FORGET the bling and designer bags, the best accessory for Stakes Day is a mini-me.
The final day of Flemington’s big week is dubbed family day and is a little more relaxed than the rest of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
A free entertainment precinct for families – The Zone – will host special guests including Johnny Ruffo (Home & Away), Nick Jnr’s Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.
The Fashions on the Field is also designed for minors with junior and senior categories for girls and boys, and a family category
The prizes include business class airfares to Dubai, TVs, luggage and bowling vouchers.
When it comes to curating outfits for your offspring Melbourne stylist Kim Kennedy encourages parents to focus on clothes that are comfortable and age appropriate.
“It’s really important to remember that you’re dressing a child, not a mini-adult,” she said.
“Choose clothes that your kids can move easily in and remember to check the weather.
“I know models are happy to shiver through a cold day at the races, but children will be miserable and won’t enjoy the day.”
Layering outfits with singlets and stockings helps keep little ones warm without sacrificing style, she said.
Kennedy recommends packing a complete outfit change and plenty of snacks and drinks for children taking in the Fashions on the Field competition.
“If you are planning on presenting your child for the fashions then you want them to look clean and polished.
“That can be tricky to achieve if they’ve been wearing the outfit since they left home. It’s also not much fun for them after they have competed if they can’t run around and have a bit of fun because you’re worried about them ruining their expensive clothes.
“These types of competitions can also involve a lot of waiting around, it can take up to three hours from the first heat to the finals, so it’s not a bad idea to have something for your child to eat and drink.”
For those determined to dress their child in designer duds, there are plenty of labels with junior ranges, she said.
Ted Baker’s range of junior frocks mirrors the fabrics used in the women’s designs in age appropriate styles.
“The shoulders are covered and there are no cut-outs,” Kennedy said.
A full dress rehearsal at home before the big day helps children understand what to expect and gives advance notice of any potential problems.
If Little Johnny is going to refuse to wear that super-cute boater it’s better to find out before you’re on stage.
Roping in some friends and family to act as a cheer squad in the crowd can also help to calm little nerves.
Seeing a familiar face is often all it takes to bring on the smiles, and melt the hearts of the judges.
