Spring racing fashion etiquette explained

THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN A DAY AT THE RACES - BUT WHAT TO WEAR CAN BE MORE COMPLICATED THAN PICKING YOUR WARDROBE FAVOURITE.



Every day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival has its own traditions when it comes to styling - each with its own etiquette, and expectations. But fear not race-goers, news.com.au has you covered - consider this your inner fashionista's cheat sheet to what to wear, when.




AAMI VICTORIA DERBY DAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 The week starts with the traditional black and white on Derby Day, which is where we will see the new season's geometric shapes and stripes, along with the classic stripe and polka dot prints.



EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 On Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, fashion is fun and race-goers often exercise their creativity through embracing bold colours and strong prints.



'On this day, I predict that we will see some great graphic prints and fun headwear, in bold reds, orange, fuschia and cobalt blue,' says Myer fashion ambassador Rebecca Bramich.



'Melbourne Cup Day fashion really allows fashionistas to mix and match, and create an outfit that truly expresses their personality.'



CROWN OAKS DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Oaks Day features the final of the Myer Fashions on the Field Women's Racewear and is all about dressing to impress. This is the day ladies traditionally wear their most feminine and floaty outfits.



'I think that the new season pretty pastels and florals are appropriate for this day, and I am confident we will see floral headbands, which are really easy to style with these ensembles,' Bramich says.



EMIRATES STAKES DAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Emirates Stakes Day is family day, which takes the dress etiquette to a more relaxed level. You will often see ladies wearing bright floaty fabrications and large brimmed hats embracing the racewear looks trackside.



Channel 10 weather presenter Magdalena Roze says she loves the fashion during the spring racing carnival, and is always conscious of the origins of each day to dress appropriately.



'I love spring racing - everything from the warmer weather to fashion to glamorous marquees makes it one of the most fun events of the year!' Roze says.



'When it comes to racing fashion I love that it can be adventurous and creative with colour, patterns, silhouettes and headwear, yet at the same time having a set of rules that encourages a look that is chic and lady like.



'Black and white is a big trend this season which is great for racing, especially for Derby Day which has a black and white theme.



'Suits in all silhouettes also feature heavily this season and I think a pant suit is a really chic option for the races, especially on a cooler day.'



Roze says her favourite race day is Derby Day at the Bird Cage in Flemington, and swears by Australian designers Scanlon and Theodore, Dion Lee, Willow, Carla Zampatti and Steven Khalil when picking her racewear.



'I love the black and white theme of Derby Day and the marquees are the ultimate in extravagance,' she says.



'And remember, the look can be fun and adventurous but it should be definitely stick to the day time dress code with no short skirts or sequins!



'Unfortunately the most gorgeous heels are usually uncomfortable so party feet are the way to go. A chunkier heel will stop you from sinking into the grass - taking off the heels and walking barefoot is a big no-no so ballet flats can be a saviour at the end of the day.



'Clutches with an optional strap are perfect to keep your hands free for champagne, canap s and the form guide, and spring racing headpieces should be straw - felt is more appropriate in Autumn,' she says.
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