also announced on this day.

Style: Romantic, feminine looks and delicate fabrics.

Flower: Pink rose.

Take the chance to dress like a real lady on Oaks Day, in feminine colours and styles. Pastels and florals are always great on ladies day, just keep it chic and simple.

Emirates Stakes Day – Saturday 9 November

The Melbourne Cup Carnival finishes with Emirates Stakes, the premier mile race in Victoria. Stakes Day is known for its relaxed, garden party atmosphere and is recognised as the Carnival’s Family Day, a highlight being the children’s Fashions on the Field where the young ones have the chance to to parade their race day fashions.

Style: Something more relaxed but still festive.

Flower: Red rose.

It’s the end of the carnival, and ‘family day’ at Flemington, so the kids are dressed up adorably and things are generally a bit more relaxed. Feel free to go with something a bit more contemporary or edgy on Stakes Day, and if you’ve been every day so far – the ladies will want to wear their most comfortable shoes!!