Okay ladies, it’s finally arrived and the Spring Racing Carnival is in overdrive. It’s one time in the year where we are truly encouraged to dress up, look feminine and portray elegance trackside. Are you ready? Do you have your outfit? Are you buying new or cleverly updating something you already have?

Whatever your style quest, this season spring racing and Melbourne Cup fashion is showcasing colour and classic styles with retailers offering a host of gorgeous options for the season. So whether you’re a Derby, Cup, Oaks or Stakes day lady – you’re in good hands. Here’s who’s doing what in spring racing and Melbourne Cup fashion.

We’ve discussed before that colour blocking is absolutely everywhere and will be the key trend for this spring racing season. Black and white is always acceptable and glamorous particularly on it’s aligned Derby Day and nudes and pastel tones will exude simplistic elegance and will be loyal wardrobe staples for years to come.

We saw Megan Gale do the hot-pink pantsuit at Caulfield Cup this year but in my opinion, a dress is always preferable. Speaking of hot pink, Saba is featuring a host of vibrant colours including a hot pink maxi dress, which would certainly make an entrance! In maxi length they also feature navy and soft prints. Many classic style dresses from strapless and capped sleeves cocktail style, cinched at the waist to black and white shift dresses which can be dressed up with the right shoe, bag and head piece.

For those of you who are looking for minimalistic glamour, Thurley is for you. They are showcasing feminine nudes and neutrals in beautiful fabrics and classic style dresses. Beautiful embellishment and fabric gathering both flatter and celebrate body curves so for Melbourne Cup fashion and the spring racing season it is a lovely option for that elegant feel.

David Lawrence has embraced the bold and beautiful colours and prints of the season on their curve friendly pieces. High quality fabrics in great classic cuts will flatter all ladies. Cinch in waists with belts, choose a wider skirt if you’re bottom heavy and capped sleeves for ladies looking for some upper coverage.

For black and white prints CUE is the leader, be it spots, stripes or quirky patterns, great for Darby Day. For cover-up they have some lovely tailored blazers in dusty pink, charcoal and black along with a host of voluminous a-line skirts with pretty pleats for those wanting to accentuate their waists, tuck in a lovely top and hide tummies.

Forever New will always be the price friendly leader in women’s fashion. This season they host their traditional nudes and neutrals but many dresses are infused with soft floral patterns ideal for Spring Racing and Melbourne Cup fashion. Best part is you can accessorise from head to toe here with a headpiece, shoes, jewellery and a day to evening clutch bag.

It was lovely meeting renowned international milliner Phillip Tracey (also responsible for 36 head pieces at William and Kate’s Royal Wedding). Phillip has been invited to the Spring Racing Carnival as a style expert. Fascinators are long gone and we’re encouraged to get creative with headgear with more voluminous pieces – guys included!

Remember to accessorise minimally if you have an extravagant dress or if you’re wearing something simple and classic, this is where you can play with statement shoes and an eye-catching headpiece.

The great thing about this spring racing season and Melbourne Cup fashion is that any colour you can think of will be acceptable as colour-blocking leads the racing trends. So don’t worry about matching everything, have fun with colour provided it is complementary to your skin complexion.

When it comes to dressing for Spring Racing we’re all looking to make a statement, as fashion is a leading component of the sport. Making a statement isn’t necessarily wearing what magazines and retailers are showcasing, you need to dress for your shape and skin tone. When dressing you should aim to enhance your best features and primarily feel comfortable and feel confident in what you are wearing. 

This is what I do.

I can show you how to dress for your body shape, present your most suitable colours for your skin tone and teach you coveted style tips to use in everyday dressing – no more stressing about what to wear and how to wear it!

If you would like further information on workshops, one on one shopping, colour analysis, makeup tuition or my annual fashion parades with a difference, please call me or have a look at my services page.

Wishing you a lovely day at the races!

Love Cindy x