Tag: melbourne cup week fashion

At the Races: Staying Stylish in Rain, Hail or Shine

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

There’s no such thing as a sure bet when it comes to Melbourne weather. And that old saying “Don’t like the weather? Just wait five minutes”, was most likely coined in spring. The only way to counter the sports capital’s unpredictable climate is to be prepared for anything….and pack an umbrella!

Layer upon layer

Staying stylish trackside can be problematic, but Melbourne Cup Week fashion just takes some planning. Most race days start early and finish late so a jacket or light- weight coat will offset a cool morning- at either end of the adventure. Borrowing your partner’s suit jacket when the weather heads south is a no-no, so plan to take your own option. Keep proportions in mind when adding a coat to ensure the whole look is consistent. You don’t want that extra layer to look like an after thought. Mid-length skirts or dresses with a pencil skirt look best with a short tailored coat or jacket. If you’re wearing a full skirt look for a short coat or jacket with a defined waist. And a tuxedo blazer will take your jumpsuit to the next level.

In the trenches

A trench is the perfect option and is always in style. There are myriad colours and cuts in stores at the moment, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something to suit your style and budget. Just watch the length. If it finishes above the knee, your skirt should be longer than the coat to avoid looking like you have nothing on underneath! The downside to a trench is that it covers most of your outfit, which isn’t ideal if you keep it on all day. Consider wearing it open with the belt tied loosely behind your back, or replace the belt with a scarf that ties in colours from your headpiece

Here comes the sun

What do you do with those extra layers when the sun makes an appearance? Flemington has free cloakrooms available for all racegoers throughout Cup Week. They are located in both the members and public areas. If you forget to collect your items at the end of the meeting, they will be held for 30 days and can be picked up on other race days, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Hold on to your hats

Unless you want to spend the day chasing your hat, spend some time making sure it is secure before you leave home. Quality pieces generally have built in anchors, such as combs, fascinator clips, elastics and even Velcro strips. Look for these additions when buying your headwear and figure out how they work before the wind picks up. A simple up do provides more options for attaching your headpiece and is easier to control on the day. Finish the hairstyle with a dry spray wax (before adding the hat!) to protect against wind and rain and slip some bobby pins into your bag for emergency adjustments.

Keep it clean

A beautiful pair of satin or fabric pumps won’t look so pretty when they have been trudging through mud. Leather is much easier to clean and can even be spruced up trackside with a baby wipe. No matter the forecast, always apply a water proofing spray at least 24 hours ahead of time. It will protect against grass stains on neutral coloured shoes and spilled beverages.

Always wear sunscreen

Never skip this step of your preparation. You can still get burnt on a cloudy day. Use an SPF moisturiser on your face neck and ears and a quality, lightweight sunscreen for your legs, arms and shoulders. Melt proof make up and waterproof mascara is also a good idea.

Deciphering Melbourne Cup Week Dress Codes

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

WITH 30 Group One races held across Melbourne and Sydney during the Spring Racing Carnival there are plenty of chances to frock up. But most fashionistas save their A-game for Flemington’s big four – Derby, Melbourne Cup, Oaks and Stakes. Each of the days has its own traditions and expressing them through fashion is all part of the fun.

Derby Day – make it monochrome

The Derby is the oldest classic race on the Victorian calendar – it was first contested in 1855, six years before the Melbourne Cup. Black and white reigns supreme and this is not the time to break with tradition. That doesn’t mean you can’t embrace modern trends. Pair a classic white lace dress with black headpiece, shoes and box clutch. Or adopt a minimalist look with an asymmetrical neckline. A bold one-shoulder dress in black or white works well with a wide brimmed hat and metallic accessories. There’s not a lot of wriggle room for the blokes. Black suit, white shirt, black tie (no bow) white pocket chief and black shoes is the uniform. A grey or charcoal suit would also pass but keep any other colour for later in the week. The perfect finishing touch is a blue cornflower in the lapel – the day’s signature flower.

Melbourne Cup – go big or go home

This is the race that stops a nation so there’s no room for wallflowers. Today is the day to bring the colour, the brighter and bolder the better. Vibrant pinks and reds are popular this season and prints also play well. Forget the fascinator and don a hat or dramatic headpiece instead. Opt for a piece that matches the colour of your outfit or something metallic. Men are also encouraged to flex their fashion muscle. While elegance is always the goal, there is no real dress code on this day, so now is the time to debut that royal blue suit or slip a loud checked shirt under a grey suit. Add a yellow rose and you’re good to go.

Oaks Day – pretty and polished

It’s called Ladies Day so you need to dress like one. Romantic florals, pastel pleats and delicate lace are the order of the day. A mid-length embroidered lace dress over a nude slip that finishes above the knee is on trend, while maintaining the feminine brief. Complete your Oaks Day look with a floral crown created from fresh blooms or simple headbands. The gents should follow the ladies’ lead with florals and pastels which work well with the day’s signature flower – the pink rose. Accessorise with a pocket square and tie with hints of florals, stripes, plaid or spots.

Stakes Day – let the offspring shine

The final day of Cup Week at Flemington is the most relaxed of the four meetings. Classic chic is the perfect look to bring to the garden party atmosphere. Children (suitably dressed of course!) are also encouraged, with the event also focussing on family. Women, especially those chasing after offspring, can achieve that relaxed glamour with a casual pants suit or a pair of culottes teamed with bodysuit and capelet. There’s also a more casual approach to millinery with raffia straw boaters and wide-brimmed hats. Dads can leave the suit in the cupboard for Monday and wear a navy sports blazer instead – which contrasts beautifully with the day’s signature red rose – and tan pants. They can still have some fun with colour by adding a bold shirt and tie. It’s also the day to make a statement with a fedora.